Caption: A Tour Guide taking Mpumalanga & Limpopo media houses back into the history of Mapungubwe
The first day of the Mpumalanga–Limpopo Domestic Tourism Activation campaign, on Friday 25 September 2026, started with silence on a sacred mountain.
Standing on land that once held one of Africa’s greatest ancient kingdoms, the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), LTA(Limpopo Tourism Agency), and Mpumalanga media houses began their journey where gold, stone and burial ground tell a history older than colonial maps.
The history of the Mapungubwe Kingdom was explained to the delegates by tour guides who also revealed the significant discoveries that were made many years ago.
The discoveries include the famous golden rhino, glass beads and ceramics – evidence of a civilisation that traded gold and ivory with China, India and Zimbabwe long before Europe claimed to have “discovered” Africa.
But it was the sordid, sacred discovery of 23 ancestors who died on the mountains that moved the delegation most. Their remains, found decades ago, were re-buried with dignity, in a noble attempt to honour their legacy and preserve history.
The Park itself is a marvel, situated where South Africa meets Botswana and Zimbabwe, where three countries meet and one ancient kingdom still speaks.
The MTPA said the visit captures the heart of the activation:
“The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the rich history of the Mapungubwe Kingdom, one of Africa’s greatest ancient kingdoms. The activation continues to expose media and tourism stakeholders to hidden gems in Limpopo to promote domestic travel,” said the MTPA.
For the Mpumalanga delegation, many of whom tell Mpumalanga’s tourism stories every day, Mapungubwe was a powerful reminder that domestic tourism is not just about travel, but about remembering who they were, so they understand where they can go.
Welcoming the delegation, the Marketing Officer at LTA, Modjadji Makoela, said Limpopo is ready to welcome its local residents, South Africa, and the international world.
Makoela linked tourism directly to job creation through events like the Royal Heritage Festival in Vhembe and highlighted the strategic partnership between the two provinces.
“In May 2024, Limpopo Tourism Agency and the MTPA signed an MOU(Memorandum of Understanding) to jointly market the two destinations, under the theme; ‘One Destination – Two Provinces’, because we have similarities in terms of landscapes, the cultures almost, and importantly we share the Kruger National Park, with Limpopo having its share of about 70% while Mpumalanga shares 30%.
Limpopo’s impressive list of hidden gems includes Mapungubwe National Park which is a UNESCO-acclaimed heritage site.
Makoela also pointed to other gems auch as the sacred Lake Fundudzi, Chipise Forest Resorts, Nandoni Dam boat cruises, and the only Botanical Garden in Limpopo situated in Vhembe.
As Day One of the Mpumalanga–Limpopo Domestic Tourism Activation closed at Mapungubwe, it was clear that Limpopo has painted a new picture that affirms that domestic tourism is dignity, jobs and memory, and in Limpopo, history is not behind us, it is beneath our feet
