Limpopo

Known as the ‘Great North’, Limpopo province speaks of ancient lands and pre-historic treasures. Named after the great Limpopo River that flows along its northern border, this province is rich in wildlife, spectacular scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Gateway to the northern Kurger Park, Limpopo is untamed Africa at its very finest. This is the land of immense bushveld landscapes, skilled Venda sculptors, a variety of indigenous cultures…and the mystical baobab tree.

Kruger National Park

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks – rated as the ultimate safari experience. The Kruger National Park has more than 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna on offer. The park is well equipped for ‘Big Five’ safaris and boasts a wide range of accommodation from affordable rest camps to luxurious 5* lodges.

Mapungubwe National Park

The Mapungubwe National Park borders on the Limpopo river and offers spectacular views of the river and South Africa’s neighbours, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The park comprises the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site (2003). The rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art and gold artifacts offer tangible proof that ancient civilizations once flourished here. Mapungubwe means “place where jackals eat”, derived from phunguvhwe (Venda for jackal), as the hill was littered with human bones which attracted these scavengers

Ndebele Culture

In terms of arts and culture, the colourful Ndebele play a major role in Limpopo. Their highly distinctive art form using geometric designs is used for adornment as well as to paint their homesteads. The tradition Ndebele regalia is a sight to see consisting of heavy beaded anklets and bracelets and has proved as inspiration for some of South Africa’s top fashion designers.

Venda Art Route

Limpopo is one of the few places in the world where you can meet at least four world-class artists in the space of a day. The Venda Art Route is best tackled from the base of the Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge on the shores of Albasini Dam, not far from the town of Louis Trichardt (now called Makhado). From here, you can organise a guide to take you along the craft route, sleep in luxury and after a long day, come back to excellent meals laden with world-class craftworks. Along the Venda Art Route you will find places where you can buy pots, clay figures, carvings, drums, tablecloths and much more.

The Waterberg

Situated in the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range of Limpopo, the Waterberg District is the ideal getaway where the weary traveller can relax and revel in the great natural beauty of the bushveld savannah and its rich wildlife heritage. The Waterberg region is recognized as one of the best places to take part in horseback safaris. There is a wide variety of accommodation in the Waterberg from basic camping accommodation to high-end luxury game lodges.

Nylsvlei Nature Reserve

If you are a keen birder then look no further than the Nyslvlei Nature Reserve, a 160km nature reserve enclosing one of the most beautiful wetlands in Africa.

Nyslvlei Nature Reserve has been has been declared a Ramsar site because of its significance in terms of conservation (in the global arena). Visitors come from near and far to witness the 370 bird species that call this 4,000 hectare reserve home.

Limpopo Transfrontier Park

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP) is a staggering 40 000 km2 wildlife conservation area, that is being created by linking the Kruger National Park in South Africa; Limpopo National Park in Mozambique; Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe; as well as two areas between Kruger and Gonarezhou, namely the Sengwe communal land in Zimbabwe and the Makuleke region in South Africa. The transfrontier concept is based on the protection of eco-systems that don’t necessarily recognise international borders, and makes provision for the mutual management of these areas by the countries involved. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Kruger National Park where you can see the Big Five, including the second largest population of the endangered Black Rhino and a wide variety of birdlife, plants and amphibia.

Modjadji Cycad Reserve

Limpopo has a reputation for being steeping in myth and legend and perhaps the greatest legend is that of the fabled Rain Queen, Modjadji which lives close to the Lobedu Mountains near Duiwelskloof. Here you will be able to visit the Modjadji Cycad Reserve which covers 530 hectares and contains some of the most fascinating plants that can be found in Southern Africa. Once the main diet of pre-historic creatures that lived here, the cycad forest still exists in its pre-historic state thanks to its strict protection by succeeding generations of Modjadji (‘rain queens’), the hereditary rulers of the area.

Haenertsburg

Limpopo is not touted as South Africa’s Garden of Eden for nothing. Even during drier months, towns like Haenertsberg, Agath and Tzaneen form a delicious green belt of forested landscape. The quaint town of Haenertsberg is known as the Land of the Silver Mist, this gorgeous village in the misty Magoebaskloof Mountains is famous for its cherries, azaleas and abundant flora and birdlife.

Adventure Tourism

Adventure Tourism is also popular in Limpopo and you will find a range of activities to occupy yourself including climbing, mountain biking, paint ball, quad biking, abseiling, kloofing, horse riding, tubing and fly fishing.