Useful
Information | The Region | Packages
Limpopo
Province
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
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 to time immemorial.
Straddling the northern Kruger
Park , Limpopo province boasts wildlife safaris, nature trails
–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 tree.
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 northernmost 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.
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
South of Limpopo are the Soutpansberg mountains, South Africa
’s northernmost mountain range and one of the most diverse
habitats in the country. There are 340 indigenous tree species
here, an abundance of animal life and the world’s highest
concentration of leopard. Ancient, gigantic baobabs (“upside-down
trees”) guard vast expanses of mountains, bushveld, indigenous
forests and cycads.
Tourism Regions
The Limpopo Province is divided into four 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
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.
