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A route of giant elephants and baobabs
The Valley of the Olifants Route
The Valley of the Olifants route, where giants rule.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Large as they are, elephants can walk in complete silence – because of their padded feet.
The Valley of the Olifants route journey in the Limpopo province begins when we leave the provincial capital, Polokwane, not far south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
We take the R71 to Haenertsburg via Zion City, Morija, and if it's Easter time we find ourselves in a midst of a million-strong crowd of worshippers who have come to the mountain for days of prayer and celebrations.
But it's out of season, and the road to the quaint timber village of Haenertsburg is quiet. After tea and a wander through the shops, we visit the Big Baobab near Modjadjikloof, named after the famous Rain Queen who holds sway in this area. Modjadji is said to be descended from the royalty who ran Monomotapa, the ancient Karanga kindom to the north in Zimbabwe.
The 'upside-down' tree, the baobab, is the world's largest succulent, consisting of 80% water. Pollinated by fruit bats and bush babies, the baobab can live 500 years or more. This could also be called the Baobab Tree Route – there are so many of these giants.
Now here we are in the pleasant sub-tropical town of Tzaneen, about to drive back through Magoebaskloof to lunch at one of the country lodges in the Agatha area.
Back on Route 71, we head for Phalaborwa, very close to the Kruger National Park. We pop into the park and visit the Elephant Museum at Letaba camp, before driving south to hunting country, and the town of Hoedspruit.
We finish our Valley of the Olifants route with a visit to a renowned cheetah breeding centre, see rehabilitated wildlife at Moholoholo, perhaps a session of elephant-back riding (since this is the Elephant Route), before heading into Mpumalanga Province and the pleasures of the Lowveld.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
For more information contact the Limpopo Tourism Authority on +27 (0) 15 290 7300 or email info@golimpopo.com
How to get here
You can drive to Polokwane from Johannesburg or Pretoria along the Great North Road. Or fly to Polokwane and hire a car there.
Get around
Your own vehicle will offer the most options.
Length of stay
Devote 2 or 3 days to this route. You could also use it as an interesting route to the Kruger National Park.
What to pack
Your camera should be top of the list, but take along a hat and sunscreen too.
Where to stay
There are some superb country guesthouse in the Agatha, Tzaneen and Magoebaskloof areas. The Kruger National Park, of course has many accommodation options. You could also stay at the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, which has inexpensive but pleasant accommodation.
What to eat
In season (winter), a variety of venison is widely available, especially around the Hoedspruit area.