BusinessTravel Guide
LIMPOPO
Characterised by culture, nature and history
LIMPOPO
LIMPOPO From Polokwane, SA’s northernmost economic and social epicentre, Limpopo’s diverse culture, captivating history and endless natural beauty is ready to be explored Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Jordan Levey
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L
impopo is often perceived to be the no-man’s land of South Africa. Wild and raw, it is for this reason, however, that the region is so captivating, showcasing some of the continent’s most stunning flora and fauna. With a landmass larger than that of Portugal, Austria or Serbia, South Africa’s northernmost province is characterised by a historical culture, expansive plains and
endless national parks which entangle rushing rivers and rocky outcrops. Seven of South Africa’s 11 official languages are spoken here, owed to the area’s vast number of ethnic groupings. Yet despite this, the region merely accounts for roughly 10 percent of the national population, instead inhabited by an array of exotic wildlife, from rhinos to antelope to elephants. Ecotourism takes centre stage, evidenced by the Waterberg region,
home to hectares upon hectares of beautiful, unspoilt scenery. Meanwhile, shifting from the rural to the urban, you’re most likely to find yourself in Polokwane. The provincial capital, it is South Africa’s largest hub north of Gauteng, and was one of the major host cities of the historic 2010 FIFA World Cup. Whether you’re looking for business, culture, nature or indeed sport, Limpopo has something for everyone.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Limpopo
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LIMPOPO
The Business End
Avocado grove, Limpopo
ASIDE FROM ITS recent role in the world’s most famous international sporting event, Polokwane is also known for sterling accommodation, agreeable weather and a bustling centre. Bordered by Botswana to the west, Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the east, the entire province is favourably situated for trade with access to key strategic locations such as the Maputo Port. In addition, the capital lies on the N1 highway that connects South Africa to the rest of the continent via Zimbabwe to the north. In terms of industrial prowess, Limpopo is home to 41 percent of South Africa’s platinum group metals,
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90 percent of the country’s red granite resources and roughly 50 percent of national coal reserves, alongside substantial antimony assets. As such, it may come as no surprise that 400 prospecting and mining licenses have been granted across the region, the sector accounting for 27 percent of provincial GDP. Mining aside, Limpopo also harbours fruitful manufacturing and agricultural industries that contribute to its overall economic success. The latter of the two benefits from an abundance of naturally growing tropical fruit such as avocados, mangos and litchis in the east and vast quantities of livestock farms in the northern and western regions.
FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: English, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda Area: 125,754 km² Population (2016): 5.8 million GDP (2013): $18.47 billion Currency: South African rand Time zone: South African Standard Time Dialling code: +27 Internet TLD: .sa Climate: subtropical
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In Focus Polokwane THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL of Limpopo, Polokwane is a modern city located just three hours from Johannesburg and two hours from Kruger National Park, acting as the country’s northernmost economic and social hub. Wandering its famously broad streets, strewn with jacaranda and coral trees and parks on either side, will reveal a breadth of hidden treas-
ures, be it indigenous markets, major shopping centres or an assortment of cultural attractions. The latter of is one of the city’s key selling points. With traditional paintings from Venda, Tsonga and Pedi artists showcased in the Polokwane Art Museum and the Sculpture Art Park home to the works of the indigenous African groups and Boers, it’s easy to take a tour of the city’s and indeed province’s captivating history. The Hugh Exton Photographic Museum is particularly worth visiting,
home to a collection of 22,000 images including photographs of the first five years of the city on celluloid. Much like art and culture, sport is another of the city’s popular attractions, and The Peter Mokaba Stadium, named after South Africa’s former deputy minister in Nelson Mandela’s government, is the epicentre for this. Able to accommodate a capacity of 45,000 people with ease, the facility has seen a multitude of proclaimed football and rugby matches both locally and internationally.
Kruger National Park Africa Outlook issue 76 | 5
LIMPOPO
Mapungubwe National Park LOCATED NEXT TO the Kolope River, Mapungubwe National Park is one of Limpopo Province’s major attractions. It lies south of the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, approximately 15 kilometres northeast of the Venetia Diamond mine and bordering the Mapesu Private Game Reserve to
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the south. Mapungubwe was established in 1995 and covers an area of 28,000 hectares, the site protecting the historical landmark known as Mapungubwe Hill. The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age. Evidence has shown that it was a prosperous community, and archaeol-
ogists have also uncovered the famous golden rhino figurine from the site. Entry to the park costs foreign visitors R218 per day (R109 per child), with plenty of accommodation options available also. For more information, visit the official website at: www.sanparks.org/ parks/mapungubwe
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LIMPOPO
Outlook Recommends “Limpopo, which occupies South Africa’s northern reaches, is a huge and diverse province characterised by traditional cultures, an interesting historical story, vast open spaces and terrific wildlife watching” – Lonely Planet
ACCOM MO DAT IO N
RESTAURANTS
Pezulu Tree House Lodge
Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort
The Hat & Creek
Fusion Boutique Hotel
Mavuta Boutique Apartments
Rumble Restaurant
African Roots Guest House
Kings Castle
Machauka Lodge Restaurant
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SUN4926
EXPERIENCE THE EXOTIC MEROPA HOTEL Room rates start from R1 204 per person or R1 369 per couple Rates include Bed and Breakfast For bookings, call 015 290 5400 or visit suninternational.com T’s and C’s apply
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LIMPOPO
Outlook Recommends RESTAURANTS CONTINUED
E N T E RTA I N M ENT
NATI ONAL PARKS
Meropa Casino and Entertainment World
Saskia Restaurant
Operated by Sun International, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is described as a Morrocanstyle fiesta of fun. It is located in Polokwane and serves as a one-stop shop entertainment destination, also housing a three-star hotel, bird and reptile park, spa treatment centre and multiple dining venues. The casino itself has more than 400 slot machines and 17 gaming tables.
Marakele National Park Mapungubwe National Park Balue Nature Reserve CULTURAL ATTRACTI ONS
Nguni Grill
Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum Adega Restaurant Polokwane 10 | Africa Outlook issue 76
Peter Mokaba Stadium
Hugh Exton Photographic Museum
Predator Paintball
Polokwane Art Museum
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Mapungubwe National Park
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LIMPOPO
Transport Links
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, the easiest way to reach Limpopo is via the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, located 330 kilometres to the southwest. From here, national operator Airlink offers five daily flights to the Polokwane International Airport – a transit hub located five kilometres north of the city that handles approximately 5,000 aircraft and 38,000 passengers
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each year. From Polokwane, getting around presents itself as a relatively easy prospect. Within the city itself, walking, taxi, rental car and public transport are all viable, accessible options, the former being preferred in many cases when exploring the centre. Equally, if you’re looking to experience some of the province’s abundant nature-centric attractions, there are
numerous tour operators offering a multitude of different experiences. Tembele Tours, Nhlamulo Destinations, Q&M Tours and Magoebaskloof Tourism, for example, provide a variety of trips and activities, from mountain biking and canyoning to horse-back riding and good, old fashioned guided tours.
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Landmark Attractions
IMAGE BY BRIEUC SAFFRÉ - MOKABA STADIUM, CC BY 2.0
DEBENGENI FALLS
PETER MOKABA STADIUM “The stadium design was inspired by the baobab tree. At each corner you see a cylindrical steel structure that resembles the baobab’s muscular trunk. They hold the sweeping, aerodynamic roof that is designed to flex in the high winds that frequently occur during summer rainfall in Polokwane” – City of Polokwane
“In the verdant beauty of the Magoebaskloof, which is in the splendour of the northern part of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, is Debengeni Falls. This waterfall is an idyllic example of the untouched, untainted appeal of Limpopo Province. The Ramadipha River tumbles 80 metres into the massive bowl of water at its base, demonstrating the unharnessed power of nature” – SA-Venues
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
ECHO CAVES
“Situated near the dense forests of the Magoebaskloof, the roaring Debengeni Falls is a magical spot for picnicking or swimming in the crystal pool. Named for the deeply carved pool, Debengi means place of the big pot” – Safari Now
“Nestled in the northern area of the famous Drakensberg Mountains, near Ohrigstad in the Mpumalanga region of South Africa, the Echo Caves are surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and spectacular hills. Declared a Historical Monument, the Echo Caves have proved to be a vital part of the history of the area, as several artefacts and items have been found within the caves. They are now known to be some of the oldest limestone caves in the world” – SouthAfrica.com
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@Outlookpublishing.com
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