Afternoon, Saturday, December 30, 2017

We listened to a short lecture by Dr. Grant Hall, an archaeologist with the University of Pretoria. He spoke about the Iron Age archaeology of Mashatu project that he has been working on. Different peoples have lived at this site for at least 1,000 years.

Following the lecture, we got back on the safari vehicles to visit the site, Mmamagwe Hill, which was about an hour’s drive from here, a very bumpy ride by the way. On the way, we stopped at a pond where we finally saw some crocodiles, or at least the tops of their heads. When we arrived at the site, Dr. Hall discussed some his findings and told us to keep our eyes open for bits of pottery or other items.

Look closely for the crocodiles

Grinding stone

Dr. Grant Hall

Then, we headed uphill to the top of a butte located very near the archaeological site. It was a bit of a trek, but well worth it for the views that this spot afforded.

We went way up there

Huge old baobab tree

Moon over Mmamagwa

After snacks and beverages, we clambered back down, got in our vehicles and drove back in the very dark night. We were so exhausted that we skipped dinner and went straight to bed.