Limpopo

Limpopo Province is the northern-most province of South Africa and was originally called Northern Transvaal. The name was later changed to Northern Province and at the beginning of this century it was given the name Limpopo Province (named after the Limpopo River that meanders along its northern border).

 

Limpopo Province is an area of breathtaking scenery as well as a wealth of cultural and historical secrets and treasures. It offers a variety of tourist attractions, but it is most well known for its abundance of game farms and wildlife/nature reserves which cover some 3,6 million hectares. If it is the 'Big Five' (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino) game viewing you are after, then Limpopo is your province - untamed Africa at its best!

 

Climate

Climate-wise, the Limpopo Province experiences very warm summers (October to March) and moderate temperatures for the rest of the year. For tourists seeking a sunny vacation, then Phalaborwa is the place to visit - it is often referred to as the town with two summers due to the fact that the winters are so mild it feels like summer all year round. It also borders onto the famous Kruger National Park, thus making it a perfect base from which to explore one of the most well known national parks in the southern hemisphere.

Accommodation

A wide variety of accommodation is available throughout the Limpopo Province - from affordable B&B/guesthouses, self-catering cottages, camping and backpacking, to 5 star Game lodges and exclusive Safari Camps.

Activities

Some popular activities in the Limpopo Province include: golf, hunting safaris (including bow hunting), trout fishing, game viewing, hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 routes, quad biking, birding, health spas and horse-riding.

Polokwane

Polokwane (previously Pietersburg), is the capital of the Limpopo Province. Other major towns in the province include: Bela Bela (previously known as Warmbad or Warmbaths - named after the natural hot springs located here), Hoedspruit (home to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre for Endangered Species), Lephalale (previously Ellisras), Modimolle (previously known as Nylstroom, it serves as the commercial centre of the Waterberg Region), Musina (the most northerly town in South Africa), Thabazimbi, Tzaneen (the 2nd largest town in Limpopo and a subtropical paradise) and Vaalwater (located in the heart of the bushveld region).

Some tourist attractions in the Limpopo Province include:

Natural Hot Springs in Bela Bela

Unwind and relax with a visit to the hot springs in Bela Bela, which provides approximately 22000 litres per hour of therapeutic water at 50¦C.

Waterberg

The Waterberg is a gem of a tourist destination. Its rugged natural beauty encompasses a large diversity of plant and wildlife - it is a birdwatcher's haven and an ideal area of exploration for tourists seeking something off the beaten track. A prominent feature of the Waterberg area is the Waterberg Mountain Range with stretches some 150kms from Thabzimbi in the west to Mokopane (Potgietersrus) in the east.

Hot-Air Ballooning

A fantastic way to view the Big Five from a different angle!

 

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park offers outstanding game viewing (including the Big 5) and a variety of excellent accommodation. There is also an extensive range of accommodation surrounding the Kruger National Park. Explore this world famous national park from the comfort of your own vehicle, by foot on an exhilarating guided walking safari, or from a luxury open safari vehicle.

Wildlife Conservation Centres

Limpopo Province offers some intriguing wildlife conservation centres which are a must for the nature loving tourist. De Wildt Shingwedzi Ranch just outside Bela Bela offers tourists an outstanding and exhilarating 2 hour cheetah and wild dog (the painted wolf) feeding tour (which also includes feeding and viewing of other smaller cats and vultures). Accommodation is also available at De Wildt Shingwedzi Ranch in very private and secluded bush chalets.

In Hoedspruit one can visit: the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre; the Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre for Endangered Species -where one can view a variety of rare and endangered animal species; or DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage - a non-profit organisation that serves as a wildlife orphanage and also focuses on the education of local underprivileged children.

Hiking

Due to its rugged and mountainous landscape, the Limpopo Province offers a variety of hiking trails in areas such as the Soutpansberg, Blouberg, Wolkberg, Waterberg and Magoebaskloof.

For those seeking a bit of adrenalin and adventure there are guided walking safaris available in game reserves where one can come face to face with one of the Big Five!

Modjadji Cycad Nature Reserve

The Modjadji Cycad Nature Reserve is home to some of the oldest and biggest cycad specimens on earth.

Horseback Safaris

Both the Soutpansberg and the Waterberg offer tourists the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape and view game on horseback - a truly unique and invigorating experience.