South Africa | Limpopo

In the far northern reaches of South Africa, the grassy plains of Limpopo spread across a plateau punctuated by clusters of savanna shrubs and exotic trees. Bordered in the west by Bostwana, the north, Zimbabwe, and in the east Mozambique, this corner of the country is a place of great natural beauty, history and adventure - the gateway to exploring The Great North.

This land of the traditional Venda people is steeped in legend - the forests, waterfalls and lakes whisper myths passed by word of mouth down through the generations. The sacred white lion of the Thathe Vondo forest, water sprites in the Phiphidi Falls or Raluvimba, a birdlike being that travels like a shooting star, all conjure images of a place that holds many untold secrets to this day.

Moving back in time to the origins of man, The Makapans Valley near Mokopane contains historical and cultural heritage sites as old as three million years. A series of caves have yielded important fossil discoveries including remains of Australopithecus africanus, evidence of Early and Late Stone Age Man, a variety of extinct fauna, and, more recently, relics from the dramatic siege of the Ba-Tlou people by the Voortrekkers.

Chacma Baboons		Fruit Market		King Cheatah

Further north, situated at the confluence of the Shashi and Limpopo Rivers, where Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa meet, lies Mapungubwe. This World Heritage Site was the home of a Kingdom of traders and tribesmen dating back to 850AD. Discoveries of ivory objects, pottery, glass beads and the famous 'Golden Rhino' illustrate the flourishing trade and advanced social systems of African kingdoms in the 13th century.

The park also contains the highly endangered vegetation communities of Limpopo Riparian Forest and the Acacia-Salvadora, and the abundant wildlife and geological attractions makes this rugged mountainous area a must-see for any traveller to the region.

The Waterberg region of Limpopo centred around the town of Thabazimbi boasts an abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five, and many ecotourism adventure opportunities in its splendid natural surroundings. The Nylsvlei wetlands are habitat to over 400 species of water birds and the endangered Cape vulture can often be seen soaring on the warm currents that swell over the cliffs and rocky outcrops of the Waterberg Mountains. At Marakele, visitors can enjoy the thrill of staying in an unfenced safari camp while they explore groves of yellowwood trees, tree ferns and ancient cycads or enjoy the abundant game that roams the acacia savanna.

Along the Limpopo Valley route the stark silhouettes of the Baobab Tree can be seen etched out against the African sky. It is said that once, God in his anger planted the tree upside down with its roots in the air. Near Sagole a specimen can be visited that is 3,000 years old and measures 43 metres in circumference at base. The Limpopo River which forms the border with Zimbabawe is the life-blood of the valley and feeds the many small farming villages and settlements of the local people.

Big Game Viewing		African Kraal

Across the eastern reaches of Limpopo province stretches South Africa's premiere wildlife conservancy - the Kruger National Park. Covering almost 2 million hectares, the park is home to more species of wildlife than any conservation area on the continent and is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Kruger is home to an impressive list of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

It is a haven to thousands of Africa's big cats - lion, leopard and cheatah - which roam freely through the wide range of vegetation. You are also almost certain to see elephant, hippo, rhino and large numbers of impala, zebra and buffalo. The park features an extremely good network of tarred roads for self-drive tours and a wide range of accommodation options, from fully equipped chalets to tented camps. Travellers can enjoy walking safaris, game drives and many other eco-adventure activities including wilderness trails, mountain bike trails and 4x4 excursions.

Along the park's western border is a selection of private reserves and lodges which share land with Kruger's wildlife. Whilst expensive, they offer luxury accommodation, superb cuisine and enhanced opportunities for 'Big Five' sightings during shorter two or three day visits.

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