 The Limpopo Province is named after the Limpopo River, which forms the northern border of South Africa with Zimbabwe. Limpopo is a province with dramatic contrasts – mountains, forests, plantations, wilderness areas and farming land. The largest section of the Kruger National Park is part of Limpopo and along with all the game farms and private game reserves houses great numbers of game which make the province one of the favorite South African travel destinations.
As you travel through Limpopo you will notice the vegetation consists mainly of grasslands and trees commonly known as the Bushveld. Cattle farming is the main agricultural activity in the Waterberg area. Crop farmers produce cotton, sunflowers, tea and coffee, citrus and tropical fruit. Forestry and the mining of iron ore, copper, platinum, chrome, diamonds and phosphates are the main primary activities.
Limpopo is the gateway to the rest of Africa, as it borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Polokwane (Pietersburg) is the capital city. Other important urban centers are Bela-Bela (Warmbaths), Makhado (Louis Trichardt), Makopane (Potgietersrus), Mussina (Messina), Phalaborwa and Thabazimbi. The population of 5,5 million mainly speaks Sepedi, Xitsonga and Tshivenda. More than a million members of the Zion Christian Church travel to Limpopo to gather each year at Zion City Moria near Polokwane for the Easter weekend.
Limpopo falls in the summer rainfall region of South Africa. Thunderstorms occur often in the late afternoons from November to March. Polokwane’s annual rainfall is 478mm. The winters are temperate with cool nights, while the summer temperatures in the low-lying areas are high to very high.
Attractions to consider when planning your South Africa Travel experience in the Limpopo province are the following:
• Waterberg:
Bela-Bela and Naboomspruit are known for hot springs. Makapansgat Caves for fossils and an archeological site. Marakele National Park and private game reserves in Thabazimbi and Mokopane vicinity.
• Capricorn district:
Polokwane museums, art galleries and traditional Sotho kraal and Zion City at Moria.
• Soutpansberg region:
Archaeological site Mapungubwe where golden artifacts were found. Largest baobab tree – Big Tree.
• Mopani district:
Modjadji Nature Reserve named after the legendary Rain Queen Modjadji well known for cycad species. Hans Merensky Nature Reserve on the banks of the Letaba River. The Northern section of the Kruger National Park is home to a huge number of animals, including the Big Five – and is one of the Greatest South Africa Travel destinations. Thulamela famous for skeletons of ancient royals and artifacts. |
