The Limpopo Province is divided into four regions:

Limpopo is renowned for its hot, yet pleasant summers and dry winters. The weather is characterized by almost year-round sunshine. It can get very hot in summer (October – March), with temperatures rising to 27ºC (80, 6 ºF) and, sometimes, even touching the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit).

Capricorn Region

The Capricorn region stretches from the Ysterberg, all along the foothills of the lush Wolkberg, to the tropic of Capricorn in the north. The region’s position makes it a perfect stopover between Gauteng and the northern areas of the province and between the country’s north-western areas and the world renowned Kruger National Park.

The Bushveld Region

The Waterberg Mountain region is a 50 000 km2 canvas of spectacular vistas and scenic valleys – the ideal destination for off-the-beaten track tourism. The area is steeped in history and some artefacts found here date back to ancient Stone Age times.

The Soutpansberg Region

Across the north-west, lies the Soutpansberg area. One of the main geographical features of this region is the Limpopo River, which forms South Africa’s northern border. The western section of this region is framed by the epic majesty of Soutpansberg (salt pan mountain) range. Visitors will find the former independent homelands of Lebowa and Venda where traditional African cultures thrive. This abundant valley has been home to cultures dating back to the Iron Age. Relics of the Stone Age San and their extraordinary rock art can still be viewed here today.

Valley of the Olifants Region

Travelling east visitors will discover the rich natural heritage of the Lowveld with the world-famous Kruger National Park. This region differs markedly from the rest of Limpopo and is loved for its scenic valleys, mountains and lush vegetation. As its name suggests, this region falls in the valley of the great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger National Park, and forms the southern border of the province. The Olifants Valley is teeming with a variety of wildlife, and is known for its spectacular scenery, mountains, rivers, dams, history and cultural attractions.

Polokwane

Polokwane, meaning 'Place of Safety', is a fitting name for the capital of Limpopo, known as 'The Home of Peace'. Wide streets, jacaranda and coral trees, colourful parks and sparkling fountains characterize the principal town and capital of Limpopo. Polokwane is the commercial, agricultural and cultural hub of the region, featuring impressive art exhibitions and elegant historical buildings. The options for holiday pleasure in Polokwane and its surroundings are virtually endless, whether as a destination itself or as a en route stopover to Tzaneen, Kruger Park other Northern destinations. So stop over, lots to do.

Haenertsburg

The picturesque village of Haenertsburg is situated on the slopes of the mighty Wolkberg and Drakensberg mountains. This enchanting corner of Limpopo forms a natural gateway both to and from the Kruger Park. An international arboretum is situated in Market Square and is home to over 400 species of trees. The Ebenezer Dam, a magnificent setting with sparkling waters is back dropped by the imposing Iron Crown Mountain, the highest peak in the Wolkberg.

Mokopane

Just two hours from Gauteng, the town acts as the perfect getaway destination and the ideal stopover for travelers en route to the Kruger National Park. Mokopane serves a rich agricultural area where wheat, tobacco, cotton, beef, maize, peanuts and citrus are farmed. The Zebediela Citrus estate, is one of the biggest citrus farms in the southern hemisphere. The bushveld vegetation of the area features many acacia trees and aloes which are at their best in June and July. The town and immediate surroundings boast fascinating ancient caves, the Big Five, San rock art, tropical gardens and traditional dancing. Importance also offers a wonderful selection of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, camping and 4x4 trails, to birding, angling and game viewing. Drop in when you pass through this way. Well worth the stop over.

Polokwane Game Reserve

The Polokwane Game Reserve adjacent to the city is one of the largest municipal- owned game reserves in South Africa. It offers more than 21 game species. The Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park houses many interesting species with live snake demonstrations. A wonderful variety of birds (over 280 species) can be seen at the Polokwane Bird Sanctuary where hides and picnic spots are also available.

Bushveld Region

The greatest draw-card of the Limpopo Bushveld Region is the extraordinary natural attractions. The area consists mainly of the Waterberg mountain range, a geographical wonder supporting a biome of some 14 500 km2 offering spectacular vistas and scenic valleys:, The Nylsvley Wetland, where the greatest variety of waterbirds are concentrated; The Cape vulture breeding grounds near Thabazimbi; the Marekele National Park and the Lapalala Nature Reserve and of course, the curative hot mineral springs. The most important towns of the Bushveld region are Bela-Bela, Nylstroom, Naboomspruit, Vaalwater, Thabazimbi and Ellisras. Each town in itself is worth visiting, each boasting a number of historical, cultural and natural attractions. Go find it.

Bela-Bela

Bela-Bela is world-renowned as a holiday and health destination. The hot mineral springs bubble out of the earth at about 22,000 litres per hour. The temperature of the water is a pleasant 53° C and is rich in sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other healing salts. The town is an agricultural hub to the region and has well-stocked surrounding game reserves. Most of the resorts offer excellent sporting, accommodation and restaurant facilities. The area boasts the "Big Five" and virtually every savannah species of game found in South Africa. It is the ideal destination for hiking, game drives and bird watching. Believe it.

Modimolle

The charming town of Modimolle is the commercial centre of the Waterberg district. Amongst typical bushveld you will find vineyards, soft fruit farms and cattle ranches. Many holiday resorts hug the Waterberg Range. The pleasant climate with hot summers and moderate winters makes it a year-round holiday destination. Popular for its birds and wildlife, hiking routes and hunting opportunities. Attractions include the historic Nylsvley Express, the acclaimed 16,000 ha Nyl floodplain and the wetlands, home to a large variety of water birds. Nylsvlay Nature Reserve conserves part of this floodplain and supports a population of endangered Roan Antelope and Tsessebe.

Mookgophong

The Polokwane Game Reserve adjacent to the city is one of the largest municipal- owned game reserves in South Africa. It offers more than 21 game species. The Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park houses many interesting species with live snake demonstrations. A wonderful variety of birds (over 280 species) can be seen at the Polokwane Bird Sanctuary where hides and picnic spots are also available.

Thabazimbi

Many nature and hiking trails traverse the town's scenic bush veld surroundings attracting birdwatchers, hikers and just general nature fundies. This is also the hunting Mecca of the Bushveld and is visited by many local and overseas trophy seekers. The Marakele National Park just ten kilometres out of Thabazimbi, is one of the highlights of the area. So if the Great White hunter romance kit is your thing, and you have a few grand, it’s all here.

Mapungubwe

Mapungubwe is an area of open savannah in the north at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers butting the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The area thrived as a sophisticated trading centre for gold and minerals from around 1220 to 1300. In listing the area as a World Heritage site, Unesco’s statement describes Mapungubwe as the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before it was abandoned in the 14th century.

In February 1925 Professor Raymond Dart announced the discovery of the first ape-man at Taung (Northwest Province) with these profound words: "The specimen is of importance because it exhibits and extinct race of apes intermediate between living anthropoids and man”.Since the University of the Witwatersrand started their scientific research of the caves the following significant finds have been made: The Lime works yielded fossil remains dating back to 3, 3 million years ago, linking the area to the Taung discovery and includes remains of the more modern Australopithecus Africanus; The caves find a plethora of living species, natural phenomena and artefacts chronicled over a 3 million years period. Iron Age relics, underground lakes, massive bat colonies, Stone Age remnants, extinct Buffalo, horses, pigs, monkeys and carnivores. Even contemporary accounts of recent Voertrekker wars, with the remains of many casualties.

Makhado

Makhado formally know as the picturesque town of Louis Trichardt lies in one of the loveliest regions of the country, the Soutpansberg. This historic town serves a thriving farming community. Vast cattle and game ranches occur in the area, and citrus, subtropical fruit, nuts and vegetables are produced on a large scale. Depending on your personal reference to shooting, hunting and photographic safaris are available on private ranches. With its many hotels, game lodges, resorts and a private nature reserve, the district is a tourist's paradise a birder's dream, general canvas for adventure.

Thohoyandou

Thohoyandou is the former capital of the independent homeland and the proud heart of the Venda people. Its name means "head of the elephant". A bustling centre of commerce, a large retail presence, an interesting museum and an internationally patronized hotel and casino. Sightseeing in Venda is intimately linked to the rich heritage of ancient myths, legends and folklore’s these people sometimes still live by. One of the best-known sacred places is Lake Found in the Mutale River where, as legend has it, the giant python god of fertility dwells, demanding the annual sacrifice of a maiden.

Musina

Musina the northernmost town in the country serves an extensive game ranching area, but is perhaps better known for copper mining which has been carried out here since prehistoric times. Musina has many recreational facilities, including a golf course set among mopane and baobab trees.

Alldays

Alldays is a small town serving as the centre for a large area of private game and hunting farms. Characterized by beautiful bushveld, a profusion of game and excellent resorts. Being a hunters' paradise, trophies of the different species of game are available on many of these farms. From taxidermists to shipping agents, this is hunting turf. No tree huggers here folks.

Lake Fundudzi

Lake Fundudzi, surrounded by mountains, was originally settled by powerful medicine men and is still venerated by the Venda people today. The Venda believe that the spirits of the medicine men still inhabit the region. They also believe that the lake is the home of the python god of fertility. No one washes or swims in the lake. On the approach to the lake, visitors may only travel through the Venda Holy Forest by car. According to Venda belief, hikers disturb the ancestral spirits. Spooky stuff what, but very beautiful OK.

Baobabs

These giant trees grow mainly in the hot, semi-arid areas north of the Soutpansberg Mountain. Legend has it that in a frivolous mood, the gods planted Baobabs upside down with their roots exposed to the sky. The baobab tree has one of the longest African tree life span. The average age of these trees in northern parts of Limpopo are between 300 and 500 years old. Near Sagole, a rural village in the north east of the province, a 3000 year old baobab specimen can be visited, measuring 43 meters in circumference. Now that’s not just old, that’s big. Almost half a football field round. Come see for yourself, it’s like a fairy tale.

Ben Lavin Nature Reserve

South-east of Louis Trichardt, this reserve is well stocked with game, including a variety of large mammals. Some 238 species have been recorded. Facilities included 40 km of roads for game viewing, four walking trails, hides at waterholes for game watching and an environmental awareness program.

Mapungubwe National Park

Out of the mist of the mysterious past rises the Mapungubwe National Park. Located at the confluence of the mighty Shashi and Limpopo Rivers, this envisaged transfrontier park embracing South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe gives tangible proof by way of the rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art and gold artefacts of ancient civilizations that once flourished here. The giant baobab trees, riverine forests and associated flood plains provide an intriguing mix of habitat for a tremendous diversity of creatures, among them the rare Pel’s fishing owl. Here herds of elephant and buffalo roam, and the roar of the hunting lion, gives voice to Africa. Most of Africa’s big game still occurs in the area and the bird, reptile, invertebrate and plant diversity are still rich. For accommodation the park has excellent privately run facilities. The highlight of the park is the Mapungubwe Archaeological Site. This location was a precursor to Great Zimbabwe and Thulamela civilizations. It was also the location where the famous Gold Rhino and many other artefacts have been uncovered.

Phalaborwa

From Phalaborwa town it’s less than two minutes drive to Kruger National Park, the world's most famous nature reserve. Phalaborwa offers a range of opportunities to view wildlife up close and personally. Sunrise or Sunset Wilderness Trails, day or night safaris including the extremely popular bushbraai (barbecue) are offered daily from the Kruger Gate. A River Safari takes one down the Olifants River on a 3 hour game viewing meander, offering a unique viewing point. For those city die hard’s, Yes you can - stay in town and still see Africa folks.

Tzaneen

Nestled between rolling citrus-covered hills, this lovely, sub-tropical town offers so much. Tzaneen is close to the game areas of Limpopo and to the northern end of the Drakensberg. In the shadow of the Blouberg, the scenery is lush. You can walk for hours in the extensive indigenous forests of Magoebaskloof, or cycle along some lovely gravel paths. The reflective expanse of the nearby Ebenezer Dam offers great opportunities for boating, fishing or simply relaxing. More amazing places for those get back to greater nature times.

Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is a premier eco-tourist destination for visitors to game lodges and private reserves. With its ever present views on the Drakensberg escarpment while still abutting the Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit is unsurprisingly surrounded by beautiful game-rich country-side and is imbued with a distinctive rural charm. Hmmm - Sounds like atmosphere at its best - Yes.

Bosbokrand

Large herds of antelope (bush buck) decided the grassy ridges surrounding this trading centre were ideal for grazing, hence the town’s name. Started as a trading store in 1884, the town grew as a result of its position in a generous countryside of tobacco, cotton and vegetable farming. One of the famous game reserves near Bosbokrand is the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Originally there were five large ranches in the area, used mainly for hunting. These farms were bought by the South African government and in 1967 were opened as a game reserve. The 20,000 hectare reserve is densely bushed and provides a sanctuary for a great variety of game.

Duiwels Kloof - Modjadji Nature Reserve - The Rain Queen

A picturesque village in a heavily wooded area north of Tzaneen. Tranquil forest drives, walks & scenic golf course are found nearby. Also in the vicinity, the Modjadji Nature Reserve, which was named after the legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji, who is believed to have settled in the area early in the 16th century. ”For centuries many tribes have respected the Queen's powers, capable of controlling the elements”. Even Shaka Zulu sent his top emissaries to “request the Queen's blessings ...” University of South Africa archaeologist Sidney Miller has excavated the ruins of the original royal kraal, finding stone foundations, and pottery . The ruins bear resemblance to the famous ruins discovered at Thulamela near Phafuri in the far north of the Kruger National Park and the Great Zimbabwe ruins in south-eastern Zimbabwe. The reserve encompasses the world's largest concentration of the cycad species, Encephalartos transvenosus, also know as the Modjadji palm, some of the oldest and largest cycad specimens on earth. Hmmm, sounds like a pretty exotic kind of place.

Magoebaskloof

South of Tzaneen, the Magoebaskloof Pass leads through beautiful forested mountain scenery. Picnicking, fishing, swimming and hiking are always popular in the region. The Dokolewa and Grootbosch Hiking Trails, starting from De Hoek Forest Station, about 22 km from Tzaneen traverse forests and valleys. From an opening in the indigenous trees, the Debegeni Falls plunge into a clear pool suitable for swimming and then cascade 800 m down the cliff into another pool. Imagine if you can.

Kruger National Park (North and Central Kruger, Limpopo)

Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species including the "Big Five", Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros. Mopane trees dominate the northern part of the park, which is famous for its elephants and large herds of buffalo. Predators and antelope abound, and the bird life is prolific. Humanity has interacted with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela. These treasures represent the cultures that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. The park hosts many National and Private reserves within its boarders, offering the tourist the full spectrum of safari hospitality, from the best International five star luxury to the back packer budget - Yip, Kruger has it all.

Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park. This allows the animals free range and ensures guests to the area the opportunity to view the greatest diversity of wildlife that South Africa has to offer. Timbavati is a "Big Five" Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely plus many more species of predator and antelopes. This is a world class destination, with top dog private reserves it’s very popular with inbound tourists. For the discerning - Look no further!

Kapama Game Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve is situated in the Limpopo Province and was proclaimed a private nature reserve in December 1993. Covering approximately 13 000 hectares of prime big game territory, Kapama Private Game Reserve has succeeded in combining the wilderness of the bush with the comforts of five-star hospitality and facilities. The name comes from Kapama, a Swazi king, whose tribe inhabited and hunted the northern Drakensberg mountain region around Mariepskop back in the 1880s.

A game relocation program was introduced and the reserve now supports a wide variety of wildlife including, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and large populations of giraffe, impala, blue wildebeest and kudu. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many smaller species. Bird-watching is most rewarding with more than 350 bird species recorded, including the rare Gymnogeg and Knob-billed duck.

Kapama Game Reserve covers 13 000 hectares of undisturbed bushveld in prime Big Five country. The reserve enjoys panoramic views of the nearby Drakensberg mountain range and is only 40 km from the Kruger Park. The reserve is central to most of the scenic areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province. Eastgate Airport lies just outside the reserve with a private entrance into Kapama Private Game Reserve. Looks very good heh.

Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

South of Tzaneen, the Magoebaskloof Pass leads through beautiful forested mountain scenery. Picnicking, fishing, swimming and hiking are always popular in the region. The Dokolewa and Grootbosch Hiking Trails, starting from De Hoek Forest Station, about 22 km from Tzaneen traverse forests and valleys. From an opening in the indigenous trees, the Debegeni Falls plunge into a clear pool suitable for swimming and then cascade 800 m down the cliff into another pool. Imagine if you can.