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TThe Ivory Route in South Africa is one of the continent’s legendary destinations. Hunters decades ago identified its wealth in wildlife. Now tourism makes its conservation viable. Spend a few days in this land of elephants, baobabs, the rain queen, ancient cycads, sparkling waterfalls and the Big 5.
Thousands of years ago, elephant migratory routes criss-crossed the paths of ivory, gold and slave merchants in the northernmost parts of South Africa.
This wild land, bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, is a land of prehistoric secrets and rich archaeological sites that offer Stone Age and Iron Age relics.
Named by legendary hunters who stalked the herds once common here, the Ivory Route in South Africa has been brought back to life with a new spirit.
The Ivory tourist route arcs through 54 nature reserves, mountains and across sandveld plains, and includes the legendary rediscovered trading civilisation of Mapungubwe, nearly 1 000 years old.
The Ivory Route of South Africa is a place where elephants are granted right of way and the gargantuan ‘upside down' trees stand sentinel over mystical and outlandish landscapes. This is where an ancient Rain Queen's spirit guards exotic, sacred forests of 800-year-old cycads.
Every effort is being made to keep or return the Ivory Route to a wild state. Simple 4X4 tracks wind past thorn trees and baobabs to connect traditional villages with luxurious tented safari camps.
The Ivory Route in South Africa also links to the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. There's a wild dream that one day wildlife will be able to follow the old migratory routes right across the frontiers between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
You could take advantage of a number of organised tours, but there's also the option of a self-drive package. Experienced guides are available at many of the camps.
This is such a large slab of South Africa that it offers the opportunity to tailor-make a journey, focusing on archaeology, history, culture, birding or wildlife.
And there's something new behind each giant baobab.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
African Ivory Route
Tel: +27 (0)15 781 0690
Cell: +27 (0)82 886 0980
Email: info@africanivoryroute.co.za
How to get here
Starting from Johannesburg or Pretoria, head north to Vaalwater. Masebe Nature Reserve from Marken is a great starting point. You could also approach it from Lydenburg (Mashishing) in Mpumalanga.
Best time to visit
Summers can be extremely hot in the north. Winters are mild and pleasant. Spring and autumn are also delightful.
Things to do
Don't miss the simply named 'Big Tree', a baobab that is believed to be 3 000 years old.
Tours to do
While in the northern parts of Kruger, ask about a tour to Thulamela archaeological site, where a civilisation lived and traded several centuries ago. And if you're anywhere near Mapungubwe, don't miss a tour there either.
Get around
Driving in your own or rented vehicle will give you the most freedom to explore.
Length of stay
Dedicate 4 or 5 nights to this route. The distances are large, and it's so scenic you'll want to stop often.
What to pack
Bring along your binoculars to see the Cape vulture colony at Blouberg, if you're interested. And never forget your camera and sunscreen.
Where to stay
There are 10 camps on the route: 4 safari camps next to the Kruger National Park: Ndzakha and Buffelshoek in the Manyaleti area; Mtomeni in Letaba Ranch, Mutale Falls in Makuya Park in the north. Four are cultural camps: Blouberg, Modjadji, Fundudzi and Baleni on the Klein Letaba River. Two are wilderness camps at Mafefe and Ntubu.
Related links
- South African National Parks (SANParks)
- Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park
- Limpopo Tourism Authority
- Peace Parks Foundation
South Africa on social media
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