beautiful place in south africa : Polokwane

Polokwane is often described as a vibrant, busy and colourful wonderland in a sea of grasslands, surrounded by scenic mountains.  It is home to many fascinating people and some remarkable cultural diversity.  Polokwane is situated at the centre of the Limpopo Province and is surrounded by three of South Africa's neighbours: Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is the economic and cultural hub of Limpopo and is attracting investments into the province. This is also the land of the upside down tree known as ‘Baobab', which is the biggest tree in Africa.

Polokwane, which means 'place of safety', was previously known as Pietersburg. The area around Polokwane is steeped in mythology and resonates with the sound of the ancient lands. It has seen the history of the Mapungubwe people who flourished during the Iron Age and Modjadji, the Rain Queen. The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum is a good introduction to the daily life of the dynamic Bakone people. The Bakone people are a highly sophisticated northern Sotho tribe.

The Polokwane Museum, housed in the historic Irish House, has interesting exhibitions including a history of the city and its environs. Here you will find artifacts from the Stone and Iron ages.There are 4x4 adventure excursions and hiking trails in the Polokwane Game Reserve.

History
Polokwane has been part of the history of the Stone Age nomads, Iron Age settlements and European migrations.The Mapungubwe people settled in this area 2,000 years ago. The Mapungubwe World Heritage site is at the confluence of the Limpopo and Sashe Rivers and borders Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The site documents the civilization who lived in the area from 1000-1300AD.

Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo, the northern-most province of South Africa. Gold was first discovered in the area at Eersteling and the economy of the town flourished. This was solidified in 1886, when Pietersburg was named after General Petrus Jacobus Joubert, a leader of the Voortrekkers (first Dutch settlers in South Africa).

Football
Professional soccer first came to Polokwane in 1995 when Real Rovers were promoted to the country's Premier Soccer League. There have been two other Limpopo Province-based sides who have competed at the highest level; Dynamos and Black Leopards. Both these teams have since been relegated to the lower ranks. 

Five Cool things - Polokwane

  Makapan's Cave

One of the major tourist attractions in the area is Makapan's Cave, which is located in Mokopane in Limpopo Province. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit the caves where extensive cultural deposits have played a crucial role in furthering our understanding of human evolution and the appearance of modern man. The Cave of Hearths is one of only two Stone Age sites in the world that contain an unbroken sequence of artefacts from the Earlier Stone Age to the Later Stone Age. The Cave of Gwasa, one of the historic caves in Limpopo, was a site of repeated refuge from conflicts, and was later renamed as Makapan's Cave after the great chief Makapan. Visits to the fascinating Makapan's Valley must be arranged in advance by contacting the Mogalakwena Bushveld Community Tourism Association.

Meropa Casino and Enterntainment

Meropa Casino and Entertainment World is situated in the Limpopo Province, only five kilometres from Polokwane. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment world has a separate conference centre, which caters for a wide range of events ranging from fashion shows, product launches and conferences and a cinema. The casino is of upmarket design, with modern technology employed throughout.

Jembe Tavern

Made popular during the apartheid regime in the townships, taverns are some of the most popular places in the townships of South Africa. And, when you are in Polokwane, the Jembe Tarven is certainly the place to be. After a long day of working hard or travelling, you need a place to relax and unwind. Jembe Tavern is popular with young and old alike and hosts popular bands, karaoke evenings and comedians for those socialists looking for fun-filled, foot-tapping evenings. Join hands with the locals and spoil yourself!

Ndebele Village

The Ndebele culture is one of the most fascinating in South Africa. And, if you visit Polokwane, this will be an ideal time to make your way to the Ndebele village. Ndebele (isiNdebele) is one of the 11 official languages in South Africa. Ndebele women traditionally adorn themselves with a variety of ornaments, each symbolising their status in society. After marriage dresses became more elaborate. The Ndebele have always been known for their artistic skills. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, it has a cultural significance that serves to reinforce the distinctive Ndebele identity. The skill of the Ndebele has always resided in their ability to combine exterior sources of stimulation with traditional design concepts taken from their ancestors.

Although painting was done freehand, without prior layouts, the art always displayed a linear quality reflective of their environment. Ndebele women were responsible for painting the colourful and intricate patterns on the walls of their houses. This presented the traditionally subordinate wife with an opportunity to express her individuality and self-worth. The Ndebele are further characterised by their intricate beadwork - a time-consuming craft which requires a deft hand and good eyesight.

Lake Funduzi and Thathe Vondo Forest

Locals refer to Lake Funduzi as a place of ‘peace and tranquillity'. And, once you are there, it does not take long before you realise why people from around the area give rave ratings. Lake Funduzi is a magical place that is steeped in Venda mythology and legend. Its condition changes seasonally, but it is always worth the visit from a cultural perspective. From Lake Funduzi you will drive along the very top of the Soutpansberg.

Thathe is an indigenous forest which is sacred to the Venda people. Here look out for forest species such as Chorister Robin-Chat, White-starred Robin, Knysna Turaco, Yellow-streaked Greenbul and Orange Ground-Thrush.