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TThe Langjan Nature Reserve, near the small town of Alldays, is characterised by striking red sand dunes and scrub acacia bush. It’s as if a spit of Kalahari sand has crept over the border from Botswana and for this reason the Langjan Nature Reserve is the last place where the gemsbok still occurs naturally in the Limpopo province.
The red colour of the dunes at Langjan Nature Reserve comes from the high iron oxide content in the sand. The dunes get their shape from the action of the wind and are stabilised by plants. Because of the sandy conditions here, the best way to tackle the reserve is in a 4x4 vehicle. Although you can walk around just about anywhere in the reserve, there are no marked hiking trails.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, the most significant being the gemsbok that live here in herds of between 10 and 30 animals. They are big antelope with white faces, fawn-coloured bodies and long, spear like horns that can reach up to 85cm. They are well adapted to hot and arid conditions and can go for days without drinking water.
Langjan Nature Reserve is also a popular destination for birders. There are some 260-recorded species, including the pied barbet, the magpie shrike, the Marico flycatcher, the Kalahari scrub robin, the blue waxbill and the emerald spotted wood dove.
There is no overnight accommodation at the Langjan Nature Reserve, which adds to the wild and remote feeling. The reserve gets fewer visitors than other bigger reserves in the province, but makes for a fascinating and rewarding day outing.
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Limpopo Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)15 293 3600
Email: info@golimpopo.com
Langjan Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)15 593 0126
Best time to visit
Spring, before the baking heat of summer, when the acacia scrub starts to blossom.
Things to do
The Langjan Nature Reserve is best tackled with a 4x4 due to the sandy conditions of the roads but you can also walk about within the reserve, although there are no specific hiking trails.
Nearby Alldays lies the Blouberg range with a large surface of protected wall where climbers will find some solid rock.
What to pack
Sunscreen, hat, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, camera, binoculars and plenty of water.
Where to stay
There is no overnight accommodation at Langjan Nature Reserve, so head for nearby Alldays which has some quaint B&Bs and guesthouses.
What to eat
Take your own packed picnic or try one of the pubs in Alldays.
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