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DESTINATION LIMPOPO

LIMPOPO

Limpopo province is South Africa’s northern most Province, bordering onto Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana making it the perfect entrance into Africa. Limpopo is named after the great Limpopo River that flows along the northern border. This province is rich in wildlife, remarkable scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Known as the Great North, Limpopo is a land of true legend. Ruins and relics overflow in ancient forests, sparkling waters hot mineral springs and waterfalls. Much of it has remained the same for centuries, offering unlimited lands and pre-historic secrets.

The great North Road from Pretoria was first carved out by the Voortrekkers ox wagons, but today thanks to the joys of modern technology you will travel on fast, safe roads.

Limpopo celebrates a rich cultural heritage and at many archaeological sites the mysteries of the past are still being discovered. Historians revealed that the first black Africans moved across the great Limpopo before 300 AD. The Voortrekkers arrived in the early 19th century and numerous battles followed between the indigenous people and the Voortrekkers.

The northern section of the Kruger National Park which is located in Limpopo is famous for its large herds of Elephant, Buffalo, Sable and a rich bird life. On the parks western border, excellent privately owned game reserves and lodges offer luxurious accommodation and day and night game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles. The mountainous area of the Waterberg is also home to several Limpopo game reserves, providing a rewarding experience of wilderness country.

The Soutpansberg region, is one of the most spectacular regions in South Africa, and should be explored at leisure by following at least one of the forest trails. Beyond the mountains, Mopane trees and colossal, ancient Baobab trees dominate the plains sweeping toward Zimbabwe. Many natural heritage sites in the area are accessible to visitors. There are 340 indigenous tree species here, an abundance of animal life and the world’s highest concentration of Leopard.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Limpopo region experiences almost year-round sunshine. The temperatures in summer get very hot and afternoon thunderstorms are common. The winters offer warm days but chilly evenings and early mornings.

Summer temperatures range from 16° to 36°. Winter temperatures range from 3° to 25°.

	WATERBERG The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province offers a mosaic of exceptional natural scenic landscapes, fascinating cultural heritage sites and an abundance of biodiversity including animal and plant species and many nature-based tourism opportunities. The Waterberg region consist of six municipal areas including: Bela Bela (Warmbaths), Modimolle (Nylstroom), Mookgophong (Naboomspruit), Mokopane (Potgietersrus), Lephalale (Ellisras) and Thabazimbi. The area still has the "Out of Africa" feel which many explorers raved about. One night under the stars with a camp fire cracking in the background can transport you to a time of big game hunters and stories of lion and elephant roaming free.

	CAPRICORN Named after the Tropic of Capricorn that passes through the northern section of Limpopo, this region stretches from Ysterberg, along the foothills of the lush Wolkberg Mountains, to the Tropic in the north. Capricorn is the central region predominantly occupied by Bapedi people. It is ideally situated as a stopover between Gauteng and the northern areas of Limpopo and between the north-western areas of the country and the Kruger National Park. The captivating diversity of the region, integrating grassy plains, bushveld and misty mountains as well as numerous plant and animal species, makes it an absolute treasure chest for the traveller. The region has mines, farms, forests, cultural villages, dams, art, game and monuments, as well as charming and diverse people.

	VHEMBE REGION The Vhembe Region in the far north is dominated by Vhavenda and Vatsonga people and is named after the impressive mountain range that stretches for some 130km from west to east through the region. The area incorporates endless expanses of indigenous bush characterised by the remarkable form of the baobab, wonderful wildlife, a profusion of birds and exciting adventure opportunities. The region boasts one of the most varied natural, geological, archaeological and cultural systems in the world and a fascinating history dating back many centuries when the San roamed the veld and left us their artwork on rocks.

	MOPANI REGION The Mopanie region in the Lowveld is one of the last unspoilt corners of Africa- vast, unhurried, and timeless. The Mopanie region has a river in a valley called the Great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger National Park forming the southern border of the province. It offers vast expanses that seem untouched by the passage of time and remain unmistakably African. To conserve and extend this legacy, the Kruger National Park has been incorporated into a transfrontier conservation scheme, conserving an area stretching over 35 000 square metres covering Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. This area is to become part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Already, many of the conservation areas bordering on the Kruger National Park have removed their fences and now form part of the Greater Kruger National Park, resulting in huge traversing area of unspoilt wilderness. Within these areas and many other game and nature reserves in the region the full splendour of Africa’s Wildlife can be enjoyed. The Mopani Valley is not only rich in wildlife, but offers spectacular scenery of mountains, rivers, dams, a rich history and many cultural attractions. The contrast in climate, scenery and landscape are both striking and dramatic.

	SEKHUKHUNE The region is named after King Sekhukhune who was a King of the Marota during the 18th century. Sekhukhune is a cross-border municipality between Limpopo and Mpumalanga province. It is a rural area with an economic base in the fields of mining and agriculture. The region is endowed with mineral resources like chrome, platinum and diamond deposits. Places of interest include the Lebowa Platinum mines, Potlake game reserve, Mona Meetse spring water, Ledingwe Cultural village, Echo Stone at Phahlamanoge and Lenao la Modimo (God’s Footprint). Schuinsdraai is a popular water-recreation destination where anglers can relax on the shores of Flag Boshielo Dam.