| The region is renowned for its abundance of wildlife (including the 'Big Five'), craggy mountains, huge man-made and indigenous forests, trout streams and cascading waterfalls. The Mopani region provides easy access to the northern section of the Kruger Park. Including towns such as Phalaborwa, Tzaneen,
Modjadjikloof and Giyani, the area also boasts a plethora of historical, cultural and ethnic attractions. The contrasts in climate, scenery and landscape within this region are striking and dramatic.
|
| |
| Highlights include the Modjadji Cycad Reserve and the 'Big Hole' open-cast mine in Phalaborwa. |
| |
 |
Extent: about 11427.85 km˛ (1,14mil ha) plus the District Management area (being Kruger National Park, north of Lepelle river). |
|
Overall population number is 1 223 747. |
|
It is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier park, the park that combines South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Baobab tree confirmed to be the biggest in the world with the height of 24 metres and the circumference of 39 metres.
|
| |
| The Mopani District Municipality is home the following: |
| |
| Letaba |
| |
|
The area is home to the legendary Rain Qeen of the Balobedu people. Modjadji meaning “ruler of the Day”. The road to this magical area is a must 4x4 enthusiast. A hiking trail amongst 800 year old cycads is a particular rewarding for those with a botanic bent. |
|
The area host Modjadji Camp which is part of the African Ivory route. |
|
The Sunland Baobab which is estimated to be about 6000 years. A bar has been built inside the bark which hallows naturally with age. |
|
The Modjadji Cycad Forest , which has the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. It is home to some of the largest and oldest cycads in the world. |
| |
| Phalaborwa "The town of two summers" - "The jewel of wildlife tourism" |
| |
|
Is Gateway to The Kruger National Park |
|
Is the home of one of the smallest city in South Africa known as Leydsdorp |
|
The home of to the famous Amarula Cream Liquer, derived from the fruit of the Marula tree. |
|
A reconstructed Iron age village at Masorini within KNP |
|
Golf in the wild, Hans Maresky Golf Estate -The unique course that extens over a vast area of indigenous bush interspersed with tranquil pools and velvet green |
|
Kruger Getaway Airport that connect Phalaborwa with International Airports |
|
You can visit Foskor Museum and experience the mining history of Phalaborwa and ancestral living in the area |
|
The Big hole open cast mine considered the widest man made hole in Africa. |
|
The Marula Fruit. This fruit provides a drink in the form of juice , beer and liqueur according to fermentation. The nut from the fruit is used as a snack and also a base product of cooking oil and skin products. A well renowned Marula festival is held annually in February. |
|
Phalaborwa has also won the national title for “Cleanest Town” for two years . |
| |
| Maruleng |
| |
| Maruleng municipality is wedged between some of Limpopo prime tourist attractions, including the Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Reserve and Blyde River Canyon. Significant tourism related activities exist as well as numerous private lodges and guesthouses. An existing airport play a significant role in increasing tourist traffic and establish the area as a gateway to the Kruger and surrounding
|
| |
| Tourist attractions and facilities in Maruleng: |
| |
| There are an estimated 2814 beds in 70 lodges 10 guesthouses and 10 resorts in the municipality. Estimated 70 to 80% of Lowveld luxury lodges.R527 route gives access to Khamai Reptile Park, Bombyx Mori Silk farm and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation centre. Maruleng municipality boasts major Private Game Reserves and 5-star luxury lodges, namely;
|
| |
|
Thornbush and Kapama |
|
Timbavati (home of the white lions) |
|
Klaserie |
|
Babule and Oliphants |
| |
| It also houses Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre which is the world famous Cheetah breeding centre and Klaserie dam. The area falls within Limpopo Tourism, Valley of Oliphants, tourism route. Blyde river canon offers Bird watching (globally recognised and important bird area), Adventure tourism including hiking, white water Rafting, abseiling, hot air ballooning. The municipality serves as the centre of the Kruger 2 canyon Biosphere and has Drakensberg Mountain Range which has rock climbing, hiking and Mariepskop (scenic mountain view)
|
| |
|
This area is known as the wildlife haven with the high concentration of the Big Five and many other wildlife species. The Drakensberg Escarpment is pronounced in this area . |
|
Jessica the world famous Hippo who has human parents and a fetish for coffee lives in this area. |
|
Maruleng is also the doorway to Mpumalanga. |
| |
| Tzaneen "Tropical Paradise" |
| |
|
Greter Tzaneen including Magoebaskloof, Haenerstsburg and Letsitele. |
|
One of the local legends holds it was Chief Makgoba himself who described the area where town is now situated as “Tzaneng” meaning gathering place |
|
Tzaneen is one of the South Africa’s richest sub tropical fruit growing region. |
|
Whilst in Tzaneen you can visit Debegeni Waterfalls. |
|
For the adventurous traveler, boating is available at the Tzaneen Dam, with the only access being at the Has Meresky Nature Reserve |
|
The Ebenezer and Tzaneen Dams, whch irrigate the Letaba Valley, are popular recreational spots that offer good angling |
|
Haenerszburg known as the capital of the Land of silver Mist. This picturesque village lies off the R71 about 30Km from Magoebaskloof on the way to Polokwane. The village originated as a gold rush town in 1887 and remains of the old workings can still be seen. |
|
From here one may enjoy expansive views of the peaks of the wolkberg and the northern Drakensburg, Ebenezer Dam and the forests and grasslands that surround the Village |
|
Tzaneen is the tropical paradise of Mopani and the biggest town in the district and is 90km from Limpopo’s capital city of Polokwane. |
|
It is home to the Makgoebaskloof and George’s Valley routes which boasts tea estates, waterfalls, the Ebenezer Dam, Bluegum and Pine tree plantations, restaurants and the only cheese factory in this area. This area also offers adventure tourism packages including horse riding, quad biking, and river rafting and canopy tours. |
|
Tzaneen is also the biggest producer of banana’s, paw paw, citrus, mango and macadamia nuts. |
| |
| Giyani |
| |
| The east of lies premier wildlife sanctuary, the KNP though not direct, one has either has to drive north on the R81 to Punda Maria or south R529 and then East R71 to Phalaborwa to enter KNP. |
| |
|
The Mopani Worm which is known for its high nutrition qualities finds its home in Giyani where it is cooked in various ways and is an essential element of the local cuisine.. |
|
The Giyani Golf Club is scenic and provides for a unique golfing experience with zebra and giraffe roaming free. |
|
The Giyani are largest display of Shangaan and Tsonga culture in the form of food, clothes and music |
