TOURIST INFORMATION
Polokwane Tourism & Marketing
Tel +27 (0)15 290 2010
Fax +27 (0)15 290 2009
Website www.polokwane.org.za
E-mail matshediso@polokwane.org.za
African Ivory Route
Tel +27 (0)15 295 3025
E-mail info@africanivoryroute.co.za
Limpopo Tourism and Parks (Head Office)
P.O. Box 2814, Polokwane, 0700
Tel +27 (0)15 290 7300
Fax +27 (0)15 291 4140/3
E-mail info@golimpopo.com
Website www.golimpopo.com
Towns: Polokwane, Lebowakgomo, Siyabuswa
Named after the Tropic of Capricorn, which passes through the northern section of Limpopo, the Capricorn Region stretches lithely from the Ysterberg, along the foothills of the lush Wolkberg Mountains, to the Tropic of Capricorn in the north. It is ideally situated as a stopover between Gauteng and the northern areas of Limpopo and between the northwestern areas of the country and the Kruger National Park. It is also in close proximity to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The major centres of the Capricorn Region include Polokwane, Dendron, Sekhukhune and Zebediela, the last being home to one of the largest citrus farms in the southern hemisphere. The fascinating diversity of the region, incorporating grassy plains, bushveld and misty mountains, as well as a myriad plant and animal species, makes it a veritable treasure chest for the traveller.
The region has mines, farms, forests, cultural villages, dams, art, game and monuments, as well as a fascinating and diverse people. It is the centre for local African culture, to which the numerous towns south of Polokwane and north of Mokopane attest in the comingtogether of carefully preserved social traditions and indigenous identities. The African Ivory Route, which has its origins in the legendary exploits of early ivory hunters and gold traders, runs through the Capricorn Region.
Today the route is an important ecotourism and 4x4 adventure destination, much sought-after by safari enthusiasts. Traversing rugged mountainous terrain and stunningly beautiful wilderness areas, the route will appeal particularly to those drawn to the African wild. Today good roads traverse the scenic Capricorn Region where wagons and stage coaches once negotiated precipitous inclines, and these, together with an excellent tourism infrastructure that includes fine accommodation establishments, encourage tourists to explore and linger in the area.
The history and culture of the Capricorn Region are equally varied, incorporating San rock art, Voortrekker history and the art of their communities, Anglo-Boer War relics such as the retrieved Long Tom guns and many more. One of the most notable archaeological and historical sites in the country is found at Makapan's Valley, which straddles the Capricorn and Waterberg Regions. Here these diments, fossils, bones and artefacts found in the caves have revealed a unique record of hominid habitation and evolution dating back 3,3 million years. The valley, which has stood at the frontier of palaeontological and archaeological research for much of the 20th century, has been declared a National Heritage Site.
Walking, hiking, game-viewing, 4x4 adventure safaris, golfing and picnicking are among the sport and leisure activities in the region that will lure the visitor in search of history and adventure back, time and again.
