When most people head on holiday to Limpopo, they are most likely to go to South Africa’s biggest attraction, the Kruger National Park, a tourist spot that boasts exceptional scenic spots and wildlife.
But Limpopo is not limited to the Kruger, there are many other wonders one can experience like waterfalls and sacred forests found in this province dubbed Africa’s Eden.
Here are a few spots to check out the next time you visit Limpopo.
Should you pop into Limpopo for a visit, make sure to check out one of Limpopo’s most beautiful and sacred forests, Thathe Vondo Forest. This mystical forest is home to the Tshidzivhe people and visitors are allowed to drive or walk through to admire all the trees and plants in this sacred forest. The trees and plants are protected and the only area in which you will not be allowed to wander is the ancient burial ground which the Tshidzivhe people believe is bewitched by spirits and will not walk through it at any cost.
This forest is a mixture of Afromontane forests and grasslands and has tropical features of mosses, ferns, orchids and streptocarpus, which will be perfect for your Instagram shots.
Make a stop at this museum, located in an archaeological site that dates all the way from the 17th century. A visit to this museum will expose you to the traditional way of life of the Northern Sotho people and give you a chance to explore the traditional cultural aspects including hut building, thatching, metalwork, woodcarving, pottery, basketry and skinwork. There is also a kiosk available for you to purchase souvenirs and memory keepsakes.
If you find yourself in the Mokopane area, you should not miss the opportunity of going on a guided tour of Makapan's Valley. This is where you will find extensive cultural and palaeontological deposits that have played a crucial role in furthering our understanding of later human evolution and the appearance of modern man. 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. The Cave of Hearths preserves a remarkably complete record of human occupation from Early Stone Age “Acheulian” times in the oldest sediments through the Middle Stone Age, the Later Stone Age and up to the Iron Age.
A great spot for explorers to add to their must visit site in Limpopo, the Echo Caves, which are situated in the northernmost range of the Drakensberg in Limpopo. This interesting geological site can be found 15 km west of the Strydom Tunnel on the Abel Erasmus Pass and 26 km north of Ohrigstad on the Lydenburg/Tzaneen road. The natural caves are well known for their hollow dolomite and if the stalactites are struck, the echo can be heard for miles. An hour long tour will take you through beautiful large chambers with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
Situated in the Magoebaskloof between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen, lies the picturesque George's Valley Gorge also known as the adventure hub of Limpopo. This place is a magnet for adrenaline junkies with a variety of thrills ranging from horse riding to quad biking.
Pop in for a nice glass of Amarula on the rocks in Limpopo (Phalaborwa), home to the famous Amarula Cream Liqueur. The Amarula Lapa is a promotional tasting and tourist visitor centre situated 10 km outside Phalaborwa. Production tours are held from January to April only and must be pre booked. 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.
This national park was established in 1995 and covers an area of over 28,000 hectares. The park protects the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, as well as the wildlife and riverine forests along the Limpopo River. The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age. Archaeologists also uncovered the famous golden rhino figurine from the site. It is one of the few places in Africa that has both meerkats and Nile crocodiles. Mapungubwe National Park is renowned for its scenic landscape, unique sandstone formations, woodlands, riverine forest and baobab trees.
Another hotspot to check out in Limpopo is the magical Debengeni Fall, situated near the dense forests of the Magoebaskloof.
Birdwatchers would love this magical spot as it is home to some exciting birds including the grey wagtail, mountain wagtail, red-backed mannikin, African firefinch, half-collared kingfisher, African finfoot, blue-mantled crested flycatcher, rufous-chested sparrowhawk, and scaly-throated honeyguide. More than 40 species of indigenous trees are found around Debengeni Falls, making it a particularly wealthy ecological hotspot.
The cool thing about the Tshatshingo Potholes is that not everyone knows where these potholes are located, or that they even exist. But the Tshatshingo Potholes easily rival the Bourke Luck Potholes when it comes to beauty, and they are a lot less touristy.
Tshatshingo Potholes occur in a geologically deep gorge along the Tshirovha River. The Pothole is of significant heritage to the Vhavenda people in general and particularly to the Makani clan. By rights traditionally bestowed on the Makani clan, they have become the sole custodians of the Tshatshingo Pothole. The Makani chief, as the owner of the site, is the ultimate decision maker regarding any aspects related to the use or proposed developments projects around the Pothole.
The next time you pop into Limpopo, remember to check out the many magical and sacred wonders this beautiful province offers.
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