Discovering Limpopo (original) (raw)
Picture yourself relaxing on the deck of a luxury game lodge, watching the sun set over the baobabs, while feasting on locally grown tropical delights, such as avocados, litchis and mangoes. If your goal, when traveling in South Africa, is to experience the untamed, natural beauty, diversity of fauna and flora, then Limpopo Province is the destination for you.
Roughly half of the world famous Kruger National Park is situated in this province, along with a host of other nature reserves and game farms, and this makes for a wild, untamed place.
This is perfect viewing territory for the big 5, the symbols of Africa, and on the Lowveld area of the province, there are vast plains of grassland, populated with curious looking baobab trees, which seem to have been planted upside down.
At the other end of the scale, in the Waterberg region the Wolkberg and Blouberg mountain ranges offer spectacular hiking trials in a natural, unspoilt wilderness, as well as some excellent rock climbing opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels of experience. White water rafting is another high adrenaline option, with the Olifants and other rivers offering some spectacular rapids.
However, Limpopo is not all about wilderness and white water. There is an esoteric, mystical element to the province too, as this is the ancestral home of Modjaji – the rain queen. Visit Modjaji’s forest, an ancient stand of cycads, steeped in local legend, and under the personal protection of the rain queen herself.
On the other hand, plan a trip to the world famous city of Mapungubwe, proof of civilization on the African content between the 11th and 13th centuries, and home to fascinating artifacts, such as the golden rhino, as well as irrefutable proof that local peoples were trading with the East at the time. This is yet another of South Africa’s world heritage sites, and well worth a visit when passing through, or staying in the province.
Modern day members of the Zionist Church make an annual pilgrimage to this area, to the city of Moria, every Easter, to spend a weekend praising God, and their ancestors. Zionism is a form of religion that blends traditional beliefs with western Christianity.
Of course, no visit to the area would be complete without a trip to Bela Bela, and its famous warm water springs. There are many more springs located throughout the province and some have been developed into luxury hotels and spas.
While Limpopo may not be an ideal destination for those addicted to the frenetic pace of city living, it is certainly a great choice for those travelers looking to tap into the untamed majesty of Africa.
For further information or to book your Limpopo holiday, please visit:
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