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The Waterberg as we know it today is more than 3 million years old. Archaeological finds and San paintings are just glimpses of lives existed in this region. Part of a pit prop from an Iron Age mineshaft found in the Rooiberg area radiocarbon dated back to approximately 1500 AD. The region is one of the most mineralised in the world and forms part of the Bushveld Igneous Complex - a unique complex of volcanic rocks formed more than 600 million years ago and considered of the geological wonders of the world. The greatest draw-card of the Waterberg remains the extraordinary natural attractions supporting a biome of some 14 500 square kilometres, offering scenic vistas, exciting game viewing and a holiday in the mountains. The Nylsvley wetlands are home to the largest number of water birds in southern Africa. The bird species list for the entire area numbers over 400, and it is possible to see more than 200 in a single day. Bird watchers will also thrill to the sight of Cape vultures as they effortlessly ride the currents. Marakele National Park near Thabazimbi is home to around 800 breeding pairs. There are the many curative hot mineral springs where the warm relaxing waters restore sanity and a sense of wellbeing to all who holiday there. While the African Ivory Route has become one of the icons of the Waterberg, it has also empowered the communities along the route to become involved in tourism. The main towns of the Waterberg region are Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) Lephalale (Ellisras), Modimolle (Nylstroom), Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) and Thabazimbi. Each town in itself is worth visiting as each boasts a surprising number of historical, cultural and natural attractions and offers a host of activities to enjoy.
Towns:
Bela Bela
Lephalale
Modimolle
Mokopane
Mookgophong
Thabazimbi
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TheZoutpansberg Region named after the impressive mountain range that stretches for some 130 km from west to east through the region. Like it its neighbours, the region boasts one of the most varied natural, geological, archaeological and cultural systems in the world. It also houses a fascinating history dating back many centuries when the San roamed the veld and left us their artworks on rocks.
Much of this unique wilderness area forms part of the Western Zoutpansberg Conservancy established in 1997 to conserve the natural environment, including its cultural history and man-made activities. The area boasts many historical sites ranging from the relics of the Stone Age people, to the tracks of the Voortrekker wagons.With excellent infrastructure, it is easy to explore the region and experience its beauty. Tourists can take the Limpopo Valley Route.Beyond the Zoutpansberg the Limpopo Valley stretches across the country’s northern border incorporating a national heritage site, transfrontier area, national park and a host of other nature reserves.
In the east, the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park of which the major portion falls within the Limpopo Province bound the region. The park is the flagship of South Africa’s national parks and is famous as much for its wildlife heritage, as for its advanced environmental management techniques. The African Ivory Route, which extends through the northern reaches of the region, offers an important ecotourism and 4x4 adventure destination for safari enthusiasts, while providing insight into the rich cultural legacy of the area. The Tropic of Capricorn forms the southern boundary of the area and crosses the N1 some 49 km south of Makhado (Louis Trichardt). A much-photographed column marks the point where the road crosses the southernmost tropic of the sun.
Towns:
Alldays
Makado
Musina
Thohoyandou
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The region of Capricorn stretches from the Ysterberg, all along the foothills of the Wolkberg, to the tropic of Capricorn in the north. The name "Capricorn" derived from the geographical line crossing the Limpopo and the northern section of this region. The region's position makes it a perfect stopover between Gauteng and the world famous Kruger National Park. It is also in close proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland.
The history and culture of the region equally varied, incorporating San rock art, Voortrekker history and Anglo Boer War relics. Mines, farms, forests, cultural villages, dams, art, game, monuments, and a fascinating people also form part of this region.
Polokwane, the vibrant capital of the Limpopo Province, is one of the fastest growing cities in the southern hemisphere. Founded in the gold rush days of the 1880s, it has witnessed Stone Age nomads, Iron Age settlements, European migrations, wars and political upheaval. For the tourist in today's peaceful times it means a plethora of fascinating historical sites and attractions ranging from San rock art to prehistoric ruins, from dinosaur footprints to Voortrekker wagon wheels.
One of the most notable sites near Mokopane is Makapans Valley, currently in line for World Heritage Status. Nowhere else in the world is there such an extended and complete record of hominid occupation. There are bones of Ape-men 3,3 million years old and extinct animals, with the Cave of Hearths thought to be the earliest evidence of man's use of fire.
Towns:
Polokwane (was Petersburg)
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for Capricorn Region, would be 4 Day Big 5 Panoramic.
click
here |
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Off
the beaten track: Click
here for unordinary places to discover
in this region |
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One of the last unspoilt corners of Africa named after the valley of the Great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger National Park forming the southern border of the province.
Incorporated into the Gaza-Kruger-Gonarezhou Park; The Kruger National Park is now part of a transfrontier conservation area stretching over 35 000 square kilometres covering Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. This area is to become part of the proposed Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Many of the Private Reserves bordering on the Kruger National Park have removed their fences and now from part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This has resulted in a spectacular area of unspoilt wilderness. The Olifants Valley is not only rich in wildlife, but offers spectacular scenery of mountains, rivers and dams. The flora of the area includes yellowwoods, tree ferns, lichens and lianas flourish in the cool green shade of indigenous forests, marula, mopane and acacia woodlands and the ancient cycads living fossils dating back to the age of dinosaurs 60 million years ago. Those in search of history will find many places of archaeological significance with relics of Stone Age man, as well as sites associated with the lives and exploits of the early hunters, traders, explorers, prospectors and settlers. The Valley of the Olifants is home to Modjadji the Rain Queen who after three centuries in the area still surrounded by legend and mystery. The African Ivory Route which traverses the more remote and rugged parts of the region boasts scenic camps, a variety of adventure opportunities and exciting off-road travelling for safari enthusiasts. Tourists can explore the area by taking the Valley of the Olifants Route. The spirit of adventure of the region is even present on the golf course where curious animals stroll over from the adjacent Kruger National Park.
Towns:
Phalaborwa
Tzaneen
Haenertsburg
Hoedspruit
Bushbuck Ridge
Modjadji Kloof (Duiwelskloof)
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for Valley of the Olifants Region, would be 20 Day Romancing South Africa.
click
here |
|
Off
the beaten track: Click
here for unordinary places to discover
in this region |
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Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly, the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park. They like the natural asserts of the Park are important and also worth conserving.
5 Things To Seek
1. The Big Five – Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino
2. The Little Five – Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle
3. Birding Big Six– Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-bill Stork
4. Five Trees – Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane
5. Natural/Cultural Features – Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Maserini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for Kruger Park Overview , would be 11 Day Historical South Africa .
click
here |
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Endowed with bountiful natural resources, including 54 provincial reserves and many private game reserves, the Province boasts the Waterburg mountain range, supporting the thriving farming and game ranching, nature reserves and resorts.
In the north, you will find Polokwane - the capital of the Province, with its excellent growing infrastructure, a modern international airport and a wealth of diverse cultural experiences.
East of the city, is the subtropical part of the Valley of the Olifants, the Magoebaskloof Valley.
Further eastwards takes you into the heart of the 'big five' parks of the country and some of the prime game farms in Africa, including the Kruger National Park.
With a pleasant climate, Limpopo is a year-round destination. During summer - that is in the months October to March - it is hot with brief earth cooling afternoon showers. In winter - from May to September - the mornings are crisp, the days are dry and sunny and the evenings cold and clear. From the massive hippopotamus to the diminutive mongoose all the animals here are in their unspoilt natural habitat. Large populations of giraffe, kudus, gemsbok, nyala, waterbuck, klipspringer, impala, a blue wildebeest, zebra, and white lions add to the spectacle of the Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves.
Near Tzaneen, you will find the magnificent cycad forest.The Modjadji Cycad (Encephalartos transvernosus) of the Rain Queen is one of the largest cycads in the world and it is a protected species.
The Baobab trees, found only in Limpopo in the country are hundreds of years old and mostly found on the Northern part of the province. You will find them in the Baobab Tree Reserve in the Mussina Nature Reserve.
Regions of the Limpopo Province:
Waterberg
Zoutpansberg
Capricorn
Valley Of The Olifants
Kruger National Park
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for Limpopo Overview, would be 22 Day A World in One Country .
click
here |
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