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Capricorn is a gateway to Limpopo
Capricorn district
Capricorn district tourism attractions include the Bakone Malapa Museum.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The name Polokwane means 'place of peace' in northern Sotho or Sapedi.
Capricorn has an African heartbeat. Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo province and is the centre of Capricorn. The district borders Botswana and Zimbabwe and is a gateway to the province's diverse cultural and natural attractions. Just north of Polokwane, is a giant spray-painted rock, with lots of cheerful graffiti, which marks the spot where the Tropic of Capricorn passes through the province.
Capricorn offers adventurers a mix of urban and rural. Polokwane has great hotels, designer restaurants, museums and galleries. Yet the city has on its doorstep, scenic mountains and many wilderness areas. Capricorn also has some of the biggest citrus farms in the southern hemisphere, centred around Zebediela, Dendron and Marble Hall.
Polokwane has the biggest shopping mall in Limpopo and a whole lot of urban entertainment from casinos to shebeens. Enjoy the works of some of Soputh Africa's finest artists at the Polokwane Art Museum, see a fascinating exhibition of black-and-white photo's of early Polokwane at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum. You can't miss Irish House (it's painted bright green!) which has an excellent collection of exhibits from pre-history to Victorian and modern times. North of the city is Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Museum - an open air "living" museum that showcases traditional northern Sotho culture.
Mokopane is the second biggest town in Capricorn, and is a multicultural centre for surrounding wheat, tobacco, cotton, beef, maize, peanuts and citrus farms. It's also home to Makapan's Valley, a national heritage site and sister site to the Cradle of Humankind at Sterkfontein. In 1936, Professor Raymond Dart discovered an Australopithecus fossil here that indicated the presence of hominids here some 3,5 million years ago. The valley is rich in fossils and bones that tell tales of the escapades of our hairier, hominid ancestors.
Capricorn is a gateway to many of Limpopo's natural attractions including the Northern Drakensberg mountains, the Kruger National Park, and the Blyde River Canyon.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board
Tel: +27 (0) 15 290 7300
Email: info@golimpopo.com
African Roots Guesthouse
Tel: +27(0)15 297 0113
Email: afrroots@mweb.co.za
The Deck Restaurant, Polokwane
Tel: +27(0)15 296 4956
Elements Restaurant, Polokwane
Tel:+27(0)82 443 1450
Fusion Boutique Hotel
Tel:+27(0)15 291 2181
How to get here
There are daily flights and bus services from Johannesburg to Polokwane
From Johannesburg it's about a three-hour drive on the N1 to Polokwane.
Around the area
Visit the quaint hamlet of Haenertsburg in the Magoebaskloof mountains, for its walks and hikes, fishing and rivers.
Makapans Valley near Mokopane is a heritage site and sister site to the Cradle of Humankind at Sterkfontein in Gauteng.
Tours to do
Cultural tours at the Bakone Malapa Museum; Polokwane Game Reserve; Eersteling Monuments, Polokwane Museum and Hugh Exton Photographic Museum, all in Polokwane.
Get around
Polokwane is a small city built on a grid system and it's easy to walk around downtown. There are also taxis and buses.
What to pack
A mix of urban and rural outfits. Good walking shoes and outdoor gear, plus a party dress for a night in the city
Where to stay
African Roots guesthouse is in a leafy suburb close to the heart of Polokwane. It's an artistic spot in an old Victorian home with pleasant features and great hospitality.
What to eat
Polokwane has some excellent restaurants. Try The Deck in Bendor for easy bistro-style eating and great ambience. Fusion Boutique Hotel downtown is the spot for fine dining, and Elements offers a trendy setting, poolside cocktails and a contemporary fusion menu.
What's happening
Haenertsburg Spring Fair is in September; Limpopo Wine Show in Polokwane in April.
Best buys
Check out The Farmyard, a bistro, deli, organic market and craft outlet just ten minutes from Polokwane on the R81 to Modjadjiskloof