This dataset contains the leaf-wax-based carbon isotopes (d13C, ‰) from n-alkanoic acids of marine sediments from IODP Site 361-U1478, Mozambique Channel. The Site was drilled by the research vessel JOIDES Resolution during Expedition 361 ( "South African Climates"). The data aims to reconstruct terrestrial ecosystem change in southern Africa during important periods in hominin evolution. Specifically, the carbon isotopes can inform on the C3-C4 vegetation shifts in the Limpopo catchment. The carbon isotope dataset covers the early Pleistocene and late Pliocene (1.8 - 4.0 Ma before present) with an average timestep of 17 ka between samples.