I took Tom Cruiser to MAPUNGUBWE National Park!

Enjoy the magic that is Mapungubwe National Park!
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Visit Big Country's website: www.bigcountry.co.za/
In August 2023, I took my Toyota Prado, Tom Cruiser, to Mapungubwe National Park to test all the next overlanding products added to it by Big Country 4x4.
I camped at Mazhou Campsite, which is located in the western section of Mapungubwe, and had a wonderful time looking for elephants along the Limpopo River and driving the Tshugulu 4x4 Eco Trail in the rocky section of Mapungubwe.
Now that my Toyota Prado is fully kitted for overlanding, I'll be doing more trips like this. But it's important to first test all the new things on the car, like the roof rack, drawer system, dual battery, Ostrich Wing Awning and fridge-freezer...and I'm happy to say that everything works like a dream!
I can't thank the team at Big Country enough for the amazing work that they did, helping to get Tom Cruiser ready for overlanding and many, MANY more 4x4 trips throughout Africa.
Enjoy this Mapungubwe video! :)
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[@doug729]

Looks like a fantastic park. Never been that far north in Limpopo.

[@terrileetrow1024]

Thank you for indicating season/ time of year of your trip, esp near beginning of video! It is a pet peeve of mine when game-viewing videos DON'T say so.... the vegetation, weather, water levels and even sightings are so influenced by season, that without that information, a lot of the video's content is not much use. Thank you.

[@TheSafariExpert]

My pleasure, Terri. I totally agree! And then you go searching in the description to try and find out 🙈

[@ronti2492]

Just returned from a terrific 8 week stint in Mpumalanga which included volunteering in a hospital up the road from you in Hoedspruit! I just wanted to say: you South Africans Really Know How to do camping, what a terrific set up! Thankyou for your excellent videos Villiers , they are really professional , well written, and you have a very pleasant voice to boot!

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks ao much 🙏🏻😎

[@andriesdutoit1071]

Now , i also want to go camping thanks Villiers😄

[@TheSafariExpert]

💪🏻😎

[@gravedigger9313]

Been there many times. Was 43 degrees once when I was there

[@TheSafariExpert]

🥵🥵🥵

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Lover the editing at 5:14 where the Natal Spurfowl sang along with the music!!

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks man 🙏🏻💪🏻

[@aadildhooma6689]

Awesome can't wait to watch the next adventure videos Thanks

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks so much 😎 Can’t wait to share them with you!

[@mitchellanddonnabrooke2177]

We were just there in October holidays. I must be honest as scenic as Mapungubwe is, every time we have been there we don't see much game. Also this time around the SANDF seem to have stopped patrolling and we see Zimbabweans crossing the Limpopo trekking in and out of SA via the park.

[@TheSafariExpert]

Ja, Mapungubwe is hit and miss when it comes to game viewing. I go for the scenery, birdlife and tranquility, but when the ellies arrive in numbers like they did when I was there, it’s very special 😁

[@Impala_Lily]

I’ve only ever done a day trip to Mapungubwe…. Can’t wait until I can actually spend a few days up there. Its a world of its own!

[@TheSafariExpert]

It’s a magical place indeed!

[@lisamariageier]

Amazing video. Especially the scenes with the elephants. Do we need a 4x4 to drive into the park? :) Thank you so much!

[@TheSafariExpert]

Only if you want to drive the eco route. The rest of the park, no 👍🏻

[@pauljansen6650]

There was something about this video that just made me feel relaxed and refreshed. Thanks for also leaving background bush sounds in at parts, nice and peaceful. Thanks boet

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks for the kind words, Paul - you don’t realise how much it means 🙏🏻

[@MorkelErasmus]

Nice one Villiers. I have also been building up my overlanding kit. Did Richtersveld and the Namaqua Eco Trail this year, and heading to Mana next year. Looking forward to seeing where you take Tom Cruiser. Remember, my Patrol - Stoffel - will always be willing to come recover you if you get stuck hehe.

[@TheSafariExpert]

Ag lekker man! It’s such a joy to explore Africa in an old 4x4… Enjoy all your upcoming trips and I’ll remember your offer whenever ai get stuck 😉

[@MorkelErasmus]

@@TheSafariExpert obviously just a bit of light brand banter... :)

[@TheSafariExpert]

@@MorkelErasmus, which I welcome! 😉

[@BeachCA]

Love the Ellies. Beautiful moments. Thanks for taking us along on the adventure.

[@TheSafariExpert]

The pleasure os all mine!

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

Another great post mate! Thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us! Greetings from NYC! Cheers!

[@TheSafariExpert]

The pleasure is all mine!

[@robmelville9834]

One of my favourite places. Spare wheel on the rack is moving around a lot - might need some strengthening. Good luck with Tom C.

[@TheSafariExpert]

Agreed, Rob - I saw that! 🤪

[@WildWildJourneys]

I'll be planning a trip soon after watching this! Those dusty elephant sightings looked amazing 👌

[@TheSafariExpert]

If you go, make sure you spend some time in the east as well around Leokwe Camp and the decks! The park is basically split in two.

[@davidsherman3462]

great pictures!!

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks, David! 🙏🏻

[@ExperienceWildAfrica]

Hi Villiers, Brilliant job showing us Mapungubwe. We visited earlier this year and you brought back beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing Cheers

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@derekgibb6689]

Another enjoyable video Villiers. Would be great to see some of the still images that you got from them trip.

[@TheSafariExpert]

Thanks Derek. This time I hardly took any stills, but later this year I’ll be taking a 600mm prime to Kgalagadi for two weeks 💪🏻📸 Can’t wait to share that series, which will definitely have some stills, with everyone.

[@thebuffalooverlander]

👏🙌

[@TheSafariExpert]

🙏🏻💪🏻😎

[@tommynhardt6229]

Any chance of listing the photo equipment used…will make your video different, than just the camping equipment

[@Jakundjaks]

Mate thanks for yet another lekker review of Mapungubwe , I actually have a Toyota hilux surf 1996 model what are ur suggestions on the build

[@TheSafariExpert]

My pleasure, man! My suggestion - start only with the most important items! You don’t need all the bells and whistles. For instance, a dual battery is more important than a roof rack or an awning. It’s all about figuring out how much you’re willing to spend and the making a priority list 💪🏻

[@Jakundjaks]

Thanks , I love ur setup , I actually watched ur video when u were fitting it at Big Country , I'm gonna go with ur setup and I'm gonna add on a big Canvas bag for the chairs and stools to get on the top 😂❤

[@TheSafariExpert]

@@Jakundjaks, great call with the chairs bag 💪🏻 And you can’t go wrong with the Big Countey setup! Those guys are amazing 🥳

[@fieniewallace6828]

Hi Villiers I'm 12 years old and I want to start with wildlife photography but I have no idea what I can use can you maybe help me?

[@patrickalexander8618]

Hi. Great Video! What is the mileage of your machine?? Thanks.

[@TheSafariExpert]

427000km 😁

[@patrickalexander8618]

@TheSafariExpert awesome 👌. I got mine in January, so I need some adventures like yours

[@grantesterhuyse]

What tree species is a Mashatu Tree? Nyala Tree?

[@TheSafariExpert]

That’s correct 👍🏻

[@eksteinmalan3517]

Villiers, kort jy 4x4 of sal my FWD ASX hom kan doen?

[@TheSafariExpert]

Jy sal meeste van Mapungubwe se paaie maklik kan ry, maar daar’s klein deeltjies van die ekoroete wat ek nie sonder 4x4 sou aanpak nie