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Limpopo

Weather in Limpopo

People from Tzaneen consider their climate to be the best in South Africa.

Summer (October – April) High temperatures of 33C and overnight low of 20C. This is the rainy season and prone to severe thunderstorms

Winter (May – September) High temperatures of 26C and overnight lows of 10C. This is the dry season but there can be occasional rain

This region is the most northerly province and includes some of the most remote locations in South Africa. This diverse area includes the vast wilderness areas of the Waterberg and Zoutspansberg, the legendary Rain Queen of the Lobedu tribe at Modjadi near the tea growing and tropical fruit centre of Tzaneen and the remote Venda land. Remains of early civilisations can be found across the province together with numerous cave paintings of the now departed stone age San people. This is indeed the land of legends.

Facts for Limpopo Province

Towns At Warmbaths / Bela Bela you can visit the hot springs surrounded by lush gardens. Tzaneen is a typical, bustling South African town in the midst of beautiful scenery at the northern end of the Drakensberg.
Culture & Legends Visit the cycad gardens of the Rain Queen who was used as the basis for Ryder Haggard’s classic novel “She”. There are also numerous villages where you can visit a sangoma (medicine man) and see traditional healing techniques.
Scenery & History Explore Magoebaskloof for spectacular scenery and revisit the flight of Chief Magoeba from the ruthless Swazi impis. The Blyde River Canyon is the largest ‘green’ canyon in the world and is truly spectacular.
Health and relaxation many of the fine hotels offer comprehensive spa facilities.
Game Reserves The Waterberg, Welgevoenden, Zoutspansberg and the area around Hoedspruit bordering the Kruger National Park provide the ‘Big Five for great South African safaris and game viewing.
Malaria In the low lying areas to the north and east of Tzaneen and in the Limpopo Valley (near Zimbabwe) we strongly recommend the use of anti malarial preparations, available from a pharmacy, and insect repellent creams and sprays.

Accommodation in Limpopo

Typical South African accommodation includes luxury hotels and some wonderful affordable bed & breakfast lodges.

Kings Walden Garden Manor, Tzaneen, Limpopo,

A beautiful location set in stunning gardens with sweeping views

This is a small lodge with just 6 rooms all beautifully appointed and with mountain views. The property is especially well known for its gardens planted by the original owners in the 1930s. Fine dining is a key ingredient of your stay and the owners take pride in sourcing fresh produce daily

About the Location

This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport along excellent roads and just 20 minutes from the bustling town of Tzaneen. This area is often credited with having the best climate in South Africa as it is set high in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains which ensures that this tropical paradise rarely gets unbearably hot or humid. There is much to visit in this locations from The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, White Water Tubing, Quad Bike trails, Abseiling, Climbing wall, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Paintball, Kloofing or Canyoning. You are also close to the legendary ‘Kingdom’ of Mojadi – The Rain Queen. This is supposed to have been the inspiration for Kipling’s novel ‘She’. Close by is an enormous Baobab tree which has been dated as 1,700 years’ old. It is so large and hollow it houses the famous Baobab Tree Bar.

Ants Hill Bush Houses, Waterberg, Limpopo

Ants Hill is a truly different experience where you are able to experience living in your ‘own’ cottage in the African Bush

As well as the main Ants Hill lodge house there are four cottages providing a home from home…in the bush. The cottages are at your complete disposal together with the staff, resident chef and ranger. Guides will also lead you on exhilarating horseback safaris into the reserve. This will provide you with the ability to view rhino, giraffe, zebra, a host of antelope species and baboons. Night drives can be arranged to try to spot some elusive nocturnal species such as aardvark, bush babies and wild cats. The properties can sleep up to ten at Ants Nest and twelve at Ants Hill. The unique accommodation is decorated with extensive use of traditional furnishings at Ants Nest and bright African colours at Ants Hill. Beds are huge and the baths have to be seen to be believed! Both homes have beautiful pools and the one at Ants Hill is spectacularly situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking a gorge.

About Ants Hill’s Location

Ants Hill and Nest are located in the extraordinarily diverse biome of The Waterberg. The reserve is made out of 12 different ecological zones from open grassy plains to thick montane bush to savannah bushveld. Drives into the nearby ‘Big Five’ Waterberg National Park can be arranged. This is a wonderful location and experience for children of all ages and babysitting can be arranged.

Jembisa Bush House, Waterberg. Limpopo

Jembisa is a gem set in the non-malarial African Bush with your own chef, wine butler and game ranger

Jembisa is perfect for families wanting to try something completely different or couples traveling together. Jembisa offers, in our view, a unique experience. Your family or friends will occupy the house which has been set up as a family home… with a difference. Accommodation comprises five large and beautifully decorated, en suite bedrooms and a childrens’ bunk room. In addition, you will have your own compliment of staff catering to your every need. Game rangers are included who will teach you tracking, how to survive in the bush. They will also introduce you on game drives or on foot to many of the animals in the reserve which do not include the predators. However, most of all, you will be in the African Wilderness with a wonderful canopy of stars at night and just the sounds of the wild. The house can also be rented by couples at a rate that compares very favourably with the top game lodges. The food at Jembisa ranks with the best we have encountered in South Africa from their long-standing chef from Malawi.

About Jembisa’s Location

The Waterberg National Park is very close and drives into the park are provided to give guests the opportunity to see the ‘Big Five’ in this wild location. Elephant back safaris can also be experienced nearby. As well as the pool Jembisa has a floodlit tennis court, children’s games room and babysitting is also provided if required.

Blyde River Canyon Lodge, Hoedspruit

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is one of the most romantic locations in South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Lodge is a pretty, 7 roomed thatched lodge. The lodge is situated near the town of Hoedspruit in the ‘state’ of Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg. Accommodation is clean, simple and comfortable. The rooms and bathrooms are fairly basic but they do have air conditioning. In contrast, the common guest areas including the pool are excellent. Breakfasts are served on the veranda overlooking the grounds often in the company of zebra and reasonable dinners can be arranged. The enduring features of this property are the wonderful views from the grounds and the semi-tamed zebra, impala and even an elusive bush baby and occasional visit from a hippo.

About Blyde River Canyon Lodge’s Location

This is situated close to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon that is the world’s third largest canyon. This area is exceptionally photogenic. You can hike through the bottom of the gorge on good footpaths or go for a cruise on the Dam. This is an experience you won’t forget. You will walk among trees teeming with monkeys. You will gasp at the hippos and crocodiles basking on rocks as you cruise by at a safe distance. From the lodge you can drive to romantic Pilgrim’s Rest that hosted one of the earliest gold rushes in South Africa. History abounds in this area. This is also where the High Veld of the South African interior comes to a dramatic end plunging to the Low Veld some 2000 feet below. For clients who wish to travel to the Kruger Park, Orpen Gate is only a short (40 minutes) drive from the lodge. The area also boasts numerous private game reserves and animal rehabilitation centres. In the main, however, you will want to gaze in awe at the scenry along the Panorama Route.

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