MAPUNGUBWE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

The Kingdom of Mapungubwe in Limpopo was a powerful Southern African state which traded through East African ports with Arabia and India between the years 900 and 1300. Climate change brought about its demise as decreased rainfall meant the land could no longer support its population and traditional farming methods.

“The remains of this famous kingdom, when viewed against the present-day fauna and flora, and the geo-morphological formations of the Limpopo/Shashe rivers confluence, create an impressive cultural landscape of universal significance,” Unesco said. It joined the World Heritage family in 2003.