Welcome to the enchanting province of Limpopo, the perfect destination for nature and animal lovers! 

This vibrant region in the northernmost part of South Africa is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and significant historical importance. It’s also home to some of the most iconic and diverse wildlife reserves in the world.

If you’ve got a trip to Limpopo coming up, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our take on the best spots to check out when in the area!

Best Places to Visit in Limpopo

Here are the best spots in Limpopo that we suggest you visit on your next trip:

Destination	Where to find it
Kruger National Park	Eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces
Mapungubwe National Park	Musina
The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve	Within the Waterberg district
Zwakala Brewery	Cheerio Road, Magoebaskloof
Modjadji Cycad Reserve	Bela-Bela
Polokwane Art Museum	Schoeman St, Polokwane Central, Polokwane
Venda Arts and Crafts	Self-drive route through the northern region of Limpopo
Makapansgat Caves	Adjacent to the Cave of Hearths in Limpopo
Baobab Trees	East from Tshipise, in Vendaland, Limpopo Province
Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm	Buisfontein 24, Bela-Bela

Don’t worry, we’ll introduce each and every one of these destinations, so read on.

1. Kruger National Park 

Address	Located at the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces
Contact details	+27 (0)13 735 4000
Entrance fee	For South Africa residents:  R 115 per adult, per day R 57 per child, per day For international visitors: R 460 per adult, per day R 230 per child, per day

Kruger National Park in Limpopo is a unique destination for nature and wildlife lovers. We recommend this destination, especially for tourists who haven’t experienced witnessing South Africa’s Big Five.

The park is known for having one of Africa’s largest game reserves and boasts a diverse range of wildlife with over 140 mammal species, including the famous Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffaloes. 

Visitors can also see giraffes, zebras, hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles, among other animals. Covering a vast area of over 19,000 square kilometres, Kruger National Park provides ample opportunities for visitors to see wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Because of how massive the land area of the park is, Kruger National Park is actually located covering two provinces: Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Despite that, we like how the park is also easily accessible, with several entrance gates throughout the area, and offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to camping sites.

2. Mapungubwe National Park

Address	Musina, South Africa
Contact details	+27 15 534 7923
Entrance fee	For South Africa residents:  R 63 per adult, per day R 31 per child, per day For international visitors: R 252 per adult, per day R 126 per child, per day

Mapungubwe National Park is not just another tourist destination. It’s a truly unique location that offers visitors a glimpse into fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, thrilling adventure activities, and a commitment to conservation and sustainability.

First of all, the park has a cultural significance that cannot be overstated. The ancient Mapungubwe Kingdom played a crucial role in trade and commerce between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Here, visitors can witness this rich history by exploring the remains of the kingdom, including the famous Mapungubwe Hill, where the royal palace once stood.

But that’s not all – the park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including fierce predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. With guided game drives, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with these incredible animals in their natural habitat.

On top of that, the landscape of Mapungubwe National Park is simply breathtaking. The Limpopo River flows through the park, surrounded by stunning sandstone formations and ancient baobab trees. 

For the adventurous, the park also offers an array of activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and guided walks. 

The park works closely with local communities to support sustainable development and ensure a brighter future for all.

3. The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

Address	Within the Waterberg district in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
Contact details	+27 (0)14 755 4002
Entrance fee	Not available

Let’s start with the fact that the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is recognised as a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. Honestly, this is enough reason to add this to your bucket list!

The reserve is home to an astonishing range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the white rhinoceros and the sable antelope. 

With guided game drives and hikes, you can explore this incredible natural diversity up close and personal.

But the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is not just about nature; it’s also rich in cultural history. The reserve is home to several rock art sites, which showcase the ancient traditions and beliefs of the San people who once lived in the area. 

These rock art sites provide a fascinating insight into the cultural heritage of the region and are a must-see for history buffs.

The reserve also offers a range of exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts like us. 

With the beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

4. Zwakala Brewery

Address	Cheerio Road, Magoebaskloof, 0730, South Africa
Contact details	+27 73 874 8651
Entrance fee	Free entrance

Zwakala Brewery is not your ordinary microbrewery. Found at the centre of Limpopo, we recommend this place for those who really appreciate the art of craft beer. 

The brewers here are masters of their craft, using only the finest locally sourced ingredients to create truly unique brews that are bursting with flavour. But what really makes Zwakala Brewery stand out is its fearless approach to experimentation. 

Here, you’ll find unique flavour combinations, which we’re sure you’ve never tasted before. 

From their fiery “Chillies and Chocolates” brew to their sweet and spicy “Banana Bread” beer, these guys are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing.

Another reason why we love this brewery is that they’re not just brewing great beer, they’re doing it in an environmentally responsible way – through solar power!

5. Modjadji Cycad Reserve

Address	Bela-Bela, 0480, South Africa
Contact details	+27 (0)15 290 2010
Entrance fee	Not available

Modjadji Cycad Reserve is a natural wonder known for its unique and ancient cycad trees. The reserve is home to the largest concentration of the Modjadji Cycad, a species only found in this region.

The cycads have been protected and revered by the local communities for centuries, and they are believed to have mystical powers – a great entry point for those who love local folklore!

The reserve also boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, with many rare and endangered species. 

Its remote location also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a perfect place to disconnect from everyday life and connect with nature.

6. Polokwane Art Museum

Address	Schoeman St, Polokwane Central, Polokwane, 0700, South Africa
Contact details	+27 15 290 2578

The Polokwane Art Museum is a cultural gem that features a collection composed of a mix of contemporary and traditional art, with a special emphasis on works created by South African artists.

Our favourite feature about this museum and what sets them apart from others is its commitment to promoting and showcasing the talents of local artists. 

Through exhibitions and events, the museum provides a platform for emerging artists from the region to share their work with the wider community, which we love.

The museum’s collection of traditional Limpopo art is another unique feature, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of local artists and providing insight into the area’s cultural heritage.

We also recommend exploring the range of educational programs and workshops that the museum offers. We love how these activities are inclusive and open to visitors of all ages. 

The museum is housed in a beautifully restored historic building, with spacious galleries and top-notch facilities that create a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. 

Whether you’re an experienced art enthusiast or new to the world of art, the Polokwane Art Museum is a definite must-visit destination in Limpopo.

7. Venda Arts and Crafts

Address	Self-drive route through the northern region of Limpopo
Entrance fee	Free

We highly suggest visiting Venda to be able to explore their exquisite arts and crafts through a self-drive route through the northern region of Limpopo. 

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the Venda people, as well as those seeking unique and meaningful souvenirs from their travels to Limpopo.

One of the things that make this route special is its focus on traditional Venda art, which includes woodcarvings, pottery, and textiles, among other forms.

The artists and craftspeople who create these works of art use techniques that have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Venda people. 

You’ll enjoy witnessing these techniques firsthand and learning about the history and significance of Venda art through guided tours and demonstrations, which we also recommend you try.

In addition to its focus on traditional art, Venda arts and crafts also showcase contemporary works by Venda artists, providing a platform for local talent to reach a wider audience.

Moreover, the Venda Arts and Crafts centre hosts regular cultural events and festivals that celebrate the traditions and customs of the Venda people. 

Visitors can also take part in workshops and classes to learn new skills and techniques, allowing them to create their own unique Venda-inspired pieces.

8. Makapansgat Caves

Address	Makapan Valley World Heritage Site
Entrance fee	R 25 for adults and R 15 for students

The Makapansgat Caves are not just a geological and archaeological site, but a place that holds a unique story of human history. It’s a site that has the power to transport you back in time, to when our earliest human ancestors walked the earth.

As you explore the caves, you’ll discover the remains of ancient tools and fossils that offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives of our early human ancestors. It’s really a humbling experience that puts into perspective our place in the grand scheme of things.

The Makapansgat Caves also hold a spiritual significance to the local communities, who have long considered the caves a sacred place. 

You can definitely feel the reverence and respect for the land as you walk through the caves, adding to the unique and special atmosphere, which is one of the reasons why we recommend this destination.

Outside of the caves, the natural beauty of the surrounding area is honestly jaw-dropping. The rolling hills and stunning landscapes also make it the ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and birdwatching among the popular activities.

9. Baobab Trees

Address	East from Tshipise, in Vendaland, Limpopo Province
Entrance fee	Free

Limpopo is home to many majestic baobab trees, which are some of the largest and oldest trees in Africa. These iconic trees are easily recognisable for their stout, bulbous trunks and sprawling branches that seem to defy gravity.

One of the most famous baobab trees in Limpopo is the Sunland Baobab, which is over 1,700 years old and is known for having a bar inside its hollow trunk! 

This unique feature makes it a popular destination for tourists looking for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. In addition to the Sunland Baobab, there are many other baobab trees scattered throughout Limpopo that visitors can explore. 

Some of the most popular ways to visit these trees include guided tours or self-drive excursions, which take visitors through scenic routes that pass by some of the most impressive baobab specimens in the region.

10. Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm

Address	Buisfontein 24, Bela-Bela, 0480, South Africa
Contact details	+27 73 466 7113
Entrance fee	R 90 per person

We also love visiting Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm as it offers an exciting and unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts and curious travellers alike! 

The farm is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of Nile crocodiles, one of Africa’s most powerful predators.

You can really get up close and personal with these majestic creatures; and if you’re feeling extra-brave on the day, you can even hold a baby crocodile in your hands!

The farm also features a variety of other fascinating wildlife species, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises. 

Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm has picnic areas, a playground for the little ones, and a restaurant that serves delicious crocodile meat dishes for the more adventurous foodies.

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