Overview
Identifiers
Descriptions
Site History
Gwalala Hill was likely occupied in the early first millennium AD. Its position at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers places it in an ideal location for trade towards the east African coastline. As such, the site very well might have been used by early traders in the area, coordinating trade further into the interior, from which other trade items were sourced. The lack of research at the site makes it impossible to say anything with confidence, however, at this stage.
Record Administration
Post date
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 17:33
Last modified
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 17:34
Location
Location
Mapping
-22.41869, 31.291361
Limpopo
Site Address
Gwalala Hill, Kruger National Park
South Africa
Location notes
Gwalala Hill is a low-lying hill near the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers. It is on the northern side of the Luvuvhu River in the Makuleke Conservancy. The hill range was also occupied by the Makuleke historically, but not the K2 site itself. The extended region includes important sites such as Thulamela and Makahane, and also the historic Makuleke village, Deku.
Directions to Site
From the Pafuri Gate, one travels along the Pafuri Gate/Punda Maria Road towards the Luvuvhu River bridge (south-east initaily before turning south). Before the bridge, one turns east onto the Return Africa lodge road. Approximately 500m before the lodge is a left turn heading eastwards. This road takes one towards Crooks Corner and Riebok Vlei. After the wetland, a low-lying hill range rises up on the left (northern) side of the road. The largest hill here is called Gwalala, the namesake of the site, which is due east but within the same hill complex.
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