Limpopo Province Overview
Limpopo Province is Africa undistilled. It is raw and wild and wonderfully enigmatic. With about hal
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In and Around
Limpopo Province
Game Reserves National Park Entrances Tourism Regions Towns
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Author: Samantha Black
Submitted: 05 May 2009
Limpopo Province is Africa undistilled. It is raw and wild and wonderfully enigmatic. With about half of the Kruger National Park and many other game reserves, it has miles and miles of untamed wilderness where the Big Five and other animals roam in a space so large it may almost be considered unfenced. This low-lying area, which is generally referred to as the Lowveld, is archetypical Africa - broad-leafed open forest interspersed with grassy plains dominated by huge bulbous baobab trees.
In stark contrast, the high-lying Waterberg, which rises from the plain like a hippo standing up in a shallow stream, has a totally different vegetation type, but is nevertheless a fantastic game viewing destination with the added advantage of being malaria-free - unlike Kruger and the Lowveld reserves. For wilderness of a different kind, Limpopo Province has some of the most awesome wilderness hiking in the world. The Blouberg and the Wolkberg (Blue Mountains and Cloud Mountains) are wild and virtually untouched. Experienced hikers can explore spectacular mountainous areas that few people have seen, and climbers can clock up loads of first ascents. Deep and uncharted caves await those brave enough to explore their depths and patient enough to endure the red tape necessary to get permission to mount an expedition.
The Magoebaskloof area is characterised by lovely mountain scenery. Pretty streams with tumbling waterfalls and secluded rock pools wind their way through vast stands of indigenous forest, many with laid out hiking trails. Limpopo has some of the best horseback safaris in South Africa, including luxury trails in the malaria-free Waterberg and one fabulous operation in a Big Five reserve near Kruger. The white water rafting on the Mutale and Olifants Rivers is wet and wild. But there's more to this fascinating place than animals, birds, mountains, rivers and trees. With sacred forests clothed in mist, a hereditary semi-divine queen who can make rain, and mystical lakes inhabited by mythical giant serpents, it's a place of mystery and magic. Over Easter literally millions of adherents of the Zionist Christian Church - a dynamic blend of charismatic Christianity and traditional African beliefs - gather in the holy city of Moria for a long weekend of frenzied devotion. Close to the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Mapungubwe was a thriving city state in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, and its remains have yielded fascinating archaeological data, as well as some beautiful artefacts, the most notable of which is an exquisitely worked gold rhino. It is a world heritage site.
Dating from a similar era, Thulamela, in the Kruger National Park, is also worth a visit. Of great botanical, as well as anthropological, importance is Modjaji's Forest - the largest stand of cycads in the world. Consisting of thousands of these austerely beautiful primitive plants, some of which reach over 13m in height, this magical forest has been under the personal protection of Modjaji - the hereditary Rain Queen of the Lobedu people - for centuries. But Limpopo also has its prosaic aspects. Huge iron mines dominate the landscape in places, and the small towns serve mostly the large farming community that breeds cattle and grows delicious tropical crops like avocadoes, citrus fruit, litchis, mangoes, bananas, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, coffee and tea. The area around Bela Bela (previously called Warmbaths) is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. In fact, there is a whole string of hot springs all through the province, and the many private game lodges and boutique hotels have attached wellness centres, so it's a great venue for some pampering combined with a bit of game viewing.
Note: If you are planning to travel to the Kruger National Park or Lowveld please be aware that certain parts of this region are malarial. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.
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Baobab sunset
© South African Tourism
Buffalo
© South African Tourism
Elephant at dusk
© South African Tourism
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Accommodation near Limpopo Province
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(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
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Bushmen Camp is a Malaria Free luxury Hemingway-style tented camp & Safari Lodge located in the Limpopo Bushveld. It is neighbour to the Bushmen / San people, based and themed around the Culture, ways, art and crafts of The San people. A very unique and private Africa Safari experience. Ideal for a very private, peaceful break OR a stop over, en-route to Botswana or Zimbabwe.
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40% discount
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SUMMER Bushveld Bush Break !
Stay ANY 1 night, 2 persons sharing (regardless of age)
during November \ December \ January, ALL INCLUDED:
- Luxury en-suite Accommodation
- ALL Drinks
- FULL Dinner, FULL Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea
- ALL Activities : Guided Game Drives, Walk with Bushmen, Visit to White Lions...
Pay a FINAL Total per Unit per night of ONLY
R 995.00 - Thatched Tented Units ( R 495.00 per person sharing )
R 1 390.00 - Private Bush Cottages ( R 695 per person sharing )
R 1 790.00 - Luxury Safari Lodge Rooms ( R 895.00 per person sharing )
MIN 2 nights stay, subject to availability
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Masodini is situated in the 38.000 hectare Balule "Big 5" Nature Reserve part of a Greater Kruger National Park open conservation area. Accommodation is private and intimate in secluded Bush Chalets. Audrey and Bert, as owner managers will ensure guests have a wonderful Bush and Safari experience.Ideal for Bush lovers Masodini has the atmosphere and amenities to ensure a truly memorable stay.
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This 5 star romantic haven of luxury and exclusivity is situated in the malaria free Zebula Game Reserve and Golf Estate in the Limpopo province’s Waterberg region, only 2 hours’ drive from Johannesburg and offers an award winning experience all-round. Botsebotse Bush Retreat will enchant you, steal your heart and leave you yearning for more.Family / Friend “Silly Season” Bushveld Package 5-
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25% discount
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FOR YOUR VALENTINE
OPTION 1.
25 % DISCOUNT – BOOK 3 NIGHTS AND STAY 1 NIGHT FREE: R 9,420
OPTION 2.
2 NIGHTS FOR R 6,280.00
INCLUDES: 5 - Star luxury
en-suite with Queen bed, hand crafted linen, safari net, air conditioner and
ceiling fan, seating area, coffee station and mini-bar; en suite bathroom with
egg shaped bath, walk in shower; private out door shower bath, luxury
toiletries, your own private courtyard and undercover parking. Coffee, tea,
breakfast, lunch or picnic basket and romantic 3-course dinners in your
courtyard, the dining area, lapa-boma, bush boma or under the starry sky.
Welcome drink, flowers, chocolates, a bottle of sparkling wine in your room and
surprise evening turndowns. Conservation entry fee, unlimited self-drive game
drives, game walks, and cycle safaris.
EXCLUDES: Transfers, drinks from
the bar and mini-bar, laundry.
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Raptors Lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the rich diversity of the Limpopo Province and the Kruger Park surroundings. Our twenty well appointed double suites offer upmarked self-catering accommodation for up to 80 guests.
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Situated in Phalaborwa and only two kilometres from Kruger National Park and Hans Merensky Golf Club. Daan and Zena's is one of the oldest, funkiest and definitely the most colourful B and B/Self-catering accommodation establishments in Phalaborwa.
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Just two magnificently appointed chalets sleeping only four people, right in the heart of Big Five country within the borders of the greater Kruger National Park!!!!
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Sunbird Lodge is conveniently located less than 2km from both the Phalaborwa Gate to the Kruger Park and the famous Hans Merensky Golf Estate. The airport is a mere 3 km away and we are less than 1km from the town centre, making us that perfect choice for your business or holiday stay. “Enjoy the ambiance, relax and let your stress melt away"
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5% discount
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Weekend Special
Stay any Friday, Saturday or Sunday night between 16 January and 07 December 2010 and get a 5% discount on room rates (not available over school or public holidays).
Advance Booking Special: Book for a stay more than 6 months in advance and receive a 5% discount (not available over school or public holidays). Valid from 01 Dec 08 until 31 December 10. Terms and Conditions apply.
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Sightings of Lion and Elephant in Big 5 territory and tracking the Cheetah is part of the HONGONYI experience with excellent photo opportunities of Africa’s most amazing animals as well as the ‘Little Big5’ and the ‘Secret Seven’.We have the tallest, the biggest, the fastest, the smallest, the thinnest, and the slowest on the reserve.
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Per person sharing R1,200 Rooms/Units R2,800
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Special offer: Sorry no children under the age of 12 years.
Special 2 night full board package of R2800pp sharing (singles R 3136) - this includes activities such as 1 x Big5 drive, 2 x safari drives and 1x safari bush walk or drive. Valid 01/02/2010 - 31/10/2010 - A 50% deposit is required to secure this special offer.
Special 3 night full board package of R4900 pp sharing (singles R5500) - this includes activities such as 1 x Big5 drive, 2 x safari drives and 1x safari bush walk or drive PLUS a 1 day 4 x 4 trip into the Kruger National Park with a qualified guide. Valid 01/02/2010 - 31/10/2010 - A 50% deposit is required to secure this special offer.
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Exclusive self-catering safari lodge accommodation where you can feel the heartbeat of the African Bushveld.Consisting of 2 luxury bedrooms with own exclusive rights to the lodge. Relax on the private boma watching the African Sunset before your eyes.
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