The North of South Africa, including Madikwe, The Waterberg, Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Northern South Africa is home to several wildlife regions including the famous Kruger National Park.
Most journeys around northern South Africa will begin in Johannesburg, a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Many travellers will by-pass the city but if you have the time there are some significant sites of interest – Soweto, the Apartheid and Voortrekker monuments, history of gold, and the Cullinan Diamond mine to name but a few.
Two hours drive north-west of Johannesburg is Sun City. The complex, which is home to four hotels, two championship golf courses and an extensive entertainment centre (with a comprehensive list of activities including swimming pools with wave machines), is completely man-made, even down to the river and the lake – quite a feat. Nearby is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve so even a ‘soft safari’ is available.
The Limpopo Province is the most northerly province in South Africa, separated from both Botswana and Zimbabwe by the Limpopo River. The high-lying Waterberg area, around 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg, offers a number of malaria-free safari experiences in attractive mountainous terrain and the area is especially suitable for families.
Further north, the Soutpansberg (mountains) lie in the heart of Venda country and offer an archaeological insight to the history of the area with both San rock engravings and paintings present. Ecologically, the mountains are also interesting particularly in respect of vegetation.
From the Pont Drift border post in the far north, it is possible to access Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana. Mashatu is the largest privately owned game reserve in southern Africa, and is located in the ‘wedge’ of eastern Botswana known locally as the Tuli Enclave. The area was originally inhabited by the mystical Maphungubwe tribe in 800AD, and made famous by Frederik Courtney Selous who hunted elephant in the region during the late 1800’s and led the Pioneer Column and Zeederberg Express. Baines also passed though here on his voyagers. Archaeological sites abound including the notable Motloutse Ruins and Pitsani Koppie.
Access to the Mashatu/Tuli region is very difficult from within Botswana so the area is seldom included as part of a ‘Botswana safari’. More commonly, it forms part of a holiday to South Africa, rivalling areas such as Madikwe and the Kruger National Park.
Polokwane and Makhado are two major towns in the province, but Tzaneen, on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment perhaps offers more for the tourist. Aside from the stunning scenery, including the Magoeboeskloof Pass, the Debegeni Falls, and Duiwelskloof gorge, there are lots of local craft centres, botanical gardens, and a big farming community growing a wide variety of sub-tropical products – avocado, citrus, tea, coffee and mangoes.
