Perched on a plateau a few kilometres west of Pafuri, the walled citadel of Thulamela flourished from AD 1 200 to 1 600, and its discovery is regarded as one of the most important archaeological finds in South Africa. Its open-air museum, opened in September 1996, is the second archaeological site in the Kruger Park that is accessible to the public.  Since 1993 the ruins of the citadel have been excavated and rebuilt with great care. Research has shown that Thulamela was a highly organised mountain stronghold, ruled by a king. Now Archaeologists that Great Zimbabwe did not disintegrate but rather divided into smaller groups, one of which came south to Thulamela.

Its inhabitants were skilled goldsmiths from the Late Iron Age who traded in gold objects. Glass beads from India and Chinese Ming Dynasty porcelain have also been unearthed. The discovery of iron gongs is proof that there were trade links with West Africa. The king’s inner royal enclosure bordered the steep cliffs overlooking the Luvuvhu River. The king’s dwellings were nearby. After the death of the king, around 1600, Thulamela was abandoned. Through excavations at Thulamela, evidence of metal ore and gold droplets were found, indicating that this industrial complex worked with iron and gold. Golden beads and golden thread were also found.

The remains of the king and queen were recently found due to excavations. The queen, who was buried around 1550, had her head facing the king’s chamber. Both the queen and the king’s bodies were ornamented with gold, indicating their royal status.