National parks aren’t just about animals. Check out these pics of SA’s heritage

Did you know that the Kruger National Park isn’t just home to a many species of wildlife? It is also home to 254 known cultural heritage sites and cultural artefacts, including nearly 130 recorded rock art sites.

This week saw the 13th official South African National Parks week take place. Held in partnership with the South African National Park (SANParks), First National Bank and Total South Africa, the official event was opened by Limpopo MEC for Economic Development Environment and Tourism, Seaparo Sekoati.

The week-long campaign, which ran from Monday, September 10 and ends today, under the theme Know Your National Parks, saw citizens being encouraged to visit any national park for free, and be a part of the world-wide #LiveYourWild campaign.

This year is a significant milestone for Kruger National Park because it marks its 120th year of conservation management. Kruger National Park was first proclaimed in 1898 as the Sabie Game Reserve. The almost two hectares is home to 254 known cultural heritage sites and cultural artefacts including nearly 130 recorded rock art sites.

Staying at the Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa Lodge, City Press photographer Mpumelelo Buthelezi got a first-hand experience of the wonders of what a national park has to offer during a three-night weekend getaway recently.

The Masorini is a late Iron Age site on a hill, 12km from Phalaborwa gate in Kruger National Park, Limpopo. The Ba-Phalaborwa people lived at Masorini in the 1800s. They smelted iron core in dome shaped clay furnaces and traded iron products. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

The two gigantic elephants are spotted drinking water during the game drive at the Kruger National Park,Phalaborwa in Limpopo. The elephants' very large ears are used to radiate excess heat away from the body. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

A group of Impalas spotted during the game drive at the Kruger National Park,Phalaborwa in Limpopo. They are fleet runners who can leap up to 10m in length and 3m in height. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

A giraffe is spotted at one of the Lodges in Hans Merensky in Phalaborwa at the Kruger National Park. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

A spotted Hyena is pictured hunting for prey during a late-night game drive at the Kruger National Park. These hardy beasts are skilled hunters that will take down wildebeest or antelope. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

These are one of the huts in which iron core was smelted in dome shape clay during the 1800s in the Kruger National Park. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

These are examples of pottery bowls made in the 1800s, when people lived in the area that became the Kruger National Park. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

The Masorini is a late Iron Age site on a hill, 12km from Phalaborwa gate in Kruger National Park, Limpopo. The Ba-Phalaborwa people lived at Masorini in the 1800s. They smelted iron core in dome shaped clay furnaces and traded iron products. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

A group of vultures eating the leftovers of a buffalo that was caught by a lion in the Kruger National Park. These large birds glide on air currents,conserving energy while searching the forests or savanna below for the corpses of dead animals. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press

A leopard is spotted walking at sunset during a game drive at the Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa, in Limpopo. The leopard is the most elusive and secretive of the large felids.They are extremely difficult to trace and locate in the wild. Picture: Mpumelelo Buthelezi/City Press