Things to Do in Valley of the Olifants

Home to Africa's wild and silky cream liqueur, the Amarula Lapa is a great spot to chill near the Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park. Here you can relax, stretch your legs and of course, enjoy a glass of Amarula Cream on ice and stock up with a few bottles before journeying on. Comfortable seating, a shop and a warm African welcome await you on entering the high thatch-roof building. Rough stone walls and kraal-style area bestow an authentic bushveld feeling. The Amarula Lapa is crucial to the lives of the local inhabitants who provide the Marula fruit for pulp processing in season. During the off-season, Amarula sponsor community-based job creation projects to enhance their income. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 and Saturday 09:00 – 12:00. A fertile fruit? The fruit of the indigenous Marula tree is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and features in tribal fertility rites. Known in folklore as ‘The Marriage Tree’, tribal marriage ceremonies still take place under the umbrella shaped trees.

A visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a moving and worthwhile experience It's also a convenient day excursion if you’re visiting the Orpen Gate side of Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrim's Rest, Graskop or Sabie. The centre provides a home for abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife and is a respected contributor to wildlife conservation. Animals that you may see are lion, leopard, serval, cheetah, hyena, honey badger, eagles, vultures and various baby animals.How it all beganMoholoholo started from small beginnings in 1990 – with a crowned eagle and a day old zebra. Word got out that the manager was able to care for and release wild animals and birds, and so Moholoholo grew.Sadly, some of the animals are not suitable to be released back into the wild and remain as ‘permanent residents’ at the centre. They give visitors an ‘up close and personal’ experience, highlighting the problems that wildlife are facing. The main focus at Moholoholo is to create awareness in order to preserve our wildlife.Often Moholoholo receive calls to rescue animals such as baby rhino that have been abandoned or leopards that have been injured by cars or caught in snares. The team are also actively involved in collaring and relocating ‘problem animal’ control on farms and tribal areas. Many leopards’ movements have been monitored with these collars.Moholoholo have tagged and released hundreds of vultures brought in due to poisoning or electrocution. Tracking harnesses were fitted to some individuals, astonishing researchers with the range of their movements.Another important function of the centre is breeding. Staff have successfully bred and released crowned eagle, serval and many other endangered animals.Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is self funded and also covers all the relocation costs of 'problem animals'. There is a small fee for guided tours which last about two hours – your visit to the centre helps this awesome project.

Discover the secrets of silk and the extraordinary little creatures that produce it. Experienced guides will take you on a journey through silk’s fascinating history and an interesting behind-the-scenes tour. Currently Bombyx Mori Silk Estate is South Africa’s only commercial silkworm farm. Here you can find out about their organic farming methods and how the cocoons are processed into wonderful products and the life-cycle of the mulberry silkworm. The species farmed at Bombyx Mori is the mulberry silkworm, not the ‘zebra’ worm that most of us kept as pet worms when we were kids! These remarkably industrious insects spin cocoons from a single strand that measures up to one kilometre. A visit to Bombyx Mori wouldn’t be complete without popping into the Ivory Room and Gallery. Here you will find silk-filled duvets, pillows and numerous other silk products to purchase as well as local crafts, selected interior finishes and original artwork.

Bordering the Wolkberg Wilderness, this incredibly scenic mountain reserve features crystal clear rivers, countless butterflies, waterfalls and lovely pools. Swarms of colourful butterflies, intricate spider webs and awesome bird life make it a popular destination for hiking and birding. Part of its appeal is the awesome natural beauty characterised by rolling grassy hills, lush kloofs and indigenous forests. An amazing variety of butterflies can be seen in the forests during late summer. Look out for the elusive Narina Trogon and Samango monkeys clambering in the treetops. Other forest-dwelling birds to spot are the Cape Parrot, Chorister Robin-Chat, Orange Ground-Thrush, Green Twinspot, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike and Barratt's Warbler. Spectacular flaming acacias dot the grassy hills, some covered in thousands of white blossoms or stunning purple-red pods.

This herpetological haven is well worth a stop! Formerly known as Swadini Snake Park, Khamai Reptile Park is home to some of South Africa’s deadliest snakes. Experienced guides will show you the scariest beasts - black and green mambas, boomslangs and Mozambique Spitting Cobras. If that isn’t enough to get your pulse racing then check out the Nile crocodiles and water lizards or get up close and personal with scorpions, baboon spiders and puff adders. You can also check out an awesome array of reptiles and amphibians from the rest of the planet. Khamai Reptile Park is owned by Donald Strydom, who has appeared as the ‘house expert’ in a number of BBC, Discovery and Animal Planet channels television features. A well-known black mamba handler, he also worked with the BBC to enable the filming of some unique footage of the Nile Monitor Lizard in its natural habitat. Donald and his team also capture and relocate over 300 ‘problem’ snakes in the region. In addition to that, Khamai Reptile Park have an educational programme for locals about the vital role reptiles play in the ecosystem and to dissuade the ‘kill on sight’ approach to the venomous snakes.

Tzaneen Convention Centre combines outstanding conference facilities with state of the art equipment and luxury accommodation.The venue caters for the special needs of business, incentive groups and corporate meetings. The management and staff are specialists in this field and will consult and assist in the planning of conferences and packages. Five different venues can accommodate up to 500 people, making Tzaneen Country Lodge and Tzaneen Convention Centre an axcellent choice to conference. Whether you’re holding a sales convention, board meeting or informal get-together with associates, your comfort and success are paramount. We pride ourselves in our professionalism, quality of service and enthusiasm and arrange every detail including accommodation, decor and dining. Tzaneen Convention Centre guarantees our clients exclusivity and a high level of personal service.Tzaneen Convention Centre hosts many functions, events and themed parties filled with excitement, fun and satisfaction. We offer a personalised and professional service for all events and flexible packages to suit both your budget and personal style.All our staff, most of whom have been with us from the inception of the Tzaneen Country Lodge and the new Tzaneen Convention Centre are warm and friendly and will do everything possible to ensure that your function runs smoothly – giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings. With your dedicated events co-ordinator you can be assured of the best service possible.Since each and every function is tailor-made to your requirements - arrangements for special dietary requirements, specialized liquor requests, children’s entertainment and supervision – are our pleasure.Live entertainment, DJ’s, flower arrangements and a chocolate fountain are, to name but a few, some of the services catered for by Tzaneen Convention Centre. With exquisite food, funky décor, fabulous service and lovely lodgings – this is the place to be.

Serenely situated on the scenic Hans Merensky Dam, Tzaneen Country Club is an undiscovered challenge for the serious golfer. The course is alleged to be one of the fairest tests of golf around and should have the high and low handicapper alike urging to book the next round. Rolling fairways and punishing but fair roughs merge to present a ‘shot makers’ ideal challenge. A well stocked bar with a cosy fireplace creates a friendly setting for socialising after many rounds. Tzaneen Country Club hosts some of the major tournaments on the PGA Winter Tour. Local and visiting golfers gather here every May for a weekend of golfing and good times at the annual Koraalboom Tournament.

Drink a pint inside the widest tree in the world! The legendary Sunland Baobab in Modjadjiskloof is internationally celebrated for being the widest of its species in the world. These magnificent trees evoke impressions of quintessential Africa, and if they could speak - many a fascinating tale could be told.Locals believe this baobab could be as old as 6000 years. Feasibly, it is most likely 1000 years old. Carbon dating from samples taken inside the hollows of the tree indicates that the tree was scorched by fires in 1650, 1750-1780, 1900, 1955 and 1990.Old baobabs eventually become hollow inside, and the Sunland Baobab has wonderful caverns within its incredibly wide girth. In 1993, the owners of Sunland Farm cleaned out the hollows and found artefacts of Bushmen and first white settlers.The spacious caverns were then turned into a pub and wine cellar - the famous Baobab Tree Bar and Wine Cellar! The ‘Baobar’ can accommodate up to 60 people. This unusual landmark has since become a popular tourist destination in the Limpopo Province. In spring, the Sunland Baobab produces beautiful, large flowers and attracts a variety of birds - including two pairs of owls.

Get airborne on an adrenalin pumping trip above three waterfalls and the Great Letaba River Gorge! Zip into the magnificent Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour and slide through the forest on a two-hour arboreal adventure. The impressive foefie slide cables are linked to 13 platforms above the river, waterfalls and indigenous forest floor. See the beauty of this spectacular area from a vantage point high above the river. Qualified guides ensure safety and chat knowledgeably about the birds, animals and plants. Families, nature lovers and thrill seekers shouldn’t miss this incredible zip slide experience. +27 (0) 83 866 1546 www.magoebaskloofcanopytour.co.za

Lying on the banks of the Great Letaba River just west of Kruger National Park and close to Tzaneen, the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is a fabulous place to view wildlife on foot. You’ll find none of the big hairy scaries here – just various antelope including rare sable, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, hippo and giraffe. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the more elusive leopard, jackal and hyena. The Great Letaba River flowing on one side of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve attracts rich and varied bird-life in all seasons. Evenings visitors are usually treated to special sightings of nightjars and owls. The main attraction of this beautiful reserve is the chance to walk most of it easily on foot. Exciting hiking options include the one km Mopane Interpretive Trail, the Letaba Trail along the river and the Giraffe Trail, a 32 km three-day hike with overnights in luxury huts. A self-drive route winds through the reserve and you can hope to see a fair amount of wildlife. Make your way to the wonderful lookout point that offers fantastic views – it makes for a great picnic spot. Guided morning and sunset game drives are available but you’ll need to book a day in advance. Thrill seekers can opt for the mountain bike trail and horse rides. You could also visit the Eiland Mineral Bath, a bubbling thermal spring long used by locals as a source of salt and medicinal treatments. Today the spring supplies an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

Last chance to see? Hopefully not but don't miss seeing some of the rarest of Africa’s breeding wildlife at an amazing centre in the Limpopo. Situated on over 100 hectares within the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was initially established as part of a breeding programme for cheetah.Today the centre has expanded to breed and conserve other African species for reintroduction into the wild. You will be able to see breeding cheetah and wild dog; both on the critically endangered species list. Fanatical attention is given to create perfect conditions for the sensitive cheetah to breed.Day trippers are treated to an in-depth tour of the centre. Hourly trips in safari vehicles with knowledgeable guides take visitors to the various enclosures to view cheetah, wild dog, lion, black-footed cat, African wild cat, ground hornbills, sable antelope and more.Watching the feeding sessions of rare African vultures swooping down into the ‘vulture restaurant’ is an awesome experience. Here you can see white-backed vultures, hooded vultures, occasionally the lappet-faced vulture and Cape Griffon, Marabou Stork and bateleur eagles.Visitors also have the option of going on an elephant-back safari, enjoying excellent wildlife viewing from the elephant’s high vantage point. These trips take place in the early morning or late afternoon and are always an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. The Camp Jabulani herd of elephants are renowned for their lovely temperaments and excellent physical condition.Contact Reservations for daily tours - Tel: +27 15 793 1633 Mobile: + 27 83 654 2299 Email for the Elephant Back Safaris: campjabulani@campjabulani.com

Just outside the little town of Letsitele is the workshop of one of the most impressive craft projects in Limpopo. Hundreds of local ‘Karosswerkers’ embroider intricate and unusual designs inspired by their lives and environment. These eye-catching ethnic creations take the form of useful mats, cushion covers, bags, clothing jewellery and artworks. Home to the Shangaan and Sotho people, Kaross Workers encourages their rich tradition of embroidery and art, creating diverse possibilities for a healthy exchange among artists. Open Monday to Thursday 07:00 - 17:00, Friday 07:00 - 14:30.

Situated in the Magoebaskloof between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen, the picturesque George's Valley is renowned for its beauty and friendly inhabitants. It’s a perfect stop over en-route to the Kruger National Park or for family holidays and weekend getaways. Known as the adventure hub of the Limpopo, George's Valley Gorge is a magnet for adrenaline junkies with a variety of thrills ranging from mild to wild. Try the magnificent Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour and experience the exhilaration of sliding through the forest on a two-hour Tarzan and Jane adventure! Magoebaskloof Adventures also offer awesome kloofing, abseiling, quad biking, fly-fishing, tubing, horse riding, a 4x4 course and mountain biking.

Trip back in time to a beautifully restored Stone Age village in Kruger National Park Situated on top of the picturesque Masorini Hill 11km from Phalaborwa entrance gate on the road to Letaba camp, Masorini offers a glimpse of an organized economy that existed before the arrival of European settlers in South Africa. The village also gives insight into the lifestyle of the Stone Age hunter-gathering society that formed an integral part of the natural environment in Kruger National Park. Excavations exposed hut floors and artefacts that gave clues to their way of life, homes, iron foundries and commerce. Dome shaped clay furnaces were used to smelt the iron ore and moulded into spears, arrowheads and farming tools. These items were traded for glass beads, ivory, animal products and food between the BaPhalaborwa at Masorini, the Venda in the North and later, the Portuguese on the east coast. Archaeological and ethnographic research ensured that the reconstructions are as authentic as possible. Local BaPhalaborwa people renovated the huts have recently and there is a site museum and picnic spot at the base of Masorini Hill. Enjoy the fabulous views from the top! Guided tours to the huts and furnace depart from the museum.

Visit South Africa's own natural  Jurassic Park, the Modjadji Cycad Forest, which has the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. This stunning 530 hectare reserve is home to some of the oldest and largest cycads in the world - some up to 13 metres high and bearing cones weighing in to up to 34 kilograms.Mysteriously situated near the home of the fabled Modjadji Rain Queen in the misty Lobedu Mountains, it's an awesome place to go walking or to chill out with a picnic basket. Between December and February these living fossil plants are in seed. When the mist lifts there are sweeping views over the cycad forest to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. Well constructed walks meander from the cycad forest to the acacia and grass lands below. Here you can spot large game such as blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, impala and bushbuck. There's a good chance of seeing monkeys, dassies and bushpigs too. The birding is fantastic with over 170 species recorded.

Grab the whole family and soak up the countrified charms of this quaint little dairy farm. Winners of the Eat In 'Best Organic Producer' 2008 award for their organic produce, Wegraakbosch Organic Cheese Dairy is well worth a visit. Take a tour, taste and watch cheese being made in the traditional way – it’s so good! Cows are milked by hand and curds are stirred in a big copper cauldron over a fire. Kids will love checking out the chickens, ducks and geese while the older folk are stocking up on organic cheese and dairy products. You’ll find a tempting array of yoghurt, feta, ricotta, cottage and other hard and soft cheeses. Tours are an hour long and cost R50 for adults. Afterwards take a stroll around the farm and find a good picnic spot.

Meet, touch and feed the friendly animals at Mangela Animal Touch Farm Jacob the donkey and the miniature ponies Maya, Misty, Pepe and Inca are waiting for small visitors with crunchy apples and carrots. Mangela Animal Touch Farm also has ostriches, emus, pot-bellied pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits and more!Pony rides are available with supervision by friendly and helpful staff. The crew at Mangela pride themselves on their management of the animals and the environment. There is no better way for children to safely learn about them. Mangela also specialise in children's parties with different themes, birthday cakes and kiddies gift boxes available together with a jumping castle, jungle gym, self-drive toy cars and other fun activities. Mangela Animal Touch Farm, Tea Garden & Curio Shop offers activities and fun for kids and adults alike.Need to know? Mondays to Fridays 9:00am to 5:30pm Saturdays & Sundays 9:00am to 5:30pm.

Cuddle a baby crocodile and count all 68 teeth If you’re feeling brave you could even feed the big toothy predators. Situated on a scenic avocado farm outside Tzaneen, Agatha Crocodile Ranch is a definitely worth a visit. On offer are adventurous daily tours, an opportunity to touch a baby crocodile and also to feed the enormous adults. Tours include a fascinating talk about the behaviour, conservation and breeding of the Nile crocodile, followed by a feeding show and guided tour of the breeding dam and enclosures. Who’s your daddy? Of all the 220 Nile crocodiles on the ranch, Rufus is the biggest at 4.2 meters long and is probably 49 years old. Daily tours and feeding shows are between 09:00 – 16:00, Monday to Sunday. Tours last one and a half hours and promise lots of thrills. Agatha Crocodile Ranch also features a local art gallery and curio shop. +27 (0)15 307 4398

Tee off on the wild side at Hans Merensky Golf Course near the Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park. The renowned course has a unique bushveld atmosphere and it’s not uncommon for visitors to share their golf experience with resident giraffe, hippo, crocodile and other wildlife! Designed by Bob Grimsdell, the 18-hole par 72 championship golf course has been voted as the best walking course in the country. It also recently received the Diamond Arrow Award for being the highest rated golf course in the Limpopo. Visitors are welcome any day of the week and can tee off between 07:00 and 09:00 or 11:30 and 13:30.

This well-known attraction inside the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is built exclusively of traditional materials. Tsonga Kraal Museum is an open-air reconstructed village showcasing the many traditional building styles of the Tsonga people who originated from southern Mozambique. Friendly and animated guides bring the village to life as they perform the traditions of the North Tsonga. Another Limpopo museum like it is Bakone Malapa Museum near Polokwane.