Limpopo

Limpopo South Africa is a wildlife destination with plenty game and nature reserves including the northern Kruger National Park. Apart from game viewing and birding, it is home to the remains of ancient cultures as well as the intriguing Venda culture, steeped in myth and legend.

The legendary baobab tree is a Limpopo tourism attraction.

Travel tips & Planning info

Who to contact

Limpopo Tourism Authority:

Tel: +27 (0) 15 290 7300

Email: info@golimpopo.com

South African National Parks (SANParks):

Tel: + 27 (0) 12 428 9111

Email: reservations@sanparks.org

How to get here

Fly direct from Johannesburg to Polokwane. If you’re driving, from Johannesburg or Pretoria take the N1 north direct to Polokwane.

Best time to visit

Limpopo is an all-year-round destination due to its sub-tropical climate. Summer (October to February) can get very hot.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Magoebaskloof Pass, is one of South Africa's steepest mountain passes.

Limpopo is the country's most northern region, bordering Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. It is bushveld country - rolling savannahs abound teeming with fauna of every description, making Limpopo safaris one of the most popular visitor activities.

However, Limpopo's tourism offerings are not restricted to wildlife alone; it has an interesting pre-historic past and a fascinating cultural heritage that speaks of ancient tribes and kingdoms.

One of Limpopo's biggest drawcards is the northern Kruger National Park. This 2-million hectare reserve dominates the province's eastern region and is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

It boasts hundreds of tree, f ish, amphibian, reptilian, bird and mammal species, including Africa's Big Five. Game walks and drives, hikes, eco-trails, 4x4 adventures and mountain bike routes provide fantastic ways to explore this untamed wilderness. Similar activities can be enjoyed at the province's other 50-odd parks and reserves.

Limpopo is renowned for its impressive mountains, including the Soutpansberg and Waterberg. There are a number of tourism routes and trails that open up these mountainous regions with their abundant fauna and flora to visitors. A visit to the Waterberg region is a must - this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve features age-old rock formations and stunning scenery.

The province's rich cultural and historical heritage has earned it the reputation of being a land of great mystery. Not only is it the home of the legendary Modjadji Rain Queen, but also to the remains of the lost kingdom of Mapungubwe.

This ancient civilisation can be re-discovered at the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site. The site forms part of the Mapungubwe National Park, which also features Iron Age sites, San (Bushmen) rock paintings and fossilised dinosaur footprints and skeletal remains.

Some great outings are a trip to the Amarula Lapa, where you can see how the ever-popular Amarula Cream liqueur is made, enjoying adventure in the lush Magoebaskloof, having a drink in the world's largest and oldest baobab tree or even participating in extreme golf!