Limpopo Province, South Africa: South Africa’s northernmost province, Limpopo, borders onto Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, making it the ideal entrance to Africa. Limpopo takes up 10.2% of South Africa's total land area. 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.

The Great North Road from Pretoria was first carved by the creaking wheels of ox wagons. Today, when you follow the footsteps of the Voortrekkers, you'll travel on fast, safe roads and enjoy every modern amenity as you go. Known as the Great North, Limpopo is land of legend. Ruins and relics abounds in ancient forests, sparkling trout waters, hot mineral springs and waterfalls. Much of it has remained unchanged for centuries, offering unlimited opportunities in Limpopo for the enjoyment of untamed Africa. Limpopo is home to ancient lands and pre-historic secrets. This is home to Modjadji, the fabled Rain Queen, the Stone Age and Iron Age relics of Makapansgat Valley and the treasures of Mapungubwe that date back to time immemorial.

Regions

Limpopo

Dramatic contrasts in landscape and vegetation are symbolic of the Limpopo Province. Encompassing dry savannah plains, steep valleys and majestic mountain ranges, the province is one of legend and of the early pioneers during the Great Trek.

The province was formerly known as the Northern Province and includes vast areas of the Kruger National Park and many private reserves. In the North coffee, tea and citrus plantations can be found due to the more exotic climate above the Tropic of Capricorn.The province in divided into four tourism regions; The Capricorn region, The Bushveld Region; The Soutpansberg region and The Valley of the Oliphants.

• Northern (the Limpopo part of the Kruger National Park)
• Soutpansberg
• Bushveld
• Capricorn
• Valley of the Elephants

Cities

• Polokwane (Formerly Pietersburg) the provincial capital of Limpopo and ideally situated for game viewing, Kruger National Park visits, cultural & historical experience and break-aways into the mountains.
• Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) In the sunshine town of Bela-Bela there is something for every need; from fun activities like our world famous cable-ski, to conference facilities.
• Giyani
• Haenertsburg With the rush waning the town grew steadily, providing for its inhabitants while retaining its rural charm.
• Hoedspruit Hoedspruit provides access to the Kruger Park and various surrounding game reserves and is the ideal base to explore South Africa`s wildlife from
• Louis Trichardt/Makhado (there's a continual battle over the re-naming) is the largest town in this province with a population of more than 300,000 swollen by refugees. It's the last town of significant size for stocking up with supplies before reaching Mugabe's collapsing Zimbabwe after an hour's drive north.
• Lephalale (Ellisras) West of the Mogol River in the distinctive bushveld landscape of the foothills of the Waterberg Range lies the busy town of Lephalale.
• Modimolle (Nylstroom) The commercial centre of the Waterberg plateau, Modimolle (Nylstroom) is a popular local tourist destination given its attractive surrounding and excellent facilities.
• Mokopane(Potgietersrus)

Just two hours from Gauteng, the town acts as the perfect getaway destination and the ideal stopover for travellers en route to Botswana, Zimbabwe and the Kruger National Park.

• Musina Situated in the lovely Limpopo Valley, close to the border to Zimbabwe. Sub-tropical climate, in the midst of game and nature reserves, this is an ultimate destination for a traveler in Southern Africa.
• Phalaborwa Phalaborwa, situated next to the Kruger Park, is a modern town and a major provider of ore for South Africa's mining industry.
• Thabazimbi Massive iorn-ore reserves brought about the establishment of Thabazimbi – gateway to Marakele National Park.
• Thohoyandou Thohoyandou is the centre for southern Venda situated in a beautiful area and offering many fascinating tourist attractions.
• Tzaneen A busy town in the picturesque Letaba district with tropical and subtropical farming and only 90 minutes drive from Kruger National Park.
• Vaalwater Vaalwater, in the Waterberg, is surrounded by game farms and nature reserves and is an excellent eco-destination.

Other destinations

• Northam
• Tzaneen
• Waterberg Meander

Nature reserves

• Mapungubwe National Park — an UNESCO World Heritage site
• Marakele National Park
• Baobab Tree Reserve

Understand

Limpopo borders the following provinces: Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North-West

Climate

The Limpopo Province enjoys hot yet pleasant summers and dry winters. The weather is characterised by almost year-round sunshine. It can get very hot in summer (October through to March), with temperatures rising to 27ºC and sometimes reaching temperatures in the mid 30ºC's. This is mild compared to the Lowveld where some towns such as Phalaborwa have been known to reach 45ºC. One of the great attractions is the Kruger National Park, where tourists can expect summer temperatures around the 30ºC mark.

Talk

Sepedi (52%), Xitsonga (22%), Tshivenda (16%).

Get in

By car

The N1 runs from Cape Town, Bloemfontein and the Gauteng to the Limpopo Province and straight through it and on to Harare in Zimbabwe.

Car Hire and Transport Services Public roads in South Africa are well developed and well sign-posted with driving done on the left hand side of the road. Drivers must have an international drivers license and a minimum of 5 years driving experience to hire a car in South Africa. This last statement may not be true for all nationalities, with a European drivers license you can drive legally in South Africa for up to 1 year.

By plane

Hoedspruit has an airport with regular flights to Johannesburg.

Pietersburg / Polokwane International Airport is situated five kilometres from town. There is no bus service to town, but major car hire companies have rental kiosks at the airport and taxis are also readily available.

See

• The north of the Kruger National Park.

Game Reserves

With its vast expanses of bushveld wilderness habituated by an abundance of wildlife species, the Limpopo Province is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The Limpopo province is predominantly rural with the result that large areas still remain untouched by human development.

Valley of the Olifants

• Balule Game Reserve. 
• Klaserie Nature Reserve. 
• Manyeleti Game Reserve. 
• Thornybush Game Reserve. 
• Timbavati Game Reserve. 
• Tshukudu Game Reserve. 
• Umhlametsi Game Reserve. 

Waterberg

• Mabula Private Game Reserve. 
• Marakele National Park. 
• Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. 

Do

• Rock Climbing
• 1 Mashovhela Lodge, Morning Sun Reserve N1 (14km north of Makhado), ☏ +27 12 991-6930. Experience the African bush, Feel the beat of Venda drums in the heart of the Soutpansberg R680. 
• OppiKoppi (Literally translates to On the Hil): 7–9 August 2014. Music festival (date needs updating)

Stay safe

Take the same safety precautions as you would in any other international city or town, particularly when sightseeing in built-up urban areas. Avoid unnecessary displays of valuables including jewelery, cash or audio/visual recording equipment. Do not walk in deserted places or go out alone at night. Always lock your car doors and keep the windows closed. The use of travellers' cheques or credit cards is more advisable than carrying large amounts of cash with you.

» Police Emergency - Tel 10111

» Ambulance - Tel 10117