Limpopo - general area info

Limpopo is South Africa's northernmost province, lying within the great curve of the Limpopo River. It is a region of contrasts, from true bushveld country to majestic mountains, primeval indigenous forests, unspoilt wilderness and patchworks of farmland.

With a total area of 125,755 square kilometres, Limpopo is the fifth-largest (and fifth-smallest) of the country's nine provinces, taking up 10,3% of South Africa's land area.

The province borders the countries of Botswana to the west, Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the east. In the eastern region lies the northern half of the magnificent Kruger National Park. Limpopo is rich in natural beauty, culture and wildlife and has a thriving tourism industry.

In addition to the Kruger National Park, Limpopo boasts 54 provincial reserves and numerous luxury private game reserves. Here, you can experience Africa at its best!

HOTSPOTS:

Limpopo Province offers tourists a variety of experiences which few other destinations can match, proudly boasting everything from mountain splendour, winding rivers and wildlife, to cultural heritage sites, traditional food and adrenalin-rushing adventures throughout the year.

The N1 highway crosses the Limpopo Province from south to north, bypassing major towns such as Bela-Bela (Warmbaths), Modimolle (Nystroom), Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) and Mokopane (Potgietersrus), before reaching Polokwane, the country’s fastest-growing young city, which is the capital of Limpopo Province.

The route continues past Louis Trichardt (Makhado) to Musina, before ending at the Beit Bridge Border Post. Toll fees are payable at the Kranskop, Nyl, Capricorn and Baobab plazas, placed at regular intervals between Gauteng and the Zimbabwean border. Several top quality one-stop centres provide fuel, refreshments and rest room facilities for travellers.

During this 350 km drive through the Limpopo Province, travellers will, among other things, encounter sunflowers, graffiti art, citrus orchards, ostriches, informal settlements, kudus, thorn trees, spectacular mountain passes, B & B’s and baobabs.

Of course, those who want to avoid the toll fees, and also wish to sample some mampoer (peach brandy), and buy grapes, dried fruit and biltong, as well as other goodies on their way to the north, will have to deviate onto the R101, a route which also facilitates stops at curio shops (the baskets are a must), museums and other places of interest in and near the towns along the way. Other major tourist arteries, such as the R33, N11 and R71, conveniently branch off the N1 to the east and west at various points.

Our leaders claim the Limpopo Province’s greatest asset is its people - no less than seven of the nation’s official languages are widely spoken here, and strangers will always receive a friendly smile and a wave.