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.
Known as the Great North, 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.
Straddling the northern Kruger, Limpopo boasts wildlife safaris,
nature trails – and untamed Africa at its finest. This is the land of
wide-open bushveld, big-sky country, the ever-present thorn tree and the
mystical baobab.
Limpopo also offers up Africa’s wild Edens – from highveld
grassland savannahs to subtropical forests to formidable mountain
ranges…and then some.
Now that Limpopo has a brand-new name (it was formerly known as the
Northern Province), combined with the recent solar eclipse that attracted
visitors from all over the world, tourism in this province has shifted
into high gear.
Major Attractions:
• 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. This area is destined to
become a World Heritage Site.
• The 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, 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.