Limpopo
Named after the great Limpopo River that flows along its
northern border, this province is rich in wildlife, spectacular scenery
and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures.
Known as the Great North, Limpopo province is home to
ancient lands and pre-historic secrets. This is home to Modjadji, the
fabled Rain Queen; The Stone Age and Iron age relics of Makapansgat Valley
and the treasures of Mapungubwe that date back to time immemorial.
Straddling the northern Kruger Park, Limpopo province
boasts wildlife safaris, nature trails –untamed Africa at its finest.
This is the land of wide-open bushveld, big-sky country, the ever-present
thorn tree and the mystical baobab tree.
The Limpopo province also offers up Africa’s wild
Edens – from highveld grassland savannahs to subtropical forests
to formidable mountain ranges.
GETTING TO KNOW LIMPOPO PROVINCE
| |
Photo
by Hein Von Hörsten |
|
South of Limpopo are the Soutpansberg mountains, South
Africa’s northernmost mountain range and one of the most diverse
habitats in the country. There are 340 indigenous tree species here, an
abundance of animal life and the world’s highest concentration of
leopard. Ancient, gigantic baobabs (“upside-down trees”) guard
vast expanses of mountains, bushveld, indigenous forests and cycads.
Some of the major attractions
in the area:
• Makapansgat Valley.
This valley is directly linked to the history of the Cradle of Humankind,
this is where, in February 1925, Professor Raymond Dart announced the
discovery of the first ape-man. The caves at Makapansgat Valley have rendered
fossils dating back 3,3 million years. Stone Age and Iron Age relics have
also been located here. This area is destined to become a World Heritage
Site.
• Mapungubwe.
One of the most remarkable icons in Limpopo, Mapungubwe is situated at
the confluence of the Sashi and Limpopo Rivers.
|
Photo
by Hein Von Hörsten |
|
The great ruins at Mapungubwe, in the Limpopo River Valley,
show remains of the first and greatest ever South African kingdom to have
flourished. Mapungubwe shows remains of human occupation in and around
850 AD (two and a half centuries before Great Zimbabwe). The most significant
find at Mapungubwe was a gold rhinoceros and gold bowl dating back to
around 1200AD. The artefacts at Mapungubwe illustrate a flourishing trade
and advanced social systems of African kingdoms in the 13th century.
• Kruger National
Park. Spot the big five from your luxury safari vehicle,
or go tracking on foot in the most famous game park in the world. The
northern Kruger offers excellent game-viewing and world-class accommodation.
A number of community lodges are also springing up, adding to the authentic
African experience.
|
