Confluence lookout at confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.

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Limpopo

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. In Mapungubwe National Park visitors can walk through the country's most significant Iron Age site, gaze from a rocky bluff over the riverine landscape where South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet, and observe birds, big cats and rhinos. Culture and traditional art shine in the enigmatic region of Venda, an area dotted with landforms of great spiritual significance. Nature takes centre stage in the Waterberg, where the eponymous Unesco biosphere reserve has endless skies, a landscape of distinctly South African beauty and great safari opportunities, particularly in Marakele National Park. Best of all, few travelers make it up here to the north, making it one of the country's most rewarding destinations.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Landscape in Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa.

    Mapungubwe National Park

    Limpopo

    Stunningly stark, arid, rocky landscapes reverberate with cultural intrigue and wandering wildlife at Mapungubwe National Park. A Unesco World Heritage…

  • Looking out from a viewpoint over the Mapungubwe National Park.

    Confluence Viewpoints

    Limpopo

    Four wonderfully sited viewing decks sit atop the cliffs and allow for uninterrupted views out over the river plain, the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers and…

  • A group on safari watch a small a small herd of Burchell's Zebra as they drink at the water’s edge in the Marakele National Park in South Africa.

    Marakele National Park

    Limpopo

    This mountainous national park is at the southwest end of the Waterberg biosphere. The animals grazing beneath the red cliffs include the Big Five, as…

  • African Masks

    Thohoyandou Arts & Culture Centre

    Limpopo

    One starting point for cultural explorations is this centre, which displays craftwork including carved wood animals, prints, local pottery and traditional…

  • Ben Lavin Nature Reserve

    Ben Lavin Nature Reserve

    Limpopo

    This 25-sq-km reserve is worth visiting for its walking and mountain-bike trails. It contains 200-plus bird species, as well as giraffes, zebras and…

  • Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

    Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

    Limpopo

    A few clicks south of Hoedspruit along the R40 and attached to the Kapama Private Game Reserve, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre was set up to…

  • Lenong Viewing Point

    Lenong Viewing Point

    Limpopo

    A narrow, serpentine but paved road climbs to this splendid vantage point with sweeping views; arguably the best views are on the way up. Once at the…

  • Makapan’s Caves

    Makapan’s Caves

    Limpopo

    While not visually arresting, this National Heritage Site carries great palaeontological significance – artefacts from throughout the Stone and Iron Ages…

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