Local Attractions
City Overview: Polokwane, the capital of the Limpopo Province and formerly known as Pietersburg, is the cultural hub of the region halfway between Pretoria and the Zimbabwean border. It is a city graced with wide streets, green spaces and a vivid mix of jacaranda and coral trees that are a sight to behold in spring. Very few travelers to this part of the world can avoid Polokwane, situated as it is right on the Great North Road. Passing through is mandatory before continuing to destinations like the Kruger National Park and the Magoebaskloof.
Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum: Bakone Malapa literally means “Bakone Homestead,” and the village, set on the original site of an ancient village, has been superbly reconstructed in the traditional Northern Sotho way. To enhance the experience of this journey back in time, visitors can interact with members of the Bakone tribe as they go about their daily lives. Demonstrations of traditional fire making, maize grinding and beer brewing can be seen throughout the day. This open-air living museum gives visitors the opportunity to gain insight into the background and history of the Bakone people who are a sub-group of the Northern Sotho tribe. More Information
Polokwane Game Reserve: Located five kilometers south of the city, Polokwane Game Reserve is one of the biggest municipal-owned game reserves in South Africa. The reserve’s main attraction is the amount of ground one can cover on foot - there are a number of walks, including a one-day 20 kilometer hiking trail with overnight accommodation. Even more exciting are the frequent sightings of white rhino and other game - 21 species in all. This habitat is characterized by open savannah and almost entirely dominated by themeda grass with the odd smattering of acacia trees. Because most of the Pietersburg Plateau false grassland has been transformed by agriculture, the only enduring examples are found in and around the Polokwane Nature Reserve. More Information
