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LIMPOPO

The Limpopo is an eco-tourist destination where mountain ranges rise suddenly and dramatically out of bushveld plains. Much of the land, particularly in the Kruger National Park and other game and nature reserves, is unspoilt, providing sanctuary to large numbers of game.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1 The Waterberg (Water Mountain): A unique wilderness area of South Africa yet to be fully discovered. Its beauty lies in its superb vistas, mountain gorges, clear streams and rolling bushveld hills, all rich in indigenous species of flora and fauna. The area is also steeped in history, with many a rock art and geological sites. Activities offered in the area includes guided bush walks, game drives, farm tours, bird watching, riding safaris, fishing, hunting, river boat cruises, hiking, and mountain bike trails.

2 Mokopane (Potgietersrus): The stunning bushveld environment and influences from Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Afrikaans and English cultures give Mokopane a unique character. There are ancient caves, the "Big Five", ancient San drawings, curios, bushveld food and drink such as biltong (dried meat) and mampoer (a potent drink), tropical gardens and traditional dancing. The historic and archeologically-significant Makapansgat Caves is situated 15 km north of the town.

3 Lephalale (Ellisras): West of the Mogol River in the distinctive bushveld landscape of the foothill of the Waterberg Range lies the tranquil town of Lephalale. The mild winter months, with moderate summer evenings, make this a popular venue for camping and stargazing. Spectacular sunsets, soothing nocturnal sounds, birdsongs and abundant game amidst the natural beauty of the Bushveld will ensure a pleasant visit.

4 Bela-Bela (Warmbaths): Bela-Bela is world-renowned as a holiday and health destination. The hot mineral springs bubble out of

the earth at about 22 000 litres per hour. The temperature of the water is a pleasant 53°C and is rich in sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other salts that have healing properties.

5 Modimolle (Nylstroom): In the heart of the bushveld, some 130 km north of Pretoria, a pleasant surprise awaits the visitor. A lovely place, surrounded by splendid hot mineral springs, peaceful nature reserves and a choice of game farms.

6 Cycad Forest: The 530-ha Modjadji Nature Reserve, north-east of the town of Duiwelskloof, contains one of the most fascinating population of plants seen in Southern Africa. Once the main diet of the prehistoric mammal-like reptiles that lived here, the Modjadji cycad (Encephalartos transvenosus) forms a unique natural forest which can be viewed in its prehistoric state thanks to its strict protection by succeeding generations of modjadji ('rain queens'), the hereditary rulers in the area.

7 Wolkberg Wilderness Area: The scenically delightful 22 000-ha, Wolkberg Wilderness Area is situated approximately 80km south-west of Tzaneen. The 2 127-m Wolkberg forms part of the northern Drakensberg, with its great, vertical krantzes, countless valleys, cool, deep and densely forested ravines, massive buttresses and folded and interlocking spurs.

8 Tzaneen: Within easy reach from this splendid town are fascinating archaeological sites, mighty baobab trees, wildlife and nature reserves, as well as a superb range of tourism facilities. Situated below the scenic splendour of Magoebaskloof in a subtropical district, Tzaneen offers the visitor a change of scenery at almost every turn of the road.