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10 places to visit in limpopo.

Limpopo, brimming with scenic splendours and a tapestry of cultures, is a treasure trove of must-visit locales. Dive into our handpicked guide of the top 10 places to visit in Limpopo.

1. Welgevonden Private Game Reserve

Limpopo’s crown jewel, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve , stretches across 37,000 hectares of mesmerizing terrains and diverse fauna. Birthed from a tapestry of individual farms, its rebirth in 1993 saw the removal of internal barriers. The name “Welgevonden” – meaning “well found” – captures its essence as a beacon in Limpopo’s rich tapestry of natural wonders.

Entrust your journey in this majestic reserve to the Welgevonden Travel Maestros. With a profound understanding of the best stays, they’re poised to design your quintessential wilderness escapade. Be it the varied topographies, awe-inspiring geological wonders, or the rich tapestry of South Africa’s wildlife, Welgevonden stands tall as an unparalleled haven amidst Limpopo’s must-visit destinations.

2. Limpokwena Nature Reserve

Source: Facebook / @Limpokwena Nature Reserve

Set your compass towards the majestic Limpokwena Nature Reserve . This sanctuary safeguards 2,400 hectares of untouched wilderness, cradled at the meeting point of the powerful Limpopo and Mogalakwena Rivers. Positioned as a haven on the South African edge of the Botswana boundary, it serves as the gateway to the illustrious Thuli Block.

At Limpokwena, the abundant wildlife is perceived as a treasure and as fellow inhabitants and mentors. The stately elephants, graceful giraffes, elusive leopards, and regal antelope tread freely, reflecting the spirit they wish to bestow on their visitors. Dive into this vast realm, where Limpopo Province’s enchanting beauty acts as a salve, refreshing your essence.

3. Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Source: Facebook / @Mapesu Reserve

Set foot in one of Limpopo’s crown jewels, the Mapesu Private Game Reserve . Cradled in the serene embrace of northern Limpopo and sprawled across 7,200 hectares, this haven is a confluence of sustainable tourism and conscientious conservation. In this realm, their passionate team, the untouched wilderness, its majestic fauna, and their valued guests come together, casting a spell on one of Limpopo’s most entrancing spots.

Delight in a stay at their lavish Mopane Bush Lodge, indulge in the comfort of their 4-star luxury retreats, opt for self-catered abodes, or immerse in the rustic charm of their campsite with tent provisions. Venture forth on a Conservation Odyssey. Mapesu Private Game Reserve beckons with an authentic South African tapestry, urging you to intertwine with nature, champion conservation, and craft indelible moments, making it an unparalleled beacon among Limpopo’s trove of destinations.

4. Mapungubwe National Park

Source: Facebook / @Mapungubwe National Park

Dive into Limpopo’s treasures and find the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site. This emblematic haven resonates with many souls—from those enchanted by wildlife and avian wonders to seekers of tranquillity and profound historical ties.

Enveloped in the confines of Mapungubwe National Park lies breathtaking terrains. Home to majestic and potentially perilous beasts. To ensure the well-being of its visitors, solitary wanderings are firmly discouraged. The park stands ready to curate quests for those yearning to delve into guided treks, picturesque sojourns, and cultural ventures. Here, not only does nature’s embrace await, but a portal to bygone eras and a canvas to reflect upon one’s essence amidst its rich annals. Truly, Mapungubwe National Park is a beacon in Limpopo’s constellation of attractions.

5. Pafuri (Makuleke), North Kruger National Park

Source: Facebook / @ RETURNAfrica Pafuri Collection

Tucked between the picturesque Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in the heart of Makuleke Contract Park, Pafuri Camp emerges. This serene sanctuary offers 19 opulent tents to welcome up to 52 guests. For larger gatherings, spacious family tents stand prepared to ensure a memorable sojourn.

Step into Pafuri Camp and an array of exhilarating endeavours await. From bi-daily ventures into the wild aboard tailor-made safari vehicles to guided strolls amidst the untouched expanses of Kruger National Park. The varied terrains of Makuleke Contract Park—spanning pans, towering mountains, and expansive floodplains—invite wanderers, showcasing marvels such as the majestic Lanner Gorge, the iconic Crook’s Corner, and the mystical Fever Tree Forest. Positioned at the confluence of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, Pafuri Camp promises unparalleled encounters with nature’s wonders. Further, lose yourself in the region’s vibrant avian displays, unwind beside the beckoning pool, savour open-air feasts, and indulge in refreshing libations at the bush bar. Truly, Pafuri Camp stands tall as an unmissable beacon among Limpopo’s landmarks.

6. Bela Bela hot Springs

Source: Facebook / @ Warmbaths, A Forever Resort

Venture into one of Limpopo’s lesser-known treasures— Bela-Bela . Cradled in the embrace of the Waterberg mountains, this age-old town is famed for its thermal springs. Once revered by the Tswana community for their curative powers, these springs have evolved into enticing aquatic retreats across various resorts. Bela-Bela weaves a tale of rejuvenation through its therapeutic springs, exhilarating mountain escapades, untouched terrains, and vast wilderness expanses. Whether you’re drawn to the aquatic allure of their liquid paradise or the pulse-raising safaris showcasing nature’s marvels, this town, aptly named “boiling boiling” in Tswana, finds its heart in its effervescent springs.

For a journey that etches itself in memory, set your compass to Bela-Bela. Delve into its myriad offerings, each echoing Limpopo’s splendid natural canvas and rich cultural tapestry.

7. Thathe Vondo Forest

Source: Facebook / @Thathe Vondo Forest

Step into the enchantment of Limpopo and uncover a wonder—Thathe Vondo Forest. A verdant expanse, the forest is a living tapestry of soaring hardwood and yellowwood trees, flourishing ferns, and a symphony of avian melodies. Bird aficionados can revel in sightings of the white-starred robin, chorister robin-chat, Knysna turaco, yellow-streaked greenbul, and the picturesque birding trail. While the forest’s cultural resonance with the Venda people holds it sacred, prohibiting traditional hiking, designated forestry tracks offer guided ventures into its heart.

Perched above the serene Lake Fundudzi, Thathe Vondo Forest paints a mesmerizing picture against the mountainous backdrop. While here, pay homage to the mythical Lake Fundudzi, a repository of local tales and traditions. For those penchant for nature’s grandeur, a brief journey from the lake leads to the Soutpansberg Mountains’ pinnacle, revealing the majestic Mahovhovho Waterfall. A jewel in Limpopo’s crown, this waterfall embodies the region’s awe-inspiring beauty, ensuring your Limpopo odyssey is punctuated with moments of wonder.

8. Lake Fundudzi, Limpopo

Source: Facebook / @Lake Fundudzi, Limpopo

Tucked away on the R523 between Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt lies Lake Fundudzi. Cradled by the enigmatic Thathe Vondo forest, this ethereal lake is woven with tales of legend and spirit. The Venda people, its guardians, tread its shores with reverence, cautious of its whispered hauntings and the mythical lightning bird, Ndadzi. Rarely are outsiders welcomed to its banks, a caution intensified by rumoured crocodile lurking. Visitors adhere to an age-old tradition: turning away from the lake and glimpsing its depths between their legs. A gesture from which the lake derives its name. Yet, the lake’s allure is palpable even from the embracing mountains.

A place of mystique, Lake Fundudzi defies nature’s norms. It remains elusive, with no clear outlet, nourished by the Mutale River—a river believed to house a mighty python deity of fertility. Every year, a maiden is offered to appease this god, a ceremony accompanied by the mesmerizing domba dance. This dance, a transition ritual for young women, is witnessed only with the blessings of the lake’s protectors, the ‘people of the pool’. Lake Fundudzi, with its blend of sacred rites and natural splendour, stands as a testament to the harmonious interplay of culture and nature.

9. Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Source: Facebook / @ Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre emerges as a lighthouse of conservation amidst a bustling ecosystem. With a heart set on nurturing endangered species, the centre passionately works towards bolstering diverse cheetah bloodlines, mending the wounds of rhinos, and enlightening the local populace and global visitors about the pivotal essence of conservation. Beyond these endeavours, the centre delves deep into research, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for these species.

HESC unravels a captivating narrative, spotlighting the tales of rare and endangered fauna. At the same time, illuminates the vast panorama of animal conservation. Those journeying to this esteemed sanctuary can immerse in enlightening tours and tailored expeditions. Crucially, the revenue from these tourism pursuits is channelled directly into our conservation missions and the heartbeat of our daily operations. Every footstep you take within the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre deepens your connection to nature.

10. Zwakala Brewery

Source: Facebook / @Zwakala Brewery

Zwakala , radiates the warm embrace of African camaraderie, evident in every award-winning brew they craft. Born in 2016, this independent South African craft brewery proudly wears its heritage. Chief brewer Luca Tooley reminisces fondly, “Magoebaskloof isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. I cherish memories of growing up in this Limpopo jewel, a spot that beckons with unmatched allure. Beyond its stunning vistas, the region has adventures—trout fishing, hiking, taking a dip in its rivers, or horseback riding. Yet, what truly captivates is Magoebaskloof’s heartwarming embrace that entices, ensuring every visit isn’t the last. The pristine mountain water, celebrated for its unmatched purity, is our secret ingredient, lending our beers their signature crispness.”

Embarking on a journey to Zwakala is more than just a visit. It’s an odyssey where the heartwarming African spirit melds with adventurous allure and brewing mastery. An unmissable beacon in Limpopo’s rich tapestry of destinations.

ALSO READ: 10 Places to Visit in Mpumalanga

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Must-see attractions in Limpopo

Mapungubwe National Park

Stunningly stark, arid, rocky landscapes reverberate with cultural intrigue and wandering wildlife at Mapungubwe National Park. A Unesco World Heritage…

Confluence Viewpoints

Four wonderfully sited viewing decks sit atop the cliffs and allow for uninterrupted views out over the river plain, the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers and…

Marakele National Park

This mountainous national park is at the southwest end of the Waterberg biosphere. The animals grazing beneath the red cliffs include the Big Five, as…

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

A few clicks south of Hoedspruit along the R40 and attached to the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was set up to…

Interpretation Centre

The impressive centre, one of the country’s finest modern buildings (it won the 2009 World Architecture Award), was designed in sympathetic resemblance to…

Lenong Viewing Point

A narrow, serpentine but paved road climbs to this splendid vantage point with sweeping views; arguably the best views are on the way up. Once at the…

Makapan’s Caves

While not visually arresting, this National Heritage Site carries great palaeontological significance – artefacts from throughout the Stone and Iron Ages…

This private rehabilitation centre, the work of Silke von Eynern and established in 2003, is a testament to persistence. After her husband's death in 1997…

Polokwane Game Reserve

Go on safari at this 32.5-sq-km reserve less than 5km south of Polokwane. It’s one of the country’s largest municipal nature reserves, with 21 wildlife…

Modjadji Nature Reserve

Covering 30,000 sq metres (or 530 hectares), this reserve protects forests of the ancient Modjadji cycad. In the summer mists, the reserve and surrounding…

St John’s Church

About 10km from Vaalwater on the Melkrivier road, turn right onto the Vierentwintigriviere road, and after 8.7km turn left towards Naauwpoort – St John’s…

Nylsvley Nature Reserve

This 40-sq-km reserve, on the Nyl River floodplain, is one of the country’s best places to see birds: 380 species are listed. The mammal list runs to 79,…

Sunland Big Baobab

On the road to Modjadji Nature Reserve, look out for signs to the remains of this 22m-high boabab, with a 47m circumference. According to carbon dating it…

Polokwane Art Museum

This museum is worth ducking into for its modern take on colonialism, many depictions of Nelson Mandela and interesting displays on women and art in South…

Amarula Lapa

The best way to enjoy a glass of creamy Amarula liqueur is to visit the Amarula Lapa, located next to the production plant, 10km west of Phalaborwa…

Thohoyandou Arts & Culture Centre

One starting point for cultural explorations is this centre, which displays craftwork including carved wood animals, prints, local pottery and traditional…

Ben Lavin Nature Reserve

This 25-sq-km reserve is worth visiting for its walking and mountain-bike trails. It contains 200-plus bird species, as well as giraffes, zebras and…

Kings Walden

If steamy Tzaneen is making you droop, climb to this spectacular 300-sq-metre English garden at 1050m in the African bush. The views of the Drakensberg…

Museum of the Drum and Dzata Ruins

The archaeological remains of the royal kraal (compound) of the Venda people make for a fascinating detour. The museum houses a replica of the royal drum,…

Game Breeding Centre

This 13-sq-km reserve on Rte 101 is a breeding centre for the National Zoo in Pretoria and has a wide variety of native and exotic animals, including…

Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum

Located 9km south of Polokwane on Rte 37 to Chuniespoort, this museum evokes the customs of the Northern Sotho people who lived here 300 years ago. The…

Tzaneen Museum

The town museum has an impressive collection of artefacts, ranging from a ‘house guard’ totem used by the Rain Queens to some pretty spine-chilling…

Hugh Exton Photographic Museum

Set in a restored 19th-century church, this museum covers Polokwane’s first half-century and the second Anglo-Boer War through the work of the prolific…

Debengeni Falls

There are a number of waterfalls in the area, including the glorious Debengeni Falls, where a suspension bridge leads between pools.

Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm

This farm is home to more than 10,000 crocodiles, each reaching up to 5.5m in length. The beasts are bred for their skin and meat, which is exported…

Musina Nature Reserve

With South Africa’s highest concentration of baobabs, the reserve is 5km south of the town off the N1, and has animals such as zebras, giraffes and the…

Arend Dieperink Museum

At the back of the tourism association, this museum recounts local history, with a focus on the town’s development after Voortrekkers founded it in 1852.

War Memorial & Long Tom Monument

The last Long Tom gun was destroyed here during the second Anglo-Boer War, which became symbolic of the Boer defeat.

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Vibrant culture

10 reasons to visit limpopo.

K K nown for its huge rivers, splashing hippos and immersive culture, Limpopo is one of the most interesting, and abundant provinces in South Africa. Just a short distance from Jozi, the former Northern Province is one of wild bushveld, big five, and amazing experiences. Here are the top ten reasons why you just have to take a Sho’t Left and visit this beautiful region for yourself.

Limpopo is known for its incredible wildlife. Not just found in the Kruger Park, South Africa’s amazing animals are showcased in a number of smaller and sometimes private game parks dotted around the province. For some reason the wildlife seems bigger and more exciting in the place of strong, gushing waterfalls, enormous trees, open sky, and never-ending wilds.

African Gateway

As Limpopo is bordered on its various sides by Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique it is known as the Gateway to Africa. You can stay in the province, and be able to take day trips to the surrounding countries. This opens up your possible experiences tenfold.

Cultural Heritage

Places to see include The Mapungubwe Heritage Site and The Ribolla Cultural Route, which together combine both the old and the new. The Mapungubwe Heritage site dates back to the Iron Age, complete with San rock art. The Ribolla Cultural route, on the other hand, explores traditional young artists in their home villages. One can view their pieces as well as see how traditional Venda people live.

The Oppikoppi music festival is well known among South Africans who enjoy good quality music, a great time and lots to eat. World class acts brush shoulders with some lesser known ones, all set in the sleepy town of Northam. If you love camping and awesome people, this is the weekend getaway for you.

Magic and Mysticism

Limpopo has more than its fair share of legends and mysteries. If you like stories which give you goosebumps, be sure to visit Lake Fundudzi & Thathe Vondo Forest. Whispered stories of a great white crocodile, a giant python and a village of cursed people at the bottom of a lake can all be discovered with informative and interesting guided tours. Not to mention the Cave of Hearths, where rock art and a human mandible show testament to some of our earliest ancestors.

The flowers are incredible

The Magoebaskloof Spring festival is a riot of colours and a feast for the eyes. The centrepieces are the amazing number of orchids grown by the Magoebaskloof Hotel, but in spring many other plants put on a living painting as well. The hotel itself was built in the 1930s, but was almost completely destroyed by fire in 2004. Of the original building only the Post Box Pub, the Dickie Dagge conference room and one wing of rooms survived.

T T he mountains are ancient

The Waterberg is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the country, and was the first biosphere to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in South Africa. You can find everything from diverse bird species, to big game and even bigger trees in the Waterberg Biosphere. History abounds as well, with some of the sites dating back to primitive man. For those who like spelunking, there is no shortage of caves to explore, just make sure that you do it with a guide and not alone!

The water is warm

Bela Bela is close to Jozi and easily accessible via the N4. Formerly Warmbaths, the region is well known for its resorts full of natural hot springs. Relaxing in the steaming mineral water is not only good for the skin but the soul as well.

T T he trees are huge

Baobabs are possibly Africa’s biggest tree. It is said that the gods dropped the tree out of heaven and it landed on the earth upside down, which is why the branches look like a root network. In any case, Baobabs are awe-inspiring to behold with some being over 1000 years old and actually big enough to fit a very small pub into. Be in awe of the Marula tree, a majestic piece of nature that stands tall at approximately 15 metres. The tree is high in vitamin C and is also used in Amarula Cream liquor—a well-known South African liquor brand.

The people are royalty

The locals of Limpopo have a queen known as the Rain Queen, the hereditary queen of Balobedu. The position of the Rain Queen is matrilineal, meaning succession to the throne is bestowed onto the eldest daughter. Currently, there is no Rain Queen as the last queen passed away in 2015. The next in line to the throne is expected to be crowned when she turns 18.

So check out these Sho’t left deals and plan your trip today!

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10 Best Places to Visit in Limpopo South Africa

Limpopo is named after the Limpopo River that flows through the province and borders Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. It’s home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe, South Africa’s first kingdom. Limpopo offers stunning landscapes including the majestic Waterberg mountain range, lush forests, and breathtaking views. Kruger National Park is also part of the Limpopo Province, but there are more beautiful places to visit in Limpopo. In this Limpopo travel blog, I will share the best places to visit in Limpopo on a 3-week safari itinerary, starting and ending in Johannesburg because of the location of the OR Tambo International Airport.

South Africa is one of the most popular travel destinations in Africa, but its northernmost Limpopo province is less popular, despite the majestic landscapes and outstanding game viewing opportunities.

This Limpopo travel guide is written by travel and wildlife photographer Kim Paffen , a member of the Traveltomtom team. She is also a certified apprentice safari guide.

When arriving at Johannesburg Airport make sure to get connected straight away! Looking for the best prepaid sim card for traveling in South Africa then click here or see here where to buy a sim card at Johannesburg Airport .

1. Start of Limpopo Trip: Johannesburg

Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport was the starting and ending point for our 3-week Limpopo itinerary. It’s located in the Kempton Park district of Johannesburg. We didn’t explore the city itself (this time) as we focused on exploring Limpopo, but this financial capital and largest city of South Africa definitely has some interesting tourist attractions, like the Apartheid Museum, Mandela House, or the guided Soweto Tour, which is very impressive.

After a long flight and late arrival time, we decided to stay conveniently close to the airport at Emerald Guest House , before starting our Limpopo itinerary. This budget-friendly guest house is located in Kempton Park, only 3 km from O.R. Tambo International Airport and offers a free reliable airport shuttle. Private parking is also available on site. The rooms are basic, but very good value for money. Breakfast is included, and Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. They also have a garden with a swimming pool. I recommend Emerald Guesthouse if you’re looking for an affordable place to stay near Johannesburg airport. A good starting point for your Limpopo trip.

2. Welgevonden Private Game Reserve

From Johannesburg, we drove to the Waterberg Region. Our first Limpopo travel destination was Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. The route from Joburg to Welgevonden is about 250 km and is very straightforward. It took us 3,5 to 4 hours.

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is a malaria-free reserve and is home to the big five game animals. The reserve offers one of the largest populations of white rhinos on a private reserve in Africa. It’s located in the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and shares its borders with Marakele National Park. It covers an area of over 36,000 hectares with a mountain landscape including deep valleys, hills, and waving grasslands. The Welgevonden Private Game Reserve lies at an altitude range of 1200 - 1900 meters above sea level.

The reserve is split into two conservation areas. The first part, where the main gate is situated, is a breeding area that helps to control the numbers of certain animals to benefit biodiversity. In this part, you will only find two out of the Big 5 game animals, namely buffalo and leopards.

During our stay at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve we spotted white rhinos, even young ones, about two to three months old. We also got to see a pride of lions, many black-backed jackals, three cheetah brothers, elephants, and a male bull from up close.

A big advantage of Welgevonden is that there are not too many cars in the reserve, which gives you the feeling of being an exclusive observer of the wildlife. They also have certain rules that only a maximum number of cars is allowed at a Big Five sighting.

Where to stay at Welgevonden Private Game Reserve?

Because we spent 4 nights in Welgevonden, we stayed in two amazing and exclusive accommodations of Rare Earth Retreats : Tshwene Lodge and Ekuthuleni Lodge.

Tshwene Lodge

If you are looking for a luxury safari stay in a tranquil environment in the middle of the bush, you would love to stay at Tshwene lodge . This canopied hideaway is located along the rugged valley of the Taaibos River. With only 5 rooms, it’s a relatively small lodge, offering an exclusive and quiet safari experience. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who long for peace, exclusivity, and excellent game viewing in stunning surroundings.

The rooms are very spacious. In our private bathroom, we had a bathtub, and an indoor and outdoor shower. The bed was huge and very comfortable, and I absolutely loved the private view of the valley below from the large balcony of our room. A big plus was the daily housekeeping and complimentary laundry service.

The friendly staff took care of us by offering an exclusive and personal service. Our stay included 2 game drives a day, and in between, we got spoiled with lovely meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tshwene lodge serves set meals and takes dietary requirements into account.

During our stay at Tshwene we were guided by Elias, a very knowledgeable and experienced guide. He was very attentive to fresh animal tracks, which he used to show us some amazing sightings. After the game drive you can choose to relax at the pool or enjoy a massage.

Ekuthuleni Lodge

Ekuthuleni Lodge is Tshwene’s sister lodge and offers comparable high-quality standards, however, the location and feel of this lodge are different but in a good way. Ekuthuleni Lodge is located on a small hill, offering magnificent views of the savannah plains with the sight of a waterhole where several animals like elephants, zebra, rhino, and waterbuck come to drink.

The accommodation is well maintained, cozy but spacious, and clean. They offer 5 rooms, so the maximum number of guests is 10, which ensures an exclusive and personal service.

The five suites offer intimacy and privacy, each with a patio and both indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a bathtub. Even from the patio, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the plains and the present wildlife. The rooms are very spacious, beautifully decorated, and well-equipped.

Two daily safari game drives are included in your stay, conducted by professional and experienced guides. We had the privilege to have Zaan Du Plessis as our guide, a very knowledgeable female safari guide, and a warm-hearted person. She knows exactly what it means to provide a great safari experience to you as a guest and we had good laughs too. The sightings of rhino, cheetah, and several lions were absolutely amazing.

In between the safari game drives, we got spoiled with wonderful meals from chef ‘Laptop’. We enjoyed our meals in the cozy dining room or on the open-air deck with views of the Savannah plains. All delicious meals were prepared with the freshest ingredients available, and it was exactly to our taste.

The staff and service from Rare Earth are amazing and there is such attention to detail. From the minute we arrived, all our needs were taken care of. I would love to go back soon.

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3. Limpokwena Nature Reserve

From Welgevonden we drove in a North-East direction to Limpokwena Nature Reserve, located near the Botswana border. In the Northern part of Limpopo, the roads are more damaged, which affects your traveling time. In total, the journey took us about 5 to 6 hours, but it was definitely worth it!

Limpokwena boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna and offers a rough landscape. North, on the Botswana border, you find the Limpopo River, and East the beautiful Mogalakwena River flowing into the Limpopo River, hence the name ‘LimpoKwena’.

Limpokwena Nature Reserve is a remote destination, far from civilization, which makes it a perfect destination to rewind and escape from the busy life. I loved this remote experience combined with splendid landscapes and pristine wilderness. Many animals can be seen such as elephants, giraffes, and a remarkable variety of birds. Although you can find big game animals in this reserve, that shouldn’t be the focus when staying here.

Where to stay at Limpokwena Nature Reserve?

Limpokwena Nature Reserve , the sister reserve of Zingela Nature Reserve, offers a small main camp with 4 chalets and a family cottage, and 4 tents on the exclusive Island Camp. The main camp is fenced and has a swimming pool.

The Island Camp is open and unfenced and lies on the banks of the Limpopo River. The island camp does not have any cellular service or Wi-Fi, but for safety, a hand-held radio is provided for emergencies. For these reasons, the Island camp is only recommended for experienced campers and permitted for children over 12 years.

All accommodations of Limpokwena Nature Reserve are self-catered, so you need to take enough food and water with you because the nearest supermarket is too far.

We had a great time camping on the remote Island Camp. We loved the views, and enjoyed the peace and nature around us! Furthermore, we had some giraffes, impala, and vervet monkeys as visitors, and we enjoyed watching the African Fish Eagle catching prey. In the morning and afternoon, we joined the guided 4x4 game drives, which are included in the price.

The tents are basic, provided with two stretchers per tent including a mattress, blankets, pillows, a small bedside table and lamp, a standing fan, and an electrical plug point for charging. There is also a fully equipped open-plan kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a large fridge, and firewood. Communal showers and flushing toilets are also available.

The Limpokwena Island Camp is a must-visit for adventurous nature lovers seeking for a peaceful experience. On Booking you can only find the chalets, visit Limpokwena website  for the Island Camp.

4. Mapesu Private Game Reserve + Mapungubwe NP

After the remote experience at Limpokwena Nature Reserve, we headed more North to Mapesu Private Game Reserve, situated adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe National Park. The nearest gas station is about 70 km away, at Alldays or Musina, so be prepared for that.

Mapesu Private Game Reserve  is a Big 5 Game Reserve and is a partner of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's cheetah metapopulation project. They put large efforts into conservation and responsible tourism, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Mapesu Private Game Reserve.

Mapesu Private Game Reserve was established in 2014 and covers an area of over 7,200 hectares. The reserve offers scenic landscapes, from sandstone formations to woodlands, and riverine forests, and includes Limpopo’s famous baobab trees.

The various ecotones on the reserve provide the perfect habitat for many mammal species like zebra, waterbuck, impala, kudu, steenbok, and more. 383 bird species have been recorded in Mapesu Private Game Reserve and over 433 species occur in the region.

Mapesu Private Game reserve also offers local activities, including a visit to the impressive Rock Art of the San (Bushmen) people, the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa. Their ancient rock paintings and carvings are found in caves and on rock shelters and refer to spiritual beliefs, wildlife, and things that the tribes experienced thousands of years ago. Mapesu is also the best place to stay if you want to visit Mapungubwe National Park as they take you on a safari to this amazing park, only a 15-minute drive from Mapesu.

Where to stay at Mapesu Private Game Reserve?

Mapesu Private Game Reserves offers various accommodations, the luxury 4-star Mopane Bush Lodge , self-catering units, a campsite with tent rental options, and the Mapesu Wilderness Camp with luxury tents.

We stayed at the Mapesu Wilderness Camp , situated on a hillside with a 180 degrees view over the stunning Mopane bush veld. The spacious tents are provided with an ensuite bathroom with a large bathtub and outdoor shower. The tents are set apart to enjoy privacy and all have a private terrace. Inside the tent, you will find some comfortable furnishings; two chairs, a table, and a small desk. The communal area offers a large pool, a restaurant, and a bar with Free Wi-Fi. The camp area also has a swimming pool!

I would highly recommend adding Mapesu Private Game Reserve, including a visit to Mapungubwe National park, to your list of best places to visit in Limpopo, South Africa. It’s also a good base when you want to combine the northern part of South Africa, with Botswana or Zimbabwe.

5. Mapungubwe National Park

The visit to Mapungubwe National Park was incredible and enriching. The sandstone scenery and its open, expansive savannah landscape at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers are absolutely breathtaking.

Mapungubwe National Park is set hard against the northern border of South Africa, joining Zimbabwe and Botswana. Visiting Mapungubwe National Park was one of the highlights of my trip in Limpopo.

From Mapesu Game Reserve it was only a 15 minutes drive to reach the park. You can also do a self-drive in Mapungubwe, but since Mapesu offered a safari in this national park, I loved to explore the park with a guide who knows a lot about the region and routes inside the park. Especially for a first-time visit.

6. Pafuri (Makuleke), North Kruger National Park

Our next destination was the jewel of Northern Kruger National Park, the Makuleke Concession, or Pafuri Triangle.

The Pafuri region is situated between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in the Northern part of Kruger National Park. It covers an area of 24,000 hectares and belongs to the Makuleke community.

This area is an exclusive and the most remote and wildest part of Kruger National Park, offering a variety of vegetation, including an immense fever tree forest.

It also offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, like buffalos, large herds of elephants, and many hippos and crocs at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers at Crooks’ Corner. This area is also a hotspot for birders.

You will also find lots of baobab trees that are home to this region. Some are more than 4000 years old. Last but not least, the Pafuri region offers stunning lookout points. A sundowner at Lanner Gorge has to be on your bucket list when staying in Paruri, the Makuleke concession. Lanner Gorge is a narrow, winding gorge where the Luvuvhu River has carved its course through sandstone cliffs. It’s one of the best - if not THE BEST - sundowner spots in Africa I’ve experienced so far.

Where to stay in the Makuleke Concession of Pafuri?

The Makuleke Concession is not accessible to ordinary tourists visiting Kruger National Park because the concession has a maximum of 52 guests that can be accommodated. We stayed at Rare Earth’s luxury Outpost Lodge , which offers 12 luxury and spacious lodges overlooking the Luvuvhu valley or river.

All lodges are separately located and connected with a raised walkway offering stunning views of the Northern Kruger wilderness. The rooms with a huge bed, shower, bathtub, and lounge set are very spacious, well-decorated, and clean. The views from the large terrace are mind-blowing!

The morning and afternoon game drives are included in the stay and guided by incredibly knowledgeable rangers. We had the pleasure to spend 4 days with Ray. Our bush walks and game drives were great fun, very informative, and full of amazing landscapes, and wildlife. I wish I could have spent even more time on safari with The Outpost’s ranger Ray.

Between the game drives, we were spoiled with amazing food, served by the warm and caring staff. The Outpost Lodge offers a rich cold and hot breakfast, lunch, dinner in a cozy setting with fire, and also a high tea with savory and sweets before departing for the afternoon game drive.

One day, we were surprised with a bush breakfast after a morning game drive. It was a really nice set-up at a huge Baobab Tree, a stunning place to have your breakfast in the bush.

When we departed to our next travel destination, we even received a rich packed lunch, what a great service! I absolutely adored the stay at Rare Earth’s the Outpost Lodge from start to finish. If you would like to experience a really untouched area of the far northern Kruger National Park, visit The Outpost Lodge in Pafuri.

You will not regret it! Don’t expect to see many cats, like lions, and cheetah, but the area is simply stunning with amazing landscapes and you will definitely find those large herds of elephants.

7. North-Central Kruger National Park

After a luxury stay in the far Northern region of Kruger National Park, we did a self-drive through Kruger National Park, because the experience of a self-drive in Kruger has to be on your South Africa bucket list.

In two days we discovered the areas around Shingwedzi, Mopane, Letaba, Olifants, Satara, and Orpen. From Pafuri we drove the tar road (H1-8) towards Punda Maria and Shingwedzi. Mopane trees and elephants are common in this area. Near Shingwedzi we drove The Red Rocks Loop (S52), where you can see how water erosion has created a series of potholes pitted in the smooth, reddish stone. This is also the place where we spotted a leopard, as well as elephants and plenty of birds.

Satara is popular because of the good lion and hyena sightings and big herds of grazers in the open grasslands. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a lot of animals, possibly because of the weather that day. We saw many birds along the quiet Old Main Road (S90) to Satara and enjoyed the beautiful views over the savannah grasslands along this road.

Olifants is well known for excellent game viewing because of the 3 ecosystems that Olifants consists of, but we weren’t lucky to see much animal activity. Better luck next time, it’s nature!

We stayed in Shingwedzi Rest Camp and in Olifants Rest Camp. I loved the views of the river at Olifants Rest Camp, they are breathtaking!

8. Manyeleti Private Game Reserve

We left Kruger National Park at the Orpen Gate, in the Mpumalanga province, and followed our way to Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, the Big 5 private game reserve, meaning ‘place of stars’ in the local Shangaan language. The Manyeleti Game Reserve is easily accessible by car and plane. The access gate to Manyeleti is close to Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate.

Manyeleti covers an area of 23,000 hectares and borders Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and the Timbavati Game Reserve. As there are no fences between the national park and the private game reserves, wildlife is able to roam freely.

Manyeleti Private Game Reserve is home to a large population of lions and offers exceptional possibilities for viewing the elusive leopard. Other big 5 game animals are spotted on a regular basis as well.

This area is also home to over 300 bird species, which makes Manyeleti a great safari destination for many guests, like wildlife enthusiasts, birders, and photographers. Two great advantages of Manyeleti are that (ethical) off-roading is allowed, and the reserve is well-known for its very low vehicle density.

Where to stay at Manyeleti Private Game Reserve?

Tintswalo Safari Lodge was our home for two nights at Manyeleti Private Game Reserve. We stayed at the Baker Suite, named after Samuel and his wife Baker, one of the most important explorers of the 19th century.

The Baker suite has its own private plunge pool on a wooden deck with a view of the African bush and a full en-suite bathroom including a bathtub and an indoor and outdoor shower. This suite has a classic and romantic feel and is a perfect place to unwind; a real honeymoon suite.

When staying at the Tintswalo Safari Lodge, you don’t need to worry about anything. The staff will ensure that you will have a pleasant stay. From the welcoming at reception to the delicious food, the personal service from the butler, the safe assistant of the night guard, and the knowledge of the guides and trackers, all is top-level. I really liked their surprise of a bush breakfast in a dry riverbed after one of our morning game drives.

The Wi-Fi connection was stable and available in our room, which is a big plus for me as I also work during my stay. Also, the complimentary laundry service is an added value!

If you like to have some time to relax, you can book a massage or enjoy the nature and wildlife around the accommodation. In the main area, there’s a photo hide near the water supply where elephants often come to drink. You will also find other animals, like Nyala around the accommodation.

Long story short, the 5-star Tintswalo Safari Lodge in Manyeleti Game Reserve is an excellent place when looking for a royal and extraordinary stay in the African bush.

9. Hoedspruit via Panorama Route to Hazyview

After spending a lot of time on safari in the bush, we changed the focus to the extraordinary landscapes along the famous Panorama Route. This scenic self-drive route is located along the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. Because we had to end our Limpopo itinerary in Johannesburg it was a great way to add a bit of the Panorama Route to our itinerary.

Where to stay in Hoedspruit?

From Manyeleti we headed to Hoedspruit, a lovely small village located at the foot of the Klein Drakensbergen part of the Limpopo Region. Near Hoedspruit we stayed on a beautiful farm - Francine’s Farmhouse  - surrounded by orange plantations with amazing mountain views. I loved their amazing curry for dinner! It’s a great and peaceful base to explore Kruger and the Panorama Route.

From there we visited Blyderivierpoort Dam, the gravity-arch dam on the Blyde River, in the lower Blyde River Canyon. If you have enough time, I would definitely recommend going there. From Hoedspruit we continued to the first and one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Panorama Route, the Three Rondavels. Afterwards we also visited Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, the Pinnacle, and different waterfalls. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to drive the Panorama route, including stops along the route. After driving the panorama route, we stayed in Hazyview.

Where to stay in Hazyview?

We choose to stay in a remote location near Hazyview, at Chestnut Country Lodge . This lodge is located on the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in the heart of the Kiepersol district and offers lovely views of the forest and surroundings. The 2 km dirt road to get there is bumpy but well worth it. Once you arrive, you will be warmly welcomed by the friendly managers and staff, and you can enjoy the peace. Due to the natural fauna and flora, you can hear and find plenty of special birds.

At the time we were visiting Chestnut Country Lodge, the lodge management was renovating most of their rooms, including the bathrooms. The rooms are very spacious, clean, and all have a private patio. You can park your car right next to the room.

A cold and hot breakfast is included in the price, and they offer an optional dinner, a 3-course set menu with large portions. During the day, you can go out to explore, or you can relax at the sparkling clean pool.

Chestnut Country Lodge - part of the African Safari Collective - is a very good option to stay, before going into the Kruger National Park or driving the Panorama Route.

10. Shalati, Skukuza, Kruger National Park

Our last safari destination was Skukuza in the Southern Region of Kruger National Park, well-known for the better predator and Big 5 sightings. We entered Kruger Park through the Paul Kruger Gate. This gate is regarded as the quickest way to reach Skukuza.

Skukuza is the number one game viewing destination in South Africa and therefore very popular amongst tourists. A popular loop around Skukuza is the route around the confluence of the Sabie and Sand Rivers (H1-2, H12 and H4-1). This route combines open grasslands, thorn thickets and riverine forests and is recommended to drive in the early morning or afternoon. You can often find lion prides, in this area there is less competition because of the large amount of game.

Where to stay in Skukuza?

Our last destination was the exclusive and luxury accommodation Shalati , situated on the old historic train bridge above the Sabi River. Shalati offers 31 rooms, including 24 carriage rooms.

Sleeping in a train wagon is a unique and exciting experience! We stayed in one of their re-envisioned carriage rooms which are spacious, beautifully designed and offer magnificent views over the bush and river below. We saw elephants, hippos, and buffalo grazing from our balcony. In the morning, we watched the sunrise from our big king-sized bed.

When it comes to game viewing, I would not skip game drives very often, but at Shalati I choose to stay around the accommodation because it’s such a lovely experience. The game drives inside the Kruger Park on the same roads that the self-drivers use, and can't tip the luxury feel around the accommodation. Knowing our trip was going to end, I preferred to relax and enjoyed the fewer wildlife sightings around the lodge.

Apart from the great rooms and atmosphere, Shalati offers a high-class dining experience. They offer an extensive breakfast, lunch, and supper. Before the game drive, they serve high tea at the bar and lounge area at the bridge, with a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the river.

Kruger’s Shalati - Train on the Bridge is a real bucket list destination and a very special place to stay inside Kruger National Park. I would definitely like to go back once! It was a perfect ending to our 3-week Limpopo itinerary. From Shalati, the train on the bridge we left Kruger National Park via de Paul Kruger Gate and made our way back to Johannesburg, via Dullstroom.

3-Week itinerary for Limpopo

Our 3-week Limpopo road trip included several luxury private game reserves, as well as mid-range and budget activities and accommodations like a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park. See below the planning of the route we covered.

• Day 1: Johannesburg
• Day 2-6: Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
• Day 6-8: Limpokwena Nature Reserve
• Day 8-10: Mapesu Private Game Reserve
• Day 10-14: Pafuri, Far Northern region of Kruger National Park
• Day 14-16: Northern and Central region of Kruger National Park
• Day 16-18: Manyeleti Private Game Reserve
• Day 19: Hoedspruit via Panorama Route to Hazyview
• Day 19-21: Shalati (Skukuza), Southern region of Kruger National Park
• Day 22: Johannesburg

This travel blog with the best places to visit in Limpopo is written by award-winning wildlife photographer Kim Paffen, part of the Traveltomtom team. A few images of this Limpopo trip are part of her Wild Heart print collection  to decorate your interior.

All of the above opinions are honest, and I hope our experience and Limpopo travel tips are both useful and inspiring to you. In case you have any questions about traveling to South Africa or planning your trip to Limpopo, feel free to reach out through my Instagram @ourplanetinmylens .

If you liked this blog, please help me in return by sharing the link to this article somewhere on the internet. Every pin on Pinterest or share on Facebook is very much appreciated.

For more travel inspiration and amazing photos of Kim have a look at her other South Africa blogs, like the ultimate itinerary from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth via the Garden Route and the best places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal .

Enjoy your trip to South Africa!

• south africa

13 Reasons to visit Limpopo, South Africa

Limpopo , also called Africa 's Eden, is South Africa ’s northernmost province, named after the Limpopo River. The Limpopo province covers 125,755 square kilometers and borders Mozambique, Zimbabwe , and Botswana , which makes Limpopo a perfect gateway to other African countries. It also seems to be the safest province in South Africa .

Limpopo is a more rural tourist destination, ideal for people who prefer taking the road less traveled to seek authentic and unique nature and wildlife experiences, especially in the far North of Limpopo .

The Limpopo province  is rich in wildlife, contrasting scenery, cultural heritage, and historical sites. The stunning landscapes vary from rocky and arid landscapes in UNESCO's Mapungubwe National Park to a Mountainous landscape in the Waterberg region.

Visiting the less-traveled Great North of South Africa exceeded my expectations and should be on top of your bucket list when you plan to visit South Africa. Here are my top 13 reasons why you should visit Limpopo in South Africa.

1. Excellent wildlife viewing in Limpopo's private game reserves

Plenty of wildlife can be found in Limpopo, especially in Limpopo’s private game reserves. The reason I prefer visiting private game reserves is because of the more   authentic and exclusive safari experience with a secure environment for wildlife and fewer crowds.

Several private game reserves in Limpopo can be reached within a 4-hours drive from Johannesburg. On our 3-week road trip in the Limpopo Province , we visited 5 private game reserves or private concessions.

The private game reserves in Limpopo offer a great diversity of wildlife and birdlife . Just like the three National Parks in the Limpopo province, most of them are home to the big 5   ( lion , leopard, rhinoceros, elephant , and buffalo).

In the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve (Waterberg District) we spotted white rhinos , elephants, lions , hippos, many jackals, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, and plenty of birds. The reserve is nestled within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, flagged for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity.

Manyeleti Private Game Reserve , sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, is a great place to see big cats and elephants. If you're staying at Tintswalo Safari Lodge , you will almost daily see elephants passing by to drink water. They also have a photography hide to observe the elephants from up close.

I didn't spot many Big Five animals in the northern part of Limpopo, like in Limpokwena Nature Reserve and Mapesu Game Reserve, but I'm a lover of all animals of the African bush. In Limpokwena we saw many impalas, giraffes, and two bat-eared foxes, plus plenty of birds including a Fish Eagle and a Pel's Fishing Owl.

In Mapesu Private Game Reserve , we tracked Cheetah on foot! A great experience. Remember that Africa is more than ticking off the Big 5. I'm equally happy seeing amazing landscapes, trees, or plains game.

Every private game reserve has its own charm, and they often put a lot of effort into sustainability and nature  conservation , which is absolutely valuable to preserve wildlife for future generations.

2. 3 one-of-a-kind National Parks

The Limpopo Province of South Africa has three National Parks : Marakele National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, and Kruger National Park. All three of them have a unique charm, hence why they are worth visiting.

Marakele National Park is a malaria-free area situated in the Waterberg mountain range in Limpopo that mainly   focuses on self-drive safaris, but it is also possible to go on game drive activities with a guide. Marakele National Park is a place of wild beauty, home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape vultures. You can also go on guided walks.

Mapungubwe National Park is located in the North of the Limpopo Province, on the border of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. It’s renowned for its scenic landscape with baobab trees, riverine forests, woodlands, and stunning sandstone formations.

Mapungubwe National Park is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  and a wonderful place for anyone who is interested in wildlife, nature, and birds. Due to the movement of animals between the three countries, game numbers fluctuate. We only had one day to visit Mapungubwe National Park, so we only explored the Eastern section offering incredible landscapes. The confluence viewpoint  of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers is a real highlight.

Kruger National Park is the largest and oldest national park in South Africa. It’s one of the most popular safari destinations in all of Africa and covers two South African provinces; Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Kruger is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and is home to an abundance of wildlife including the   Big Five and more than 517 bird species.

We did a self-drive in Kruger from North to South , which is a great way to explore the different scenery. On our 3-week South Africa road trip, we spend 9 days in Kruger National Park, starting in Pafuri. From there, we did a 4-day self-drive in the southern direction, leaving Kruger through the Paul Kruger Gate in Mpumalanga.

3. Limpopo is a walking safari paradise

For the adventurous nature-loving soul and hiking enthusiast, there are plenty of walking safari activities in Limpopo . It is a unique and intimate experience of being surrounded by nature and having up-close encounters with wildlife, on foot.

A walking safari, also known as a bush walk, is a guided walk with the objective to  view wildlife on foot and learn about the animal's tracks and signs as well as animal behavior. On foot, the trail guide carries a rifle for safety reasons. The bush is the bush, so you have to be prepared for and be aware of unexpected wildlife encounters.

In Limpopo, there are many safari lodges that offer walking safaris . The Makuleke Contractual Park , a private concession in Pafuri (Northern Kruger National Park) is a popular area for walking safaris where you can encounter f/e elephants and buffaloes on foot. We did a walking safari activity with our guide at The Outpost Lodge . Another beautiful place to do walking safaris is in the Waterberg region. Adventurous hikers can also choose to join a 4-day walking safari in Kruger National Park.

Walking safaris allow you to experience the African bush with all your senses . You can feel the ground beneath you, smell the trees, plants, flowers, or droppings from animals, and you will hear faint rustlings in the bush. It’s an entirely different experience than a safari game drive in a vehicle.

  Limpopo Travel Tip: Have a look at walkingsafaris.africa if you're planning to do a walking safari in Limpopo or Africa in general. I'm a team member of the platform, where we offer safari companies and lodges a chance of listing their walking safari activities.

4. The oldest mountain ranges of South Africa are found in Limpopo

Limpopo's Waterberg region is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, more than 300 species of birds, and a variety of plants as well as many significant archaeological and geological sites. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Waterberg region is its ancient mountain ranges .

The Waterberg mountain range is one of the oldest in South Africa, with some of its rock formations dating back more than 2.3 billion years. This makes the Waterberg one of the oldest known places on Earth. The mountains were formed through a process of uplift and erosion. Waterberg is the first biosphere to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa .

The Waterberg region in Limpopo's South Africa is a fascinating place with a rich history and diverse natural beauty. Its ancient mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, and important cultural and historical sites make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural world and the history of our planet.

5. Beautiful contrasting landscapes

Known for its stunning landscapes, Limpopo is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. From rolling hills, forests and grasslands to wetlands and open savannahs , Limpopo offers a wide range of landscapes with stunning views to explore.

One of the main biomes in Limpopo is the savannah , which is a type of grassland with scattered trees. The Kruger National Park, located in the eastern part of Limpopo, is a prime example of savannah.

The Limpopo Province is also home to many different types of forests, including subtropical forests, woodlands, and montane forest. The Waterberg mountain range , located in the central part of the province, is home to some of the oldest and most diverse forests in South Africa. While road tripping through Limpopo, you will also find fascinating mountain landscapes like the Soutpansberg , Waterberg, and Magoebaskloof .

Limpopo also has wetlands , which include swamps, marshes, and rivers , with The Limpopo River as one of the largest and most important wetland areas in South Africa.

Personally, I really loved the scenic landscape around Mapungubwe National Park with red sandstone formations, baobab trees, riverine forests, and woodlands. The views are especially stunning during the golden hour, my favorite time to photograph.

These varied habitats and landscapes are an important part of the province's natural heritage and are a must-see for anyone interested in the beauty and diversity of South Africa's landscapes.

6. Limpopo has breathtaking sundowner spots

One of the most stunning viewpoints in Limpopo , and a real highlight of my trip, was the  magnificent Lanner Gorge , carved by the Luvuvhu River, situated in the Makuleke concession in the North of Kruger National Park. This gorge is up to 150 meters deep and 11 kilometers long. It's one of the best sundowner spots in Limpopo , and maybe even in Africa.

Just a reminder that not everybody who does a self-drive in Kruger is able to visit Lanner Gorge as it's part of a private concession within the Kruger National Park, meaning you have to stay in one of the lodges on the concession to experience this amazing place. We stayed at The Outpost Lodge  (Rare Earth) offering amazing views of the surrounding landscape.

Another great viewpoint and sundowner destination is the confluence lookout in Mapungubwe National Park . The lookout provides several viewing decks that overlook the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.

   Limpopo Travel Tip: take a bottle of wine and some snacks and visit the Confluence viewpoint in Mapungubwe for a sundowner!

7. Camping on the banks of the Limpopo River

The Limpopo River flows along the northern boundary of the Limpopo Province. Along that boundary, you can find Limpokwena Nature Reserve ; a remote destination with an open and unfenced Island Camp located on the banks of the Limpopo River with stunning views of Botswana.

It's a self-catered camp with no cellular service or WiFi. For emergencies, there's a hand-held radio provided. The tents are basic and provided with two stretchers with a mattress, blanket, and pillow. There's an electrical plug point for charging, a mobile fan, and a solar lamp. Furthermore, the campsite has an open-plan kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a large fridge, and firewood. Communal showers and flushing toilets are also available.

Camping at this Limpokwena Island Camp is not for everybody and only recommended for experienced campers and permitted for children over 12 years. I really loved this remote camping adventure; a perfect place to unwind and mindfully reconnect to nature. Limpokwena Nature Reserve boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna with amazing landscapes and pristine wilderness.

On the other side of the Limpopo River, we could watch elephants, giraffes, impalas, and baboons passing by. At night, you could hear the sounds of the flowing river and the laugh of hyenas foraging for food. In the morning, we woke up to the sounds of Fish Eagle and vervet monkeys up in the trees and on our tent.

It's an amazing experience when you only hear the sounds of nature without humans interfering; a peaceful experience. In the morning and afternoon, we joined the guided 4x4 game drives , which are included in the price. Apart from the Island Camp, Limpokwena Nature Reserve also offers main lodge chalets .

8. Best examples of San Rock Art in South Africa

The Limpopo Province is home to many significant archeological and historical sites, including some of the best examples of San rock art in South Africa. The San, also known as the Bushmen, are the oldest known inhabitants of South Africa and have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in their rock art.

One of the best places to see San rock art in Limpopo  is near Mapungubwe National Park. Other places where you can find bushmen paintings are Kruger National Park, and the Waterberg region.

These parks and reserves contain many rock shelters and caves that are decorated with San rock art and offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the culture and heritage of the San people.

We explored the San rock art on a guided tour by Mapesu Private Game Reserve . The place was called Kaoxa . The paintings help us to understand the traditions and culture of the San People . The San rock paintings are believed to be about 5000 years old.

9. Limpopo's awe-inspiring Baobab trees

Limpopo is famous for its many Baobab trees and is in fact the best place to see baobab trees in South Africa . The town of Messina even bears the name ‘Baobab town’. According to the Guinness World Records, the largest known living baobab tree in the world by volume is believed to be the Sagole Baobab in Limpopo, South Africa, and can be found near Tshipise. The tree has a circumference of over 47 meters and is estimated to be over 3,000 years old.

I love African landscapes dotted with baobabs; these huge "upside-down trees" are magnificent to watch and it looks like their roots seem to grow into to the sky. One of the most impressive baobab trees we saw on our Limpopo trip was in Pafuri, in the far north of Kruger National Park.

I also photographed an impressive baobab in Mapesu Private Game Reserve under a starry night sky.

The magical baobab tree is native to the African continent and is a real icon of Africa. Baobab trees grow in 32 African countries, mostly in some of Africa's driest and remotest parts.

My all-time favorite baobab destination is Madagascar . One of the Baobab images I captured on Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset, made it to the finals of the Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year contest.

10. Stay on Fruit Farms and learn about Limpopo's agricultural heritage

Limpopo is home to a thriving agricultural industry. In recent years, the region has become a popular destination for agricultural tourism , with many visitors coming to experience the region's farms, their sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, and the rural lifestyle.

Many farms in the region are located in picturesque rural areas, with views of rolling hills, forests, and wildlife. Visitors can take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and game viewing, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. We stayed at Francine's Farmhouse   in Hoedspruit in the middle of orange plantations with magical views of the Drakensberg Mountain range; a great place to relax and unwind.

Agricultural tourism in Limpopo is an important source of income for many local farmers. By opening their doors to visitors, farmers are able to generate additional revenue and support their communities. In turn, visitors can support local farmers by purchasing locally-grown products and participating in farm activities.

11. Limpopo is a safe self-drive destination

The best way to travel to the Limpopo Province in South Africa is by car. It's a safe self-drive destination . On our road trip to Limpopo, I never felt unsafe.

Surfaced roads in Limpopo are generally in a good condition, however, potholes are no exception. Important to know is that you have to drive on the left side of the road in a right-hand vehicle. An advantage of driving in South Africa is that all road signs are written in English.

We rented a Hyundai Venue Automatic Hatchback at Around About Cars, South Africa's cheapest and number 1 rental car provider that offers unlimited mileage & debit card car hire. To cover distances on main roads and paved roads, a medium-sized vehicle is sufficient. If you’re planning to drive off-road a lot, you might want to consider hiring a 4x4 vehicle.

It’s relatively easy to book a rental car online that can be picked up at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. It might be useful to check if you need an international driver's license. Although it is not required, some car rental agencies ask for it.

12. Suitable for every type of traveler & budget

Limpopo offers varied accommodations for different types of travelers and budgets , from top-class bush lodges and mid-range hotels to self-catering houses or tented camps. For example, in Kruger National Park you can book a campsite, tent, bungalow, cottage, or house. Accommodation in private game reserves is more expensive, but prices include accommodation, all meals, selected drinks, and 2-daily game drives.

We stayed in several camps and lodges in Limpopo's private game reserves, for example, the luxury Tshwene Lodge and Ekuthuleni Lodge in Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, the luxurious five-star Tintswalo safari lodge in Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mapesu Wilderness Camp or Mopane Bush Lodge in Mapesu Nature Reserve, and the self-catered Island tented camp in Limpokwena Nature Reserve.

Prices varied from 55 dollars for a remote self-catered chalet-style tent with a stretcher bed at Limpokwena Nature Reserve to about 750 dollars per night for an exclusive stay at the 5-star Tintswalo safari lodge.

We also fell in love with the magnificent view from our balcony at the Outpost Lodge and the unique area of Pafuri. All places had their own unique charm. Soon, I will publish an article about some of the best places to stay in Limpopo.

13. Wildlife course in the Bush

Limpopo is also the perfect place to join a wildlife course in the bush as a great alternative to an 'ordinary' safari trip to Africa. Why? On a wildlife course in the bush or safari guide training, you will learn so much more about nature, the animal's behavior, and their tracks and signs.

Just like on a safari trip in Limpopo,  you will go out on game drives twice a day. The difference is that this is a more educational wildlife experience and especially interesting for the nature-loving soul that wishes to experience a wildlife adventure that includes learning about the environment and animals' behavior with the chance of receiving an official qualification from the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa.

I did my safari guide training with  EcoTraining ; the pioneer and leader in safari guide and wildlife training. Their head office is located in Nelspruit and they have several tented camps in Limpopo where you can join a wildlife course or safari guide training, for example in Pridelands, Karongwe Game Reserve, Makuleke Concession in Kruger National Park, and in Selati Game Reserve.

Interested in doing a course with EcoTraining and want more information? As a partner of EcoTraining you can book your course through us and we're able to share our personal experiences with you which makes studying for your course much easier. Fill in the form if you want more information or visit our page with an overview of all EcoTraining wildlife courses .

13 reasons to visit Limpopo, South Africa

• Excellent wildlife viewing
• 3 One-of-a-kind National Parks
• Walking safaris paradise
• Ancient mountain ranges
• Beautiful contrasting landscapes
• Breathtaking sundowner spots
• Camping at the Limpopo River
• Best San Rock Art in South Africa
• Awe-inspiring Baobab trees
• Stay on Fruit Farms
• Safe self-drive destination
• Suitable for every type of traveler
• Join a Wildlife course

Watch a promotional video of the 5 districts in Limpopo, published by the Limpopo Tourism Agency here:

I hope these 13 reasons to visit Limpopo  made you excited to explore Africa's Jewel by yourself! For more information about traveling in South Africa, I wrote this South Africa Travel Guide : the whole world in one country!

Feel free to reach out if you have questions about travel to Limpopo, or any other African travel destination , like Kenya or Uganda . Ever did a balloon safari in Serengeti (the famous National Park in Tanzania ) or are you planning your first safari in Africa? Then, start by reading the following articles:

• What to expect on a game drive in Africa? 15 things you need to know!
• If you're a keen photographer you might be interested in reading my tips for planning a photography safari in Africa
• Are you going on safari in Africa for the first time? I wrote a blog about what to pack for a safari in Africa, including a downloadable safari packing guide .

If this article was helpful to plan your vacation in Limpopo, you can help me in return by sharing this article about the 13 reasons to visit Limpopo on your social media channels or by leaving a comment. I would love to see you return to my blog!  

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Julian De Silva

The team put together an excellent… The team put together an excellent itinerary and trip for us to South Africa. It was exceptionally good from drivers, ...

Limpopo Province is considered by many to be South Africa’s no-man’s-land: a hot, thornbush-covered area caught between the dynamic heartland of Gauteng to the south and, to the north, the Limpopo River, which acts as South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. The real highlights of Limpopo are often overshadowed by the busy N1 highway, South Africa’s umbilical cord to the rest of the continent, which dissects the province. But this is where you’ll find vast open spaces with wildlife galore and breathtaking mountainous landscapes covered in mist, all accessible at lower prices than elsewhere in the country. Culturally, Limpopo also stands out: seven of South Africa’s eleven official languages are spoken here, and you stand a good chance of meeting people from the majority of the country’s ethnic groupings while travelling around the province. The region is also well endowed with a remarkable and ever-increasing number of wildlife and nature reserves, housing the country’s highest population of rhinos and a multitude of elegant species of antelope, and ensuring that there is brilliant game viewing to be had.

Brief history of Limpopo

Name changes in limpopo, far north limpopo.

The eastern side of the province is lowveld, dominated by the 70km-wide strip of Kruger National Park abutting the Mozambique border. This part of Limpopo is covered, along with Kruger itself, in the preceding chapter. The principal attractions of the rest of the province lie in its three wild and distinctive mountain escarpments. The best known of these is the Drakensberg Escarpment, making the descent from highveld to lowveld through lush forests in the Letaba to the west of Kruger.

Polokwane , the provincial capital, lies west of the Drakensberg along the N1, while further to the west lies the sedate Waterberg massif, a region dedicated to wildlife conservation and offering malaria-free Big Five game viewing. In the north, parallel to the Limpopo River and bisected by the N1, are the subtropical Soutpansberg Mountains, and the intriguing and still very independently minded Venda region, a homeland during the apartheid era, to the east. North of the Soutpansberg are wide plains dominated by surreal baobab trees, much in evidence along the N1 as it leads to the only border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe, at Beitbridge. Hugging the border to the west, stifling hot Mapungubwe National Park provides a fascinating insight into what is now recognized as Africa’s earliest kingdom.

The N1 is, by South African standards, fast and easy, if often busy. It’s a toll road, with five toll stops along the way from Johannesburg to the border with Zimbabwe costing roughly R20 each time. As regards public transport, SA Roadlink, City to City and Translux buses ply the N1 between Johannesburg and the Musina border post, stopping at Polokwane and Makhado. Translux also runs buses between Tzaneen and Johannesburg via Polokwane . In addition, these and other routes are covered by minibus taxis from any moderately sized town; the best way to find out where they’re going and when they depart is to enquire at the taxi rank.

Travel ideas for South Africa, created by local experts

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

The first black Africans arrived in South Africa across the Limpopo River some time before 300 AD. The various movements and migrations, and of course trading, ensured a fluidity in the people who established themselves here, and the historical and cultural ties to the north are, as you might expect, stronger in this region than in other parts of South Africa. Traditional arts and crafts such as pottery and woodcarving are still an important part of life; and witchcraft is still encountered in many places.

The arrival of the Voortrekkers in the early nineteenth century brought profound changes to the region. Their route roughly followed that of the N1 today, and brought about the founding of the towns now called Bela-Bela, Modimolle and Polokwane , among others. The Voortrekkers who ventured this far north were determined people, and their conflicts with the local peoples were notoriously bitter. In 1850, at Makapan’s Cave off the N1 near Mokopane, several thousand Ndebele were starved to death by an avenging Boer commando, while further to the north, in 1867, Venda troops forced the Voortrekkers to abandon the settlement they had established at Schoemansdal in the Soutpansberg.

In the twentieth century, the apartheid years saw several large chunks of the province hived off as homeland areas, with Venda becoming notionally independent and Lebowa and Gazankulu self-governing. Today the contrasts between the old homelands and the white farming areas are manifest throughout the province, although in 2009 the province voted overwhelmingly in favour of the ANC.

What was once known as South Africa’s Northern Province was renamed Limpopo in 2002, and the capital, Pietersburg, was subsequently renamed Polokwane . A number of other towns with “colonial” names have also undergone official name changes, though some of these changes have been taken to court for various political and procedural reasons.

East of Polokwane , the Letaba is a forested, lush, mountainous area, contrasting very sharply with the hot lowveld and bushveld abutting it east towards Kruger and west towards Polokwane . It marks the first dramatic rise of the Drakensberg Escarpment as it begins its sweep south through Mpumalanga. The forest begins around the mountain village of Haenertsburg and follows two very scenic parallel valleys to Limpopo’s second-largest but missable town, Tzaneen. The valleys are filled with lakes surrounded by dark pine forests, sparkling rivers, misty peaks and, towards Tzaneen, subtropical crops such as macadamia nuts and avocados. With some very comfortable and beautifully located guesthouses, farm-stalls and tea rooms, hiking trails and trout fishing, the Letaba is in many ways an attractive, less-well-known alternative to Mpumalanga’s crowded highlands, although it is gradually making solid inroads onto the tourist route.

The Changuion hiking trail

A 10km circular historical hiking trail – the Changuion Trail – runs south of Haenertsburg through beautiful grassland and indigenous afromontane forest, offering stunning panoramic views of the Drakensberg Escarpment. It’s well worth setting time aside to do the trail, which takes roughly four hours at a leisurely pace. Look out especially for the blue swallow, Methuens Dwarf gecko and the delicate and rare Wolkberg Zulu butterfly. A map of the route is painted on the wall outside The Elm by the tourist office.

Rising out of the plains to the west of the Great North Road, the Waterberg was until recently one of the least known of South Africa’s significant massifs. During the past decade, however, it has been “discovered” by Johannesburgers, and is now a hugely popular weekend destination. Once an area of lakes and swamps – hence its name – the elevated plateau can often seem as dry as its surrounding northern bushveld, yet it harbours a diversity of vegetation and topography that for years supported extensive farming and cattle-ranching. In recent times, the majority of the old ranches have been converted into private reserves catering either for the hugely lucrative hunting market, or less profitable game viewing, with white rhino often the star attraction, along with giraffe, large antelope and leopard. Today the entire area, some 14,500 square kilometres of both private and publicly owned land, is encompassed by one of the country’s foremost conservation projects – the Waterberg Savanna Biosphere Reserve ( waterbergbiosphere.org ), designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2001. It was founded by a close-knit association of landowners who wished to combine wildlife conservation with the benefits of tourism. They have set up an extensive management plan for the area, developing various remarkable tourism initiatives, such as the useful GPS sign boarding that now helps navigation in the tricky area.

As a game-viewing destination, the Waterberg makes a decent alternative to the lowveld areas around Kruger National Park, with the important advantage that malaria isn’t present. It has impressive credentials as a vast area of true wilderness, and it is certainly still a lot less commercialized than Kruger. Vaalwater – the only settlement of any size – is located at the heart of the biosphere reserve. West of Vaalwater, and also included within the biosphere reserve, are two large game reserves that are home to the Big Five: Marakele National Park and the privately owned Welgevonden reserve. North of Vaalwater is the highly regarded Lapalala Wilderness Area, where the biosphere reserve was originally instigated.

The only reserve you can visit for a game-viewing day-trip under your own steam is Marakele National Park; Lapalala Wilderness Area can be visited with a guide from Waterberg Cottages. Otherwise, to gain access to the reserves, large or small, you’ll almost always be expected to book into accommodation on the reserve itself; as most accommodation in the Waterberg is on reserves, this is generally hard to avoid.

The northernmost part of Limpopo Province is a hot, green, undeveloped rural region with much in common with Zimbabwe. Its essential geographical features are the Limpopo River, the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe (and, further west, Botswana), and the alluring Soutpansberg mountain range, aligned east–west just to the north of the area’s main town, Makhado (Louis Trichardt), which is otherwise unremarkable and not worth a stopover.

Perhaps the most distinctive area is the Venda region, formerly an “independent” homeland under apartheid. Although economically impoverished, it remains rich in tradition, art and legend. East of the Venda lands is the northern tip of Kruger National Park, a less-visited but intriguing part of the park; there are two entry gates to the park here, at Punda Maria and Pafuri.

Both the Limpopo River and the Soutpansberg range lie in the path of the N1 highway, which crosses into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge. About 70km west of here, the Mapungubwe National Park encompasses a UNESCO World Heritage Iron-Age site which for archeology buffs is probably the area’s most enticing attraction.

To the east and north of Makhado lies the intriguing land of the VhaVenda people, a culturally and linguistically distinct African grouping known for their mystical legends, political independence and arts and crafts. Venda was demarcated as a homeland under the apartheid system in the 1950s, and became one of three notionally independent homelands in South Africa in the late 1970s. Of all the homelands, Venda was one of the least compromised, keeping both its geographic and cultural integrity, and largely being left to mind its own business during the dark years of apartheid. Nowadays, its boundaries have regained their former fuzziness, within Limpopo, but the region has retained its strong, independent identity.

Aside from a sprinkling of accommodation in Thohoyandou, you’ll find almost no tourist-oriented infrastructure whatsoever in Venda, but travelling here can be wonderfully rewarding.

VhaVenda history and culture

The people who today call themselves VhaVenda are descended from a number of ancient groupings who migrated from the Great Lakes area in east-central Africa in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Their identity gelled when a group under Chief Dimbanyika arrived at Dzata in the northern Soutpansberg, where a walled fort was later built. From here, they consolidated their power in the region, fending off attack from a number of different African groupings (including the Voortrekkers, whom they drove from their settlement at Schoemansdal in 1867). Although the VhaVenda suffered a reverse at the hands of the Boers in 1898, the onset of the Anglo-Boer War prevented that victory being consolidated.

The culture of the VhaVenda is a fascinating one, steeped in mysticism and vivid legend. One pervading theme is water – always an important concern in hot, seasonal climates, but a resource in which Venda is unusually abundant. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls and lush forests all form sacred sites, while legends abound of zwidutwane, or water sprites, and snakes who live at the bottom of dark pools or lakes.

Many VhaVenda ceremonies and rituals still hold great importance, with the most famous being the python, or domba, dance performed by young female initiates. Naked but for jewellery and a small piece of cloth around their waists, the teenage girls form a long chain, swaying and shuffling as the "snake" winds around a fire to the sound of a beating drum – another sacred object in Venda – often for hours on end. Your chances of seeing it performed are limited. The genuine thing is most common during spring; Heritage Day around the end of August or the beginning of September is a good time for celebrations.

Tsonga and Venda arts and crafts

The Venda and Tsonga regions have established a strong reputation in arts and crafts. The best known of these are clay pots distinctively marked with angular designs in graphite silver and ochre. Also growing in status are wood carvings, ranging from abstract to practical, although, while the best of these can be imaginative and bold, many are unfinished and overpriced. You’ll also come across tapestries, fabrics, basketwork and painting. Finding your way to these craft villages can be quite an adventure, as they are widely scattered and the roads are poor, so the Ribolla Tourism Association, behind the Swiss mission hospital in Elim (Mon–Fri 8.30am–4.30pm; 015 556 4262 or 072 2354543, [email protected] ), has set up a demarcated art route in the area, and hands out free maps of the route. It also has knowledgeable guides to take you around.

The Soutpansberg

The Soutpansberg, an impressive range of hills, particularly when approached from the south, attracts sufficient rainfall to create a subtropical climate, and spectacularly lush farms along the southern slopes produce a range of exotic crops such as avocados and macadamia nuts. In other parts, the rocky kloofs and green hillsides offer unspoilt mountain retreats, shaded by up to 580 different species of tree, and the home of monkeys, small antelopes, warthogs and some raptors. The uniqueness of the area led to it being designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, with a similar protection and development status as the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

The N1 highway bisects the range, passing through missable Makhado, situated in the southern shadow of the mountains, then climbing over a low pass and descending through a pair of tunnels on the northern side. Once over the escarpment, the highway runs north across mostly empty baobab plains to Musina and the Limpopo River.

Mapungubwe National Park

The Mapungubwe National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily due to its famous Iron-Age site known as the Hill of Jackals, thought to be the site of the first kingdom in Africa. The park is situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashi rivers, where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana meet, and is well worth a detour if you have even the faintest interest in archeology. The park is divided into an eastern and a western side connected only by the main road, with a large plot of private land in between. The main entrance is on the eastern side nearest Musina, which is also where you’ll find the Hill of the Jackals and most of the accommodation.

The park offers excellent game viewing with a scenic backdrop of unusual sandstone formations, mopane woodland, riverine forest, and a landscape scattered with otherworldly baobab trees housing wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, white rhino, plus various different antelope, including eland and gemsbok. You can explore the park either in your own car or on three-hour guided morning and sunset drives. If you’re lucky, you may spot predators such as lion, leopard and hyenas, and there are over four hundred bird species including kori bustard, tropical boubou and the magnificent pel’s fishing owl.

The long-term goal is eventually to develop the park into a tri-border park incorporating Mashatu Reserve in Botswana and the Tuli Circle in Zimbabwe.

Mapungubwe and other archeological sites

As one of the early melting pots of southern Africa, Limpopo has a number of important archeological sites where excavations have helped piece together a picture of the different people who inhabited the land for thousands of years. Some of the most interesting sites are at places where iron was smelted, as the development from what was essentially a Stone-Age culture to an Iron-Age culture, with its associated improvement in tools for cultivation and war, was a vital part of the migration of African tribes into South Africa around 1500 years ago. The presence of slag and other wastes provides the strongest clues – the iron itself seldom survives the processes of erosion. Some of the most revealing excavations have taken place at Thulamela, inside Kruger National Park not far from the Punda Maria Gate, Bakone Malapa cultural village outside Polokwane , Makapan’s Cave near Mokopane, Masorini, also in the Kruger park, not far from Phalaborwa, and the single most important site in Limpopo Province, Mapungubwe (Hill of the Jackals), west of Musina.

Lying almost dead centre in the province of which it is the capital, Polokwane is the largest city on the Great North Road between Pretoria and the border. It’s mostly an administrative and industrial centre, and much of its energy derives from the large volume of traffic moving through the city on the N1. But it does have an excellent museum, and if you’re heading towards the lowveld or central Kruger National Park, Polokwane is the point to connect with the R71 to Phalaborwa. The clutch of similar-looking one-way streets in the downtown area are all laid out in strict grid pattern, making navigation, especially by car, almost impossible.

Top image: Kruger Park, Limpopo, South Africa © Rich T Photo/Shutterstock

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Top Ten Natural Attractions in Limpopo

Natural Attractions in Limpopo ~ Named after the river that runs through it, Limpopo is the country’s most northern province, often overlooked by visitors who head, instead, to the country’s more exciting provinces like the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal .

But if you consider that seven of the country’s eleven languages are spoken in Limpopo; that the area has some of the most well established nature and game reserves with a rich stock of wildlife, as well as some of the most breathtaking mountainous scenery …

And that’s excluding the Kruger National Park , which functions as the country’s main attraction – all considered, then the Limpopo province has more to offer the visitor than meets the eye.

Visit the Top Ten Natural Attractions in Limpopo

1. baobab trees.

Africa’s giant upside down tree is one of the highlights of any visit to the Limpopo province, north of the Soutpansberg mountains.

Not only are they ‘upside down’ but their flowers bloom at night, and are pollinated by bats. They function as water storage containers, their large trunks providing elephant, eland and other animals who chew their bark, water during the dry season.

The largest ever recorded baobab is thought to be the Sunland Baobab, in Modjadjiskloof – 22 m high and 47 m in diameter. One of the TOP Natural Attractions in Limpopo!

2. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The country’s largest game reserve needs no introduction.

The sheer density of wildlife brings visitors from all over the world to self-drive a huge network of roads in search of elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, lion, giraffe, hippo, zebra, well over 500 species of bird, and thousands of other animals besides.

Vast African plains interspersed with granite kopjes, rivers, the Lebombo Mountains in the east, and a series of forests in the far north and dawn game drives. Thatched roof accommodation and the eerie night chatter of hyenas or wild dogs on the prowl make this a firm favourite of any visit to the Limpopo.

The Kruger Park is one of the TOP Natural Attractions in Limpopo that you shouldn’t miss! Add it to your #BucketList

3. LAKE FUNDUDZI

This enchanted body of water, said to be one of the only true natural inland lakes in South Africa, is one of the most sacred places of the Vhatatsindi, or the People of the Pool.

When full it measures 5 km by 3 km, created by an ancient landslide that blocked the course of the Mutale River. It is safeguarded by its people, and visits are only possible with permission.

If you do visit, and stay with the locals (roads now make the approach a little easier), remember to turn your back to the lake, bend down, and look at it through your spread legs.

4. MAGOEBASKLOOF

Known as the Land of the Silver Mist the Magoebaskloof is a dense forested area in the mistbelt of the northern Drakensberg.

Regarded as a birding and hiking paradise it is a series of pine and eucalyptus plantations, green valleys and some of the most extensive Afromontane forests in the country.

The Magoebaskloof Pass connects Tzaneen and Haenertsburg , rising quickly to 558 metres, its famous S-bends and hairpin corners famous for mist and fog as it ascends the Magoesbaskloof.

5. MAKAPANSGAT VALLEY

Nowhere else in the world will you find such an extended and complete record of hominid occupation than in the Makapansgat Valley.

The limestone caves, once a marshy wetland supporting a huge diversity of plant life and animals, have expelled an impressive quantity of ancient mammal remains and fossil evidence of an early human-like primate ancestor.

After analysing well over 7 000 fossil bones scientists conclude that they date back to an era before stone tools when tools were made from bone, teeth and horn. They name this time the Osteodontokeratic Culture.

6. MAPUNGUBWE

South Africa’s most signficant Iron Age site lies where the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers meet, close to Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Once the largest kingdom on the sub-continent (between 900 and 1 300 AD, at the same time as Europe’s Dark Ages), it was abandoned in the 14 th century. Today the untouched remains are preserved as a Cultural Landscape by UNESCO.

The most intact artifact, now kept safe by the University of Pretoria, is a little gold rhino figurine. Visit the Mapungubwe National Park .

7. MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK

Lying in the midst of the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele gets a raw deal because of the looming presence of the Kruger. The park, however, is not your average ‘bushveld’ experience, access to the Big Five (buffalo were introduced in 2013) aside.

Not only is the huge Kransberg Mountain home to the world’s largest colony of Cape vultures, but the constant presence of the mountains functions as refreshing landscape.

Bushveld birdlife here is incredible, and includes the Verreaux and Wahlberg eagle. Bontle campsite is unfenced, and the three-day eco 4×4 trail at the top of the mountains is well worth doing.

8. MODJADJI CYCAD RESERVE

Home of the Rain Queen, Modjadji, the Modjadji Cycad Reserve is 560 hectares of unspoilt forest in which grow some 12 000 cycads, some as high as 13 metres with 34 kg cones.

A hike through the reserve will reveal the largest collection of the rare and endemic Modjadji cycad ( Encephalartos transvenosus ); a species of fern considered billions of years old, and protected by the Rain Queen.

There has been no rain queen since 2005 when the sixth Queen Makobo died of Aids. Her daughter, sired by a ‘commoner’, is unlikely to find acceptance as the rightful heiress to the crown, and no new queen has been chosen since Makobo’s death.

9. NYLSVLEY NATURE RESERVE

An internationally renowned Ramsar site, the Nyslvley reserve is 4 000 hectares that include the Nyl River floodplain, the country’s largest floodplain that stretches over 70 km between Modimolle and Mokopane .

Best to visit during the summer flood season (though not guaranteed annually) when up to 80 000 birds (370 species) make the wetland their home.

A fire in 2013 burnt three of the bird hides, which have yet to be rebuilt, but the fourth, at Vogelfontein, is still intact.

10. WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The first savanna biosphere reserve in southern Africa, the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve covers some 15 000 square kilometres, one of the country’s champion conservation projects and an incredible, malaria-free space in which to view wildlife.

Within the reserve are two major game reserves – Marakele and Welgevonden , and the Lapalala Wilderness Area .

Explore More in Limpopo

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Which of the Top Ten Natural Attractions in Limpopo have you been to?

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Top ten natural attractions in the north west province, the durban experience – 10 must-do's in durbs-by-the-sea, sa-venues.com.

Limpopo Attractions

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Attractions, Places of Interest & Popular Destinations

Named after the river that runs through it Limpopo is the northern most province in South Africa , bordering Moçambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, often overlooked by visitors who head, instead, to the country’s more exciting provinces like the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal.

But, the Limpopo province offers a mosaic of superb scenic landscape, a fascinating cultural heritage, an abundance of wildlife species and many nature based tourism opportunities.

Limpopo is a land of legends and myths and of ancient civilizations ... Those in search of history will find many places of archaeological significance that yielded relics dating back millions of years.

Top Attractions

• Kruger National Park

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 ...

Rhino Museum

As a testament to its emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation, the Waterberg boasts Africa's only Rhino Museum, devoted entirely to the conserva...

• The Baobabs

The giant Baobab trees grow mainly in the hot, semi-arid areas north of the Soutpansberg mountain. Legend has it that in a frivolous mood, the go...

Destinations / Regions of Limpopo

Overnight? Accommodation in Polokwane Polokwane, the capital of the Limpopo Province and formerly known as Pietersburg, is the cultural hub of the region half way between Pretoria and the Zimbabwean border - a city graced with wide streets, green spaces and a vivid mix of jacaranda ...

Overnight? Accommodation in Kruger National Park Lying in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its atmosphere so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa...

• Soutpansberg

Overnight? Accommodation in Soutpansberg Lying in the northern part of the Limpopo province, bordering on both Botswana and Zimbabwe, the Soutpansberg Vhembe Region is nothing short of spectacular - the baobab, a familiar symbol that stands resolute among the magnificence of vast expan...

Overnight? Accommodation in Waterberg Known simply as Water Mountain, the blue-hued Waterberg imposingly stretches its full length from Thabazimbi in the south west, to Lapalala River in the north east of the Limpopo Province, supporting a biome of over 15 000 square kilometres. ...

Overnight? Accommodation in Capricorn Lying in the heart of the Limpopo Province, the Capricorn region is unrivalled for its diverse landscape that combines to form a heady mix of grassy plains, bushveld, mountains shrouded in mist, incredible geological formations, and an equally d...

• Valley of the Olifants

Overnight? Accommodation in Valley of the Olifants Travelling east visitors will discover the rich natural heritage of the Lowveld with its claim to fame, the world-famous Kruger National Park. This region differs markedly from the rest of the Limpopo Province and is loved for its scenic valleys...

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South Africa Accommodation / Limpopo Accommodation

Simbavati River Sands

River Sands Villa, a two bedroom villa is a combination of luxury and opulence with exceptional private views overlooking a watering hole, in the...

Ingwe Lodge

Ingwe Lodge is the gem of the Nyati Wilderness' safari accommodation collection. Safari in this incredible cliff top lodge built from stone and T...

Mhondoro Villa

The Mhondoro Villa is a luxurious yet comfortable home-away-from-home, perfectly suited as exclusive family or group accommodation in Welgevonden...

Timbavati Villa

Timbavati Villa offers accommodation in Thornybush and is the epitome of a luxury safari experience. Enjoy your own private villa on the banks of...

Serondella Game Lodge

Serondella Game Lodge is a comfortable and private lodge located on the banks of a tributary to the dry Monwana River. This is an ideal spot for ...

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Escape to mesmerising bushveld views, total relaxation and a fascinating luxury safari experience at Tintswalo Manor House. Situated in the priva...

Timbavati Homestead

Timbavati Homestead offers accommodation in Thornybush and is the epitome of a luxury safari experience. Enjoy your own private home on the banks...

Sediba Mountain Lodge

Sediba Mountain Lodge offers accommodation in Vaalwater in the perfect spot for a small family reunion, a business retreat, or a private getaway ...

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers game lodge accommodation in luxury safari tents. This is a fabulous spot for a romantic getaway where you can enjo...

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Top Limpopo Attractions

The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Mapungubwe national park.

Situated in the north of the Limpopo Province, Mapungubwe National Park is a magnificent game reserve and a World Heritage Site that is famed for being the home of the most socially advanced African society, one that then moved and later formed the empire known as Greater Zimbabwe.

Visitors to Mapugubwe can spend time game viewing and exploring the extensive savannah landscape where Elephant, Buffalo, White Rhino and other wildlife all roam. One can also take a tour to the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape to learn about the history of the area and view the virtually untouched remains of the settlement area and other historical landmarks.

The tour paints a fascinating picture of the social and political structures of the society that lived in the area and allows visitors to gain a unique insight into the highly complex societal structures, their ways of life, how they traded with the Chinese and Indians and the hierarchical structures that moulded their day to day life.

Interacting with Elephants

There are a number of places in Limpopo that offer visitors the opportunity to interact with African Elephants. Spend time with these gentle giants, learning about their family structures, feeding patterns and hierarchical structures and then have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them. An Elephant interaction is a highly recommended experience and one that all ages are guaranteed to enjoy.

Exploring the Venda Art Route

The Limpopo Province's indigenous people are the Venda people, a community world renowned for their creativity abilities and for the magnificent arts and crafts that they produce. The Venda Art route, or Venda Bender trail is a self-drive cultural route that takes visitors through the heart of the main Venda area.

Doing the Venda Bender

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Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Polokwane

At the top of the list of tourist attractions in Limpopo is the northern gate to the Kruger National Park . South Africa’s Limpopo province is also famous for the Big 5 , exceptional bird watching, untamed bush and mountain landscapes – all popular things to do in Polokwane. It is also the centre of an ancient African kingdom at Mapungubwe National Park.

For one-stop entertainment and access to the best activities in Limpopo , Sun International’s Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is conveniently located in the province’s capital city Polokwane, within easy reach of tourist attractions in Limpopo.

Top things to do in Polokwane

Here are some of the top things to do in Polokwane, at Meropa.

• Enjoy personalised treatments at the House of Asante Spa .
• For kid's entertainment in Limpopo , Meropa Casino offers mini golf, go-karts, and The Magic Company arcade to keep them busy. Add the Wild Thingz Bird and Reptile Park, and the Cultural Village to your list of things to do in Polokwane.
• Discover some of the top restaurants in Polokwane at Meropa. Order a perfectly seared steak at the Harvest Charcoal Grill, or enjoy authentic African cuisine at Jembe Tavern.
• Jembe Tavern hosts a wide range of live entertainment acts, from comedy to cabaret.
• With a great selection of slots and table games, Meropa Casino headlines the tourist attractions in Limpopo .

Tourist attractions in Limpopo near Meropa

• Go for a game drive in the Polokwane Game Reserve , which is home to over 50 game species, including the rare white rhino, sable antelope, and giraffe.
• The Polokwane Golf Club, founded in 1863, is rated among the top tourist attractions in Limpopo and golf courses in South Africa. US Open Champion Retief Goosen learned to play here, and springbok golfers Ray Earle and Callie Swart both hail from the club. Play your best on generous fairways and bent grass greens while enjoying the scenery. Over the years, this golf course and its clubhouse, the Halfway House, have evolved into a destination of sporty relaxation.
• Located 9 kilometres south of the city, the Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum is another “must-do” when it comes to things to do in Polokwane, evoking the customs of the people who lived here over 300 years ago. The on-site cultural village has been authentically reconstructed to give visitors insight into the history of the Bakone people and their way of life. The tour shows pots being made and demonstrations of tools such as the antelope horn trumpet and marula root matches.
• In town, the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum is set in a restored 19th-century church, and covers Polokwane’s first half-century as well as the second Anglo-Boer War through the work of the prolific photographer, who left behind some 23 000 glass negatives.
• About 50 kilometres north of Polokwane, the Tropic of Capricorn Monument is a marker surrounded by picturesque mountains and bushveld. The nearby "koppies" (small mountains) are considered sacred by local communities, and many traditional clan rituals are held here. The Tropic of Capricorn is the southern boundary of the tropics and marks the furthest point south at which the sun can be seen directly overhead at noon.
• Just 18 kilometres south of Polokwane, the Makapan Valley is the only cultural heritage site of its kind, making it one of the popular tourist attractions in Limpopo. Makapan’s Cave is famous for its fossils , some of which are the oldest in the world. It is also a monument to the 30-day siege between General Potgieter and the local tribesmen, and the ensuing battle in which Potgieter was killed along with 1500 others. The Cave of Hearths is one of only two Stone Age sites in the world that contain an unbroken sequence of artefacts from the Earlier Stone Age to the Later Stone Age.
• One of Limpopo’s biggest drawcards is the northern Kruger National Park , which is home to hundreds of tree, fish, amphibian, reptilian, bird and mammal species, including Africa’s Big 5. Discover the Kruger National Park on game walks and drives, hikes, eco-trails, 4x4 adventures and mountain bike routes.
• Visit the UNESCO Biosphere Waterberg Reserve to discover age-old rock formations and stunning scenery.
• Discover an ancient civilization at the Mapangubwe World Heritage Site , which is also home to Iron Age sites, San (Bushmen) rock paintings, fossilised dinosaur footprints and skeletal remains.
• Learn how Amarula Cream liqueur is made at the Amarula Lapa, and enjoy an adventure in the lush Magoebaskloof nearby, or a drink in the world’s largest and oldest baobab tree.

Whatever it is you’re looking for in terms of tourist attractions in Limpopo and things to do in Polokwane, Sun International has you covered with a wide range of activities and experiences.

Sun International Limpopo Hotels and Casinos

A Moroccan-style villa that’s focused on fun, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is your one-stop casino and entertainment destination in Polokwane.

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Discover south africa's northernmost province with a limpopo hire car.

With a variety of experiences ranging from historical and cultural heritage sites, skydiving and winding rivers to unrivalled wilderness experiences, championship golf courses and incredible natural beauty, the Limpopo Province is considered by many as a South African outdoor and adventure capital.

Rent a car from First Car Rental and explore South Africa's northernmost province, an area of great contrasts; ranging from bushveld to majestic mountains and unspoiled wilderness, the Limpopo Province is rich in historical treasures, wildlife, and beautiful scenery and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Baobab Country

Known as the upside down tree and the tree of life, baobabs hold a special place in Africa. Baobabs are among the most useful plants to both animals and humans; elephants, monkeys and baboons depend on its fruit food and moisture, in the drought season they store water which is vital to the rural population. The largest baobab in the world, the Sunland Baobab in Modjajiskloof, is thousands of years old and has a diameter of 47m.

2. Bela Bela

Looking to enjoy a fun-filled family holiday? Relax and rejuvenate in the extensive Hydro, indulge in a game of golf at one of the Internationally Acclaimed Signature Golf Courses, take a Hot Air Balloon ride or make the most of the many activities on offer including pools, river rides, a wave pool, and cable skiing all enjoyed by children and adults alike.

3. Crocodiles

With outstanding scenery, contrasting landscapes and renowned African wildlife, the Mopani District is the eco-tourism hub of the Limpopo Province. Experience one of Africa's most fierce predators, the Nile crocodile, at Agatha Crocodile Ranch in Tzaneen. See crocodiles at close range, enjoy daily feeding shows and tours, and even touch a baby croc.

4. Game Reserves

The Limpopo province is home to some 3 million hectares of national parks, game farms and nature reserves, including Kruger National Park. The Waterberg Biosphere, home to hundreds of bird and mammal species, is one of 400 UNESCO-registered biosphere reserves and is an important San Rock Art area in South Africa.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort offers a signature championship golf course designed by eighteen of the world's top golfers; providing all golfers, irrespective of their handicap, a true African challenge. With undulating greens, strategic bunkers and a majestic mountainous backdrop, Legend Golf & Safari Resort makes for a unique golfing experience.

6. Horseback Safaris

Enjoy a unique safari experience; explore the breathtaking African wilderness on horseback. At Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill, situated on a private game reserve, riders of all ages and riding abilities can enjoy an unforgettable experience.

7. Mapungubwe

Set against the northern border of South Africa, expansive Mapungubwe landscape developed into a prosperous Iron Age kingdom until it was abandoned in the 14th century. Today, this World Heritage site reveals the history of the Mapungubwe civilisation and their extraordinary artefacts such as glass beads, pottery, gold ornaments, and crafted ivory.

8. Meropa Casino and Entertainment World

Situated in the Limpopo Province only 5km from the capital city Polokwane, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the locals, test their poker face in an upmarket casino with state of the art technology, enjoy traditional African delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or be pampered from head to toe at Mangwanani Spa.

9. Moholoholo Rehab Centre

Situated in the Lowveld of Limpopo, Moholoholo Rehab Centre is renowned for its rehabilitation and care of abandoned and injured wildlife. Once healthy enough, the animals are reintroduced in to their natural environments. Moholoholo provides educational and awareness tours to involve and educate visitors in environmental protection.

10. Skydiving

Take in the wonders of the South African landscape from a vantage point experienced by many adrenaline addicts. Experience the thrill of skydiving in a tandem jump with Skydive Xtreme, the only drop zone in Limpopo.

First Car Rental has two branches in Limpopo, both located in Polokwane. This includes the First Car Rental Polokwane Airport Branch and the First Car Rental Polokwane Downtown Branch .

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Best Resorts in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Limpopo province resorts, property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Thornybush Game Lodge

2. Swadini, A Forever Resort

3. Garonga Safari Co.

4. Sondela Nature Reserve Accommodation

5. Legend Golf and Safari Resort

6. Olievenhoutsrus Guest & Game Farm

7. Waterberg Game Lodge

8. Bushwillow Private Villa

9. Hippo Pools Resort

10. Aha Thakadu River Camp

11. The Elias Resort

12. Jorge Steelpoort Resort

13. Lala NdLovu

14. dima bush camp, 15. sand river resort, 16. jaagbaan lodge, 17. sefapane lodges and safaris, magoebaskloof hotel.

Shangri-la Country Hotel & Spa

Protea Hotel Polokwane Ranch Resort

Town Lodge Polokwane

Tshipise A Forever Resort

Kapama Southern Camp

Protea Hotel Polokwane Landmark

Garden Court Polokwane

Tzaneen Country Lodge

Bolivia Lodge

SleepOver Matoks

Bushveld Terrace - Hotel on Kruger

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

Limpopo Province Hotels Information

• Thornybush Game Lodge
• Swadini, A Forever Resort
• Garonga Safari Co.
• Sondela Nature Reserve Accommodation
• Legend Golf and Safari Resort
• Olievenhoutsrus Guest & Game Farm
• Waterberg Game Lodge
• Bushwillow Private Villa
• Hippo Pools Resort
• Aha Thakadu River Camp

No effort spared in protecting much-needed visitors as South African tourism blossoms

T he Republic of South Africa, endowed with a diverse range of natural attractions and world-famous destinations continues to be a favourite choice for wanderlust international tourists seeking a unique, unparalleled African experience.

Last year, South Africa was voted as the Best Country to Visit by 27,000 passionate readers of the United Kingdom’s Telegraph Travel publication. The Britons also voted for Cape Town as their favourite city in the world in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards.

Speaking to IOL, Department of Tourism spokesperson Zara Nicholson said South Africa continues to be rated as a prime tourist destination and the government is continually working “hard” to diversify and improve the country’s tourism offering “so that we can continue to attract more visitors”.

Earlier this month, another United Kingdom publication The Times reported that South Africa’s high crime rates are one of the factors that have been putting off tourists in recent years.

Citing a travel advice issued by the UK Foreign Office, the publication highlights the potential of terrorist attacks, in a country bedevilled car hijackings, armed robberies and other violent crimes.

Earlier this month, IOL reported that three Zimbabwean men, Jan Thabonga Moshabi, Abstein Madzvimbo, and Thomas Moyo were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Northam Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo for the brutal murder of a German tourist.

The trio allegedly assaulted, robbed, kidnapped and killed 74-year-old German tourist, Herman Gunter Friedrich Westphal at Northam, in Limpopo.

The incident, like other unfortunate incidents of crime involving tourists spurred local and international headlines, shedding the light once again on the safety of tourists visiting South Africa.

Some commentators however highlighted that tourists are not specifically targeted, but fall victim to the rampant which affects all people within South Africa.

In a reassuring message, Nicholson emphasised that stakeholders in South Africa, including the government and the private sector are doing much to ensure the safety of tourists is guaranteed.

“The safety and security of our visitors is of utmost importance to the South Africa’s tourism sector - government and the private sector. We regret any incident of crime against visitors and we continue to work closely with SAPS (SA Police Service), local authorities and community members to ensure the safety of all visitors,” she said.

Nicholson pointed that Pretoria is making considerable efforts through media campaigns and activations in key source markets at global travel trade shows to market and sell destination South Africa.

“We have showcased our country at all major global travel trade shows in the USA, China, UK, Rwanda and in Berlin at shows such as World Travel Market London and ITB Berlin which took place earlier in March,” she said.

The government also continue to support enterprise development and showcasing of all South Africa has to offer, with the Department of Tourism providing funding for tourism businesses to travel to and exhibit at global travel trade shows, to sell their tourism offerings and to be part of Team South Africa showcasing what the vast southern African nation has to offer.

Recent official statistics of international tourist arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to December 2023 underscored the rising momentum of South Africa's tourism sector.

International tourist arrivals from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million, representing a remarkable 48.9% increase when compared with same period in 2022.

Africa continues to lead the way regarding inbound tourists in South Africa. The country welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of the African continent between January and December 2023, marking a significant 75.6% of all arrivals.

“Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth, according to the Department of Tourism,” the national department said in a previous statement.

“Zimbabwe experienced a 70.8% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to 2022, totalling 2.1 million arrivals; while Kenya recorded a 99% surge when compared to 2022, reaching 42,403 arrivals for January to December 2023.”

Another leading player in the bountiful South African tourism sector is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), and David Frost is its chief executive.

Responding to a query by IOL, Frost said ensuring the safety of visitors is not just a priority, but a mission.

“Our government and tourism sector stand united in this commitment, and we are setting new standards in enhancing our safety protocols and measures to ensure a welcoming environment for visitors to the country,” he said.

“The tourism private and public sectors in South Africa have never worked as closely and as actively as we are currently to mitigate risks. Actions speak louder than words. We have deployed a collaborative, robust and proactive approach to tourism safety as one industry.”

In collaboration, Frost said the government and private sector stakeholders have rolled out several new safety initiatives which include over 2,300 Tourism Monitors who have been “strategically” deployed in high-density tourist areas across South Africa to provide visibility, guidance, emergency assistance, and deter criminal activity.

“⁠Enhanced security measures have been established in locations where incidents were reported, including increased police patrols equipped with improved response capabilities, state-of-the-art security camera systems with analytics, better street lighting, and more,” said Frost.

“We have also rolled out an emergency response app, called SECURA Traveller, which tourists can access on arrival, providing them with quick support in any emergency. Prompt support is accessible via our SECURA Traveller 24-hour emergency service alongside area first responders specially trained to aid visitors if incidents arise, providing assistance until authorities arrive,” he said.

“We also have incident management specialists who assist tourists who have been affected by crime, accidents, etc. These Tourism Angels assist affected tourists with trauma counselling, translation services, transport, lodging, logistics, and other support as needed. Travellers have access to over 300 angels who will assist in crisis response to promptly aid visitors who have experienced distressing situations.”

In addition, Frost said comprehensive safety details are proactively provided across multiple sources - prominent websites, social channels, printed materials in accommodations and airports, plus in-person from local tourist guides across South Africa.

“This encompasses prudent practices and current risks to be aware of,” he said.

The SATSA reiterated that the key role of tourism in the South African economy cannot be overemphasised.

“It is important to highlight the immense value and promise of tourism for South Africa's economy and its people. Every tourist's safety is an investment in our country's future, highlighting the sector's pivotal role in empowering women, youth, and small and medium enterprises.

“As the third-highest contributor to our GDP, tourism generates over R120 billion in foreign exchange annually and supports approximately 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Notably, many of these jobs are in peri-urban and rural areas where other industries have limited presence. Tourism is also a significant employer of women (70%) and youth (60%) and offers abundant opportunities for small and medium enterprises,” said Frost.

He said the economic benefits of tourism extend far beyond the direct impact.

Through its extensive supply chain, tourism supports sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

“For every R1 of direct GDP (gross domestic product) impact, an additional R1.50 is spent on supply chain and capital, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy. Given the immense potential of tourism to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation, and social upliftment, every South African must commit to create a safe and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors,” said Frost.

“By working hand in hand with our partners in government, law enforcement, technology, and other sectors, we are confident in our ability to implement global best practices in tourism safety and security.”

Frost reiterated that South Africa remains a destination that offers unparalleled breadth of tourism experience and hospitality, as evidenced in the many accolades it has stacked up in the past year, including South African Tourism being awarded the Best Adventure Tourism Destination at Today’s Traveller Awards 2023.

“We fully recognise the potential impact any negative incidents impacting tourists can have on South Africa's image and reputation as a tourist destination. We're committed to ensuring that the narrative of South Africa is not defined by isolated incidents but by the overwhelmingly positive experiences of millions of visitors,” Frost emphasised.

“It is however crucial to note that most of the millions of tourists who visit South Africa each year have a positive, incident-free experience. This is evidenced by our high rate of repeat visitors, a testament to the incredible offerings and warm hospitality of our nation.”

Renowned investigator and anti-crime analyst Calvin Rafadi told IOL that there are a few reasons why tourists at times fall victims to the rampant crime which also besieges South Africans.

“Tourist are attacked because they carry foreign currency and expensive cameras, and also criminal believe that if you take a foreigner cell phone, it’s difficult for them to blacklist/block (the gadget), so therefore they can still be used even after tourists have left South Africa,” said Rafadi.

He said as a precaution, when touring known crime hotspots in parts of South Africa, the visitors could minimise potential attacks by travelling together avoid robberies.

“Tourist buses should always be escorted by unarmed guards - not to cause panic to our tourists,” said Rafadi.

He said the crime intelligence unit of the SAPS should play a leading role in tracing the criminals.

“SAPS crime intelligence should by now know who are the syndicates operating in and around those villages, informal settlements or townships,” said Rafadi.

“It’s important to protect our tourist, especially if any persons Google search for a place to visit they start with checking the weather, followed by the crime statistics for that place. So therefore our SAPS , the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and private security should take this industry very seriously as it’s part of our economy.”

He said in some cases, cases opened by tourists might crumble before courts because the complainants would have left South Africa to their native countries after the crime incidents.

“Cases whereby suspects are arrested and are attending courts, I wish Department of Justice should utilize zoom or teams for the victims, the tourists. If they (courts) always insist that the victims attend court physically, many cases end up being withdrawn from fear of the victims coming back into South Africa, especially to face those horrible criminals/syndicates in courts,” said Rafadi.

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The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), established under the Limpopo Tourism Act 2 of 2009, operates with a dual-fold mission. Firstly, it endeavors to promote, foster, and cultivate tourism to and within the Limpopo Province. This encompasses robust marketing and promotional endeavors to position Limpopo as a coveted global destination.

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The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) was established in terms of the Limpopo Tourism Act 2 of 2009. The mandate of the LTA is to promote, foster and develop tourism to and within the Limpopo Province

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