This province, rich in wildlife, spectacular scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures, is named after the Great Limpopo river that forms its northern border.

Also known as the Great North, the Limpopo province 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 thousands of years.

Straddling the northern Kruger Park, Limpopo province boasts wildlife safaris, nature trails – literally untamed Africa at its finest. Wide-open bushveld, big-sky country, the ever-present thorn tree and the mystical baobab tree are what earmark this province.

The Limpopo province also offers up Africa’s wild Edens – from highveld grassland savannahs to subtropical forests to formidable mountain ranges.

Overview

South Africa’s northern most province, Limpopo, borders onto Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana thus making it the ideal entrance 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. The Voortrekkers arrived in the early nineteenth century and this part of the world changed forever. Numerous battles between indigenous African people and the Voortrekkers ensued. During apartheid, portions of land were divided into homeland areas. However, today the Limpopo province is united in its aim to offer the best possible welcome for its visitors. Polokwane is the capital of the province.

Climate

Limpopo is renowned for its hot yet pleasant summers and dry winters.
Its 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

Tourism 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 region’s position makes it a perfect stopover between Gauteng and the northern areas of the province and between the country’s northwestern areas and the world-renowned Kruger National Park. It is also in close proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland.

• 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 area’s rich mosaic of culture and tradition is reflected by the different rural tribes such as the Bapedi, Tswana and Basotho, while the Voortrekkers also left their distinctive mark on the area.

• 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 (salt pan mountain) range.

It is in this region that visitors will find the former independent homelands of Lebowa and Venda where traditional African cultures thrive. In fact, this fertile valley has been home to cultures dating back to the Iron Age. Relics of the Stone Age San and their incredible rock art can still be viewed here today. The Mapungubwe National Park is a popular tourist attraction and a must see when visiting this region.

• 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.
As its name suggests, this region falls in the valley of the great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger national Park, forming the southern border of the province. 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.

Source: South Africa Tourism

Things to do and see in Limpopo

• Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site is the ideal location for anyone interested in the park's wildlife and birds, to those in search of serenity, identity and the extraordinary history of this World Heritage Site.

• The Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) vicinity has several nature reserves. The Arend Dieperink Museum has a fine cultural-historical collection, and the Makapan Caves are famous for their fossils.

• The Thabazimbi district is one of the fastest growing ecotourism areas in South Africa, thanks to its outstanding game reserves.

• Bela-Bela (formerly Warmbaths) is well known among South Africans, and increasingly tourists, for its hot springs, fun slides and scenery.

• The Waterberg Range is rich in indigenous trees, streams, springs, wetlands, bird life and dramatic vistas.

• The Modjadji Nature Reserve, north of Tzaneen, is named after the legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji, the inspiration for Rider Haggard's She.

• Phalaborwa has one of South Africa's top-rated golf courses - just watch out for the animals on the fairways.

• The Schoemansdal Voortrekker Town and Museum, west of Louis Trichardt, is built on the site of an original Voortrekker village and depicts their lifestyle in the mid-18th century.

Source: Pocket Guide to South Africa - www.gov.za
For more things to do in Limpopo visit South Africa Tourism