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TThe mountains of Limpopo are rugged and beautiful, offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the country. Limpopo mountain ranges include the Soutpansberg (salt pan mountain), the Waterberg (water mountain), Blouberg (blue mountain), Wolkberg (cloud mountain) and Magoebaskloof.
The mountains in Limpopo are highly regarded for their walking and hiking trails, which take in a diverse range of fauna and flora, while affording hikers the most awesome views.
The Soutpansberg are the most northern mountains of Limpopo, so named for the salt pans that lie in their foothills to the west. The range stretches 130km across the top of the province and at its highest points, is more than 1 500m above sea level. Its highest peaks include Hangklip at 2 550m high and Lejuma at 1 753m.
These mountains are rich in historical and natural heritage, boasting numerous rock art sites and an unspoilt wilderness that includes more than 500 tree species and 467 bird species. The Entabeni Hiking Trail is a 2-night trail that features the best of this magnificent range.
The Waterberg is another dominant Limpopo mountain range. It stretches 150km in an arc to the south and is part of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. It includes an impressive array of natural features, from forests to waterfalls.
There is a plethora of hiking and backpacking trails that meander through this stunning range, all of varying difficulty and requiring different fitness levels. Make sure you do the Taaibos Trail near Vaalwater with its fascinating rock formations and breathtaking views.
The smaller, but not in any way less beautiful, mountains of Blouberg, Wolkberg and Magoebaskloof also provide for a variety of trails for both experienced and novice hikers. The Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail, a 3-day, 50km affair, is particularly pretty, with fantastic mountain scenery that includes majestic waterfalls, dense indigenous forests, rivers, streams and private rock pools.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Limpopo Tourism and Parks
Tel: +27 (0)15 293 3600
Email: info@golimpopo.com
South African National Parks
Tel: + 27 (0)12 428 9111
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
How to get here
Fly direct from Johannesburg to Polokwane. If you’re driving from Johannesburg take the N1 north motorway direct to Polokwane.
Best time to visit
Limpopo is an all-year-round destination due to its sub-tropical climate. Summer (October to February) can get very hot, especially in the Lowveld region.
Things to do
Sites to visit include the cultural museums of Bakone Malapa at Polokwane and the Tsonga Open-air Museum at Tzaneen, Modjadji Cycad Reserve, Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and National Park, Kruger National Park, and Ribolla Open Africa Route.
There’s plenty of events in the area – the Berry Festival at Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg in February, Magieba Trek, Mountain Bike Stage Race in August, Ellisras Bushveld Festival at Lephalele in July, Thabazimbi Agricultural Show at Thabazimbi in July, Hoedspruit Airshow and Game Festival at Hoedspruit in July, and the Magoebaskloof Spring Festival in September.
What to pack
Be sure to pack a sunhat and sunscreen. Apply liberally and regularly! Bring along a costume for cooling off in mountain pools while hiking, and of course, pack your walking or hiking shoes to protect your feet and keep the long grasses and sticks from scratching you.
Insect repellent is also a must-pack to protect you against pesky mosquitoes.
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