Overview
South Africa’s
northernmost province, Limpopo borders onto
Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana thus
making it the ideal gateway to Africa.
The
Limpopo province celebrates a rich cultural
heritage and at many archaeological sites
the mysteries of the past and ancient
peoples are still being unearthed.
Historians reveal that the first black
Africans moved across the Limpopo (into what
became known as South Africa) before 300 AD.
Climate
Limpopo is renowned for
its hot, yet pleasant summers and dry
winters.
The weather is characterised by almost
year-round sunshine. It can get very hot in
summer (October – March), with temperatures
rising to 27ºC (80,6 ºF) and, sometimes,
even touching the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s
Fahrenheit).
Getting to know Limpopo
Province
Biodiversity
South of Limpopo are the
Soutpansberg mountains, South Africa’s
northernmost mountain range and one of the
most diverse habitats in the country. There
are 340 indigenous tree species in this
region, an abundance of animal life and the
world’s highest concentration of leopard.
Ancient, gigantic baobabs (‘upside-down
trees’) guard vast expanses of mountains,
bushveld, indigenous forests and cycads.
Tourism Regions
The Limpopo Province is
divided into four regions:
The
Capricorn Region
The Capricorn region stretches from the
Ysterberg, all along the foothills of the
lush Wolkberg, to the tropic of Capricorn in
the north.
The Bushveld Region:
The Waterberg
Mountains stretch along more than 5 000 km2
of spectacular vistas and scenic valleys –
the ideal destination for off-the-beaten
track tourism. The area is steeped in
history and some artefacts found here date
back to Stone Age times.
The Soutpansberg
Region: across the
northwest, and framing the northern border
of the province, lies the Soutpansberg area.
One of the main geographical features of
this region is the Limpopo River, which
forms South Africa’s northern border. The
western section of this region is framed by
the rocky spine of the awe-inspiring
Soutpansberg mountain range.
The Valley of the
Olifants:
Travelling east, visitors will discover the
rich natural heritage of the Lowveld with
its claim to fame – the world-famous Kruger
National Park. The Olifants Valley is
teeming with a variety of wildlife. It is
known for its spectacular scenery,
mountains, rivers, dams, history and
cultural and ethnic attractions.
Major attractions in the
area:
Makapansgat Valley:
This valley is directly linked to the
history of the Cradle of Humankind, this is
where, in February 1925, Professor Raymond
Dart announced the discovery of the first
‘ape-man’. The caves at Makapansgat Valley
have rendered fossils dating back 3,3
million years. Stone Age and Iron Age relics
have also been located here.
Mapungubwe:
One of the most
remarkable icons
inLimpopo, Mapungubwe is situated at the
confluence of the Sashi and Limpopo Rivers.
The
great ruins at Mapungubwe, in the Limpopo
River
Valley, show remains of the first and
greatest ever South African kingdom to have
flourished.
Mapungubwe indicates remains of human
occupation in and around 850 AD (two and a
half centuries before Great Zimbabwe). The
artefacts
at Mapungubwe illustrate a flourishing trade
and advanced social systems of African
kingdoms in the 13th century. Mapungubwe was
recently declared
a Unesco World Heritage site.
Modjadji Cycad Nature
Reserve:In the
Lobedu Mountains near Duiwelskloof and
situated next to the home of the fabled rain
queen, lies the Modjadji Cycad Reserve –
boasting some of the oldest and largest
cycad specimens on earth.
Kruger
National Park: Spot the ‘big five’
from your luxury safari vehicle, or go
tracking on foot in the most famous game
park in the world. The northern Kruger
offers excellent game-viewing and
world-class accommodation. A number of
community lodges are also springing up,
adding to the authentic African experience.
The Ivory Route:
There are 54 provincial
reserves in Limpopop, 10 of which are being
developed into a series of camps that follow
in the footsteps of historical characters.
Dubbed the African Ivory Route, these
reserves form an arc that follows the
peripheral borders of the province along
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and
includes the northern part of the Kruger
National Park.
Bela-Bela:Known as ‘Warmbaths’ for a
few decades, because of the hot mineral
spring at its centre. This part of the world
offers cheap accommodation and fun for the
whole family. Bela-Bela is a gateway to the
southern Waterberg and/or Thabazimbi.
Lake
Fundudzi and the Vondo
Forest: Lake Fundudzi and the nearby
Vondo Forests are said to be the sacred
burial ground of the royal Venda clan, (and
place of birth and creation in Venda
mythology). The area is also said to be
protected by a python god.
Dzata Ruins:Built
in around 1700, and once the flourishing
capital of the Venda empire. Dzata was
occupied for only about 60 years and was
last ruled by the great Thohoyandou who
forged the Venda nation from clans already
living in the Soutpansberg.
Lapalala Wilderness:This
25 000 hectare wilderness in the Waterberg
contains rare roan and sable antelope, white
and black rhino and a plethora of animals
and birds. Lapalala is a sanctuary for
endangered animals.
Haernertsburg:Known
as the ‘Land of the Silver Mist’, this
gorgeous village in the misty Magoebaskloof
mountains near the town of Tzaneen is famous
for its cherries, azaleas and abundant flora
and birdlife. The perfect spot for the
ultimate weekend getaway.
Nylsvlei:Nylsvlei
is a 160km nature reserve enclosing one of
the most beautiful, wetlands in South
Africa. Offering 150 species of bird
(including some of the most rare species on
the planet).
Hiking in Letaba:Due
to its spectacular scenery and deep forests,
hiking in the Letaba region is popular with
visitors. The two-day Debegeni and three-day
Dokolewa trails are a must. Day-walks are
also on offer.
Horse-back Safaris:The
Waterberg is recognised as one of the best
places to take part in horse-back safaris.
There are a number of well-established
outfits that will cater to all your needs. A
combination of a tented safari camp combined
with a horse-trail safari is certainly an
option for regular riders.
Smalltown Treasures:Limpopo
Province offers sleepy small-town South
Africa at its best. Why not journey from one
town to the next – sampling the hospitality
along the way. Traveller’s favourites are
Haenertsberg, Elim, Vaalwater and the entire
Magoebaskloof region.
Art and Crafts:The
Gazankulu and Venda regions are known for
their fantastic arts and crafts. Clay pots,
basketwork, painting, tapestries and fabrics
are all up for grabs at pretty reasonable
prices. There are a number of famous artists
(sculptors) that come from the Venda region
namely.
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