Masorini Archaeological Site — Attraction in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality

An Ancient Village Inhabited by Iron Smelters My wife and I spent 12 days at Kruger National Park in March 2018. Whilst on our way from Letaba to Phalaborwa we stopped at this “Masorini Archaeological Site” situated 11 km from Phalaborwa Gate and 39 km from Letaba Rest Camp. We entered here to munch some sandwiches and tea we brought along and to our surprise found this Masorini museum there. There was a guide who took us along a guided tour of the restored village of early settlers who made a living by smelting iron ore. At the very outset he explained that this site was inhabited by Phalaborwa tribe in the 1800s. They had been employed and engaged in mining and smelting of iron ore. They also traded there products with others including the portugese. He also explained that the village had been restored by the Archaeology Department in early 1970s. He showed us remains of furnaces made of clay to smelt the iron ore. Skin bags attached to the end of clay pipes had been used as bellows. They had made agricultural implements, arrows and arrowheads, spears and other equipment using the smelted iron and traded them to make a living. We were also shown some of the reconstructed huts, grinding stones, claypots and stonewalls. The Shikumbu Hill towards Letaba is a notable landmark and was said to be the place where the chieftain of the village had his abode. All in all it was a very interesting morning listening to the guide and going through the few exhibits at the museum hut. The guide was very knowledgeable and the authorities should be commended for restoring this site and providing an able guide. This location also serves as a picnic spot...

The view of this site is amazing, when you are at the top of the hill, you can see as far as your eyes can reach. Based on history, the people who lived here (Bakgalaka) backed up one side of the hill to make it hard for enemies to climb and a frontal attack to the hill would be an uncalculated move because they can see anything that is coming or going. As a Ramalepe, I'm proud to be their descendant. The remaining relics at this site clearly shows that these people...

One of my favorite picnic sites to take my guests while on safari for breakfast or lunch or just a quick stretch of legs stop. Peaceful and perfect spot to relax and just take the beauty of the surroundings in. Very interesting tour with one of the culture guides to the historical/archaeological site. Very popular area near Phalaborwa...