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Limpopo Province -The Land
of Contrasts
Limpopo Province was previously known as the
Northern Province but changed its name on 12 February 2002.
It is named after Limpopo River that flows along its northern
border. Polokwane is the capital city of Limpopo. The province
lies in northern South Africa bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe
and Mozambique. Limpopo is best famed as a land of wild &
distinctive mountains, Trout Rivers, hot minerals springs,
waterfalls, ancient forests and unspoilt wilderness. The population
of Limpopo is sparsely populated with several ethnic groups
distinguished by culture, language and race. The languages
spoken in this region are Xitsonga, Sepedi and Tshivenda.
Climatic conditions here are hospitable with
hot yet pleasant summers and dry, mild winters. It can get
very hot in summer (October-March), with temperatures rising
to 27ºC and sometimes, even get to 35 ºC.
Though most regions of this Province are malaria-free,
visitors to the northern parts near the Zimbabwean border
as well as the lowveld towards Mozambique are advised to take
a malarial prophylaxis at least a week before visiting these
regions. Limpopo is the home of peace; visitors are however
advised to take general precautions they would observe in
any other international city or town, particularly in built-up
urban areas and avoid the unnecessary display of valuables
such as jewellery, cash or any valuable equipment.
Limpopo has everything that is expected of
Africa -bushveld, mountains and an abundance of animals are
found in the area, making it one of South Africa's most popular
wild adventure destinations and conservation areas. The major
attraction destinations are the famous Kruger National Park
with excellent game viewing and world-class accommodation;
Makapansgat valley where Professor Raymond Dart announced
the discovery of the first ape man; Modjadji Cycad nature
reserve with oldest and largest cycad specimens on earth;
Lapalala wilderness a sanctuary for the endangered animals;
a getaway at Haernertsburg; Bela-Bela also known as Warmbaths
discovered by the Tswana in the 1800s and named Bela-Bela,
meaning 'the water that boils on its own'; Venda myths and
legends -Legendary domba dance performed during initiation
of young girls; Vondo forest believed to be a holy forest
and is a burial site of royals and Lake Funduzi which is said
to be protected by a python god.
The province is the home of the fabled rain
queen whom people claim has the mystical power to make rain.
The area boasts many historical sites, from the relics of
the Stone Age San, to the tracks of the Voortrekker wagons
which carried European immigrants into an unknown land and
housed their cultures.
Limpopo province is a land of legend and romance
with splendid scenery, an abundance of nature reserves and
a thriving people. The beauty and infinite variety of the
province will not only delight but will entice visitors back
again and again
Polokwane
Polokwane previously known as Pieterburg -named
in honour of Voortrekker's General Petrus Jacobus Joubert,
originated in the farm Sterkloop in 1884 and became a town
in 1886. There were many settlements and a remarkable growth
due to its proximity to Gauteng and the rich agricultural
district surrounding it which led to development of a city
in 1902. The British also built a concentration camp to house
almost 4,000 Boer women and children during the Anglo-Boer
war. Pieterburg changed its name to Polokwane -a northern
Sotho word meaning 'place of safety' in June 2003.
Polokwane is the capital city of the Limpopo
province only three hours drive from the Gauteng conglomerates,
perfectly situated and readily accessible to all regional
markets. It is a modern city which lies on the Sterkloop River
and is the service and trading centre for the surrounding
rural areas of the Limpopo province. The city's strategic
position and modern infrastructure makes it an automatic choice
for sensible investment. The economic investment of Polokwane
spreads widely across mining, commerce, agriculture and manufacturing.
The largest sector of the community within
the municipal resides in rural tribal village followed by
urban formal settlements. Languages spoken in this part of
South Africa are Sepedi, Afrikaans, Xitsonga, Tshivenda, Isindebele,
Siswati, Sesotho, Setswana, Isixhosa, Isizulu and English.
Polokwane is also influenced by its neighbouring countries
like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland.
The city is on a plateau 1312 meters altitude
and has a pleasant climate of average temperatures of 27º
c in summer and 20º c in winter. Summer rainfall varies
between 400-600 mm per year. This healthy and beautiful all
year round climate makes Polokwane ideal place to live, for
sports and recreational activities. Polokwane is the sporting
centre of Limpopo with comprehensive range of sports activities
like soccer, cricket, netball, basketball, swimming, volleyball,
track & field athletics and many more sizzling games for
the children and adults.
Polokwane is an eco-tourism destination in
South Africa promoted by the scenic setting and thrilling
tourist attractions like Eersteling Monuments which commemorate
the country's first gold crushing site and gold power plant.
Also make a point to visit the Old English Fort of Marabastad
where in 1880 the Boers forced the siege of 140 solders for
104 days; the charming Gazebo built in 1924 in the civic square;
lots of game viewing and bird watching opportunities in the
reserves, bird sanctuaries, Nile crocodile ranch & parks;
Modern shopping centre- Savannah Centre and Middestad centre
with many shops, chain stores and fast food outlets to purchase
anything in your shopping list; Museums displaying the magnificent
art & cultural collection in the country, featuring the
traditional & modern day life of the Northern Sotho village;
bush craft is stocked with curious and handmade goods made
by the local crafts people;
Other attractions not to be missed are the
Irish Green House that houses the Polokwane Museum and the
Makapari's cave and limestone works which are human habitation
in the area. The fossils, bones and artefacts are found in
the caves to show records of hominid habitation and evolution.
The provincial training hospital, a modern
private hospital, municipal and government clinics and a number
of medical research centres boast of qualified and well trained
medical practitioners and specialists in medical care.
While at Polokwane one can choose from different
forms of accommodation ranging from romantic lodges, thatched
tents & chalets and exclusive suites which are individually
furnished to suite all budgets both business and holiday adventure.
They also cater for conferences and any other special occasion.
Looking for a place to relax and have fun
either individually or as group? Polokwane is the best stop
over you cannot afford to miss.
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