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14 Things to Do in Tzaneen, South Africa

14 Things to Do in Tzaneen, South Africa

Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in the view of lush valleys and misty waterfalls and seeing animals in their element and habitat. The good news is that you can experience all these in Tzaneen, South Africa!

Tzaneen is a hidden gem in Limpopo Province and is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural tapestry, and adventure activities – offering something for every kind of traveller. Read on as we guide you through the 14 best things to do in Tzaneen. 

1. Witness the cascading beauty of Debengeni Waterfall

1. Witness the cascading beauty of Debengeni Waterfall

Address: R71, Tzaneen 3610, South Africa

Contact: +27 13 754 2724

Operating hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: R45 per person, R10 per car

Debengeni is a series of waterfalls going back hundreds of metres upriver in the forest, cascading down the large rock face into a treat of a pool where you can swim. The sound of nature and the splash of falling water will be music to your ears. 

You can enjoy a picnic by the falls with your family at the tables and benches near the waterfalls. You can also bring your binoculars as this is a birder’s paradise with several bird species to spot. 

Pro tip:
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain; and be mindful of slippery rocks near the waterfall.

2. Volunteer at the Vervet Monkey Foundation

2. Volunteer at the Vervet Monkey Foundation

Website: https://vervet.za.org/

Address: Plot 35 California Tarentaalrand, Tzaneen 0850, South Africa

Contact: +27 83 454 5381

The Vervet Monkey Foundation is the home of over 500 unwanted, abused, injured, and orphaned primates. It aims to rehabilitate these primates and educate people about the role of vervet monkeys in the ecosystem. 

During the tour, you’ll see how the monkeys are well cared for in natural enclosures. They even offer a 2- to 4-week volunteering project to work with and learn all about these creatures.

Pro tip:
Contact the sanctuary ahead of time to book a tour and browse their website beforehand to know about their activities in the sanctuary.

3. Explore the Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail

3. Explore the Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail

Contact: +27 (0)13 754-2724

The Magoebaskloof trail lies above Tzaneen, a trail network offering several options for hikers between two and five days. The Afromontane forests are deep and old and are home to Samango monkeys and bird species.

There are many overnight stays or camping sites along the trail. You can also opt for guided tours to get more insights about the ecosystem, geography, and history along the hiking trail.

Pro tip:
Prepare yourself physically for a 5-day hike since they can be challenging, but if you’re with family, we recommend doing the 2-day routes instead. 

4. Get a hands-on experience at the Mangela Animal Touch Farm

4. Get a hands-on experience at the Mangela Animal Touch Farm

Website: https://www.tznlodge.co.za/mhangela.php

Address: Mhangela Animal Touch Farm, Tzaneen Country Lodge, Tarentaalrand, Tzaneen, Limpopo

Contact: +27 15 590 3992

Mangela Animal Farm is a fun and educational experience for kids since you can let them touch, feed, and interact with animals such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, sheep, donkeys, and emus. 

They provide a safe environment for children with knowledgeable staff educating visitors about the different species and their role in the ecosystem. This animal touch farm prioritises the welfare of their animals, giving them proper care and living conditions.

Pro tip:
Celebrate your child’s birthday party here. You can even choose your theme, birthday cake, and gift boxes. 

5. Take on an adventure at the Agatha Crocodile Ranch

5. Take on an adventure at the Agatha Crocodile Ranch

Address: Agatha Crocodile Farm, Agatha, Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa

Contact: +27 (0)15 307-4398

Operating hours: Daily tours and feeding shows between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Sunday

The Agatha Crocodile Ranch offers adventurous daily tours through the ranch, which include an opportunity to touch a baby crocodile and feed the bigger crocodiles. 

The tour also educates visitors about the history, behaviour, conservation, and breeding of the Nile crocodile. It’s followed by a guided tour of the breeding dam, enclosures, and feeding shows.

Pro tip:
Don’t forget to visit the art gallery on the ranch, which displays local artistic talents, and the curio shop for crocodile-themed souvenirs. 

6. Climb the Glencoe Giant Baobab Tree

6. Climb the Glencoe Giant Baobab Tree

Address: R71 outside Gravelotte (Between Gravelotte & Tzaneen), Limpopo, South Africa.

Price: By donation

The Glencoe Giant Baobab tree, known as the Tree of Life, lies on the flat road that links Tzaneen to Gravelotte. There’s even a make-shift sign with “The Big Baobab” written to point visitors to the gate leading to the famed 15-metre-wide trunk. 

Once there, you can climb a wooden ladder resting tree-side and enjoy the view of Mpumalanga. You can also opt for a guided tour to learn more about baobab species, their biology, ecology, and the challenges they face today.

Pro tip:
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The Baobab is a popular tourist destination that can get quite crowded, especially during the midday sun. 

7. Join the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour

7. Join the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour

Address: Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, Green Frog Farm, GV11, R528, George’s Valley, Limpopo, South Africa

Contact: +27 (0)83 866-1546

Operating hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour takes visitors to the verdant greenery, misty waterfalls, and peaceful forests home to animal species in Limpopo. What’s unique about this experience is that you’ll be suspended metres above the ground and enjoy the view.

Throughout the tour, the guide will point out plants, birds, and exciting sights, such as the Groot Letaba River and the Letaba River Gorge. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and involves steel cable slides spread between 13 platforms.

Pro tip:
Wear comfortable clothing and close-toe shoes since you’ll walk and climb on uneven terrain. Also, bring a hat and sunscreen since the heat can be pretty intense.

8. Bike around Cheerio Gardens

8. Bike around Cheerio Gardens

Address: L4.2, Magoebaskloof, Haenertsburg, 0730, Capricorn, Limpopo, South Africa

Contact: +27 (0)21 300-5694

Operating hours: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM from Monday to Sunday

Price: R650 (helmet and lock included)

At Cheerio Gardens, some e-rides will help you explore the Tzaneen scenery on an electric mountain bike. You’ll enjoy the lush green valleys, plant species, bright-coloured flowers, birdwatching, beautiful streams, and waterfalls. 

There’s an option to bike 10, 20, 30 or 40 km. The 10-and-20-km routes are easily accessible with a single track, while the 30-and-40-km routes are more advanced and for the adrenaline junkies out there.

Pro tip:
Start your e-bike adventure by eating a heavy and famous breakfast at Cheerio Gardens Cafe. 

9. Relax at the Earth Spa

9. Relax at the Earth Spa

Address: Tzaneen Country Lodge, Tarentaalrand, Tzaneen, Limpopo

Contact: +27(0)15 304-3079

The Earth Spa is located at the Tzaneen Country Lodge, transporting anyone to a peaceful sanctuary in Limpopo. It has world-class facilities such as an equipped fitness studio, outdoor pool, sauna and steam room, sun bed, and three treatment rooms.

It’s a 20-minute drive from the town centre with fully-trained therapists and value-for-money offers. You can enjoy the fully equipped gym and then relax in the outdoor steam room or the spa pool with a view of the natural beauty of Tzaneen.

Pro tip:
Book your treatment in advance, especially if you visit during peak season or on weekends. Tipping is not expected but appreciated.

10. Visit the Tzaneen Museum

10. Visit the Tzaneen Museum

Address: Agatha Street, Tzaneen, Mpumalanga

Contact: +27 (0)15 307-8000

Operating hours: Weekdays from 09:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturdays from 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Tzaneen Museum is home to artefacts of the local Tsonga and North Sotho people’s pottery, basketry, beadwork, weapons, and sacred drums. 

It also displays the world’s most extensive collection of pole carvings from a private collection of curator, Mr. Witt. 

You’ll see the royal drums of the Rain Queen Modjadji utensils that are usually burnt after her death. There’s also a fine collection of woodcarvings by local artists covering 100 years, and a pottery collection covers nearly 2,000 years.

Pro tip:
Check their website or social media pages for current exhibitions, and prioritise the exhibits you want to see. 

11. Dine at Zeederberg Restaurant at the Coach House

11. Dine at Zeederberg Restaurant at the Coach House

Website: https://www.orionhotels.co.za/ohotel/coach-house-hotel-spa/

Address: Coach House Hotel, Old Coach Road (off Agatha Road), 17km outside Tzaneen, Limpopo 

Contact: 0153068000

Operating hours: 

  • Breakfast: Monday to Sunday, 6 am to 10 am
  • Lunch: Monday to Sunday, 12 pm to 2.30 pm
  • Dinner: Monday to Sunday, 6 pm to 10 pm

Price: R200 to R300 for main courses; R250 per person for Sunday buffet.

Zeederberg Restaurant is a recipient of the coveted Chaîne de Rôtisseurs blazon. It’s famous for serving the finest breakfast and Sunday lunch buffet, which you can enjoy overlooking the Drakensberg Mountains. 

The restaurant boasts an extensive and award-winning wine list featuring South African and international selections. They use only the freshest seasonal ingredients, mostly locally sourced, like the Lunsklip River trout, Bonsmara beef, and fruits and nuts. 

Pro tip:
Ask for their à la carte menu, where vegetarian and special dietary requirements are easily catered for on request.

12. Join the Rooikat Trail

12. Join the Rooikat Trail

Contact: +27 (0)15 307-2680

The Rooikat Trail in Tzaneen is an 11-kilometre circular walk that will take you through Pine, Matumi, Natal Mahogany, and Forest Cabbage forests. The trail is named after the elusive Rooikat, also known as the Caracal, which inhabits this area. 

During the 5-hour walk, you’ll see the duiker, baboons, bushbuck, and Samango and Vervet monkeys. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections and uneven terrain, so it’s unsuitable for young children or people with limited mobility.

Pro tip:
Bring a picnic basket and stop along the Bobs River for a delightful lunch and refreshing swim. Always stay on the trail, and clean as you go.

13. Walk around Kings Walden Garden

13. Walk around Kings Walden Garden

Website: https://kingswalden.co.za/

Address: Old Coach Road, Agatha, Tzaneen, Limpopo

Contact: +27 (0)15 307-3262

The Kings Walden Garden is a 300-square-metre country retreat up on the hillside of Tzaneen. It’s filled with fountains, moss-covered paths, and flower displays of agapanthus, azaleas, camellias, and roses.

The garden is usually shrouded in mist, adding to its calming and romantic atmosphere. There’s also a giant blue gum tree which, according to legend, was struck by lightning on the night designer Elsie Tooley died and now stands white and bone-dry.

Pro tip:
Stop at the tea garden at the end of the tour. It’s open daily and serves delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

14. Shop and dine at the Magoebaskloof Farmstall & Cafe

14. Shop and dine at the Magoebaskloof Farmstall & Cafe

Website: https://www.facebook.com/magoebaskloofmountain/

Address: 46.1 magoebaskloof 0850 Tzaneen, South Africa

Contact: +27 83 353 4478

Operating hours: Daily – 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Magoebaskloof Farmstall & Cafe is nestled in the Magoebaskloof valley. It’s a popular tourist stopover because of its locally-made gifts, clothing, jewellery, and homemade soaps that are sustainable and eco-friendly. 

They also offer fresh local produce such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade bread, delicious homemade treats like freshly baked pies and cakes, hearty sandwiches, salads, and refreshing beverages.

Pro tip:
While enjoying the fresh homemade treats, look behind the cafe at the delightful Busy Lizzie’s Petals nursery and enjoy the view of local flowers and plants. 
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