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Place of peace
Polokwane, Limpopo
Polokwane attractions
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The name Polokwane means 'place of peace' in Sapedi or northern Sotho.
Polokwane is the urban heartbeat of Limpopo province. From great African jazz clubs to the biggest shopping centre in Limpopo, Polokwane has an entertaining mix of city adventures, and plenty of game reserves and natural attractions right on its doorstep.
Polokwane has a lively and bustling downtown area, set around the pleasantly green and artistic civic centre. Here you can visit the Polokwane Art Museum which has an excellent collection of South African art, check out the early history of the city in the fascinating photographs on display at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum, and take a rewarding stroll through Irish House, a bright green building with a comprehensive 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.
Meropa Casino & Entertainment World is on the southern outskirts of Polokwane, and rises up like an ancient African palace under modern skies. With its choice of clubs, conference venues, coffee shops and restaurants, Meropa has long been the place to see and be seen amongst Polokwane's hip and happening people. Meropa's Jembe Tavern is a cosmopolitan Afro-chic jazz club and the capital city's grooviest place to meet, greet and get on down all night long.
From fine dining and gourmet cuisine, to organic delis and traditional fare, Polokwane has plenty of good eating spots. It also has the biggest shopping centre in Limpopo and many places to get good arts, crafts and curios. And it's easy to escape the urban hustle and bustle when you want to. On the city's doorstep, you'll find lots of natural attractions including game reserves, mountains and wilderness areas. You can walk with lions at The Ranch Hotel, south of the city, or take a quiet game drive at the Polokwane Game Reserve, ten minutes from the city centre.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board
Tel: +27 15 290 7300
Email: info@golimpopo.com
Meropa Casino & Entertainment World
Tel:+27(0)15-290 5468
Irish House Museum
Tel: +27(0)15 290 2010
The Ranch Hotel
Tel: +27(0)15-290 5000
African Roots Guesthouse
Tel: +27(0)15 297 0113
Fusion Boutique Hotel
Tel: +27(0)15 291 2181
The Deck restaurant
Tel: +27(0)15 296 4965
Nguni Grill restaurant
Tel: +27(0)82 314 8788
How to get here
There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Polokwane International Airport, and a daily bus service from Johannesburg.
It's a three hour drive from Johannesburg. Take the N1 to Polokwane
Around the area
Walk with the lions at The Ranch Hotel
Visit the quaint village of Haenertsburg, famed for its surrounding mountains, rivers and waterfalls
Go on a tour of Makapan's Valley Heritage Site, sister site to the Cradle of Humankind at Sterkfontein
Tours to do
Go on a guided game drive at the Polokwane Game Reserve
Take a tour of the local shebeens and taverns
Get around
Downtown Polokwane is easy to explore on foot. The city also has plenty of buses, taxis and car rental companies.
Length of stay
Take a weekend to explore the city and surrounds
What to pack
Urban gear for inner city adventures, and outdoor gear for discovering the natural attractions beyond the city.
Where to stay
Polokwane has a wide range of places to stay, from five-star hotels to budget B&B's.
Fusion Boutique Hotel is the city's hippest five-star spot, offering stylish accommodation and excellent cuisine.
African Roots is a quiet and artistic guesthouse in a beautifully restored Victorian home.
The Ranch Hotel is a pleasant overnight spot on the outskirts of Polokwane, with good restaurants,rambling gardens, conference and wedding facilities.
What to eat
The Deck is a popular spot for easy bistro-style eating and great cocktails
Nguni Grill is great for those in search of fillets, rumps, stews, sirloins, ribs, chops, shanks and just about every kind of meat dish.
Elements is a trendy spot featuring poolside dining, great wine and a fusion menu
What's happening
Sunday jazz at Jembe Tavern at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World
The Polokwane Wine Show in July
Best buys
Gemco Arts & Craft for arts, crafts and curios from all over Africa.
The Yellow Lemon Tree for decor and gifts.
The Farmyard for organic produce and arts and crafts.