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PPolokwane is the capital city of Limpopo and has a vibrant mix of people and culture. Polokwane has great restaurants, art galleries, museums, jazz clubs and shopping centres. It's also called the gateway city because it's a stepping stone to a diversity of natural attractions from mountains to wilderness areas.
Polokwane is the urban heartbeat of Limpopo province. From great African jazz clubs to the biggest shopping centre in Limpopo, Polokwane has an entertaining mix of city adventures and plenty of game reserves and natural attractions right on its doorstep.
Polokwane has a lively and bustling downtown area, set around the pleasantly green and artistic civic centre. Here you can visit the Polokwane Art Museum, which has an excellent collection of South African art; check out the early history of the city in the fascinating photographs on display at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum; and take a rewarding stroll through Irish House, a bright green building with a comprehensive collection of exhibits from pre-history to Victorian and modern times. North of the city is Bakone Malapa Museum, an open air ‘living' museum that showcases traditional northern Sotho culture.
Meropa Casino & Entertainment World is on the southern outskirts of Polokwane and rises up like an ancient African palace under modern skies. With its choice of clubs, conference venues, coffee shops and restaurants, Meropa has long been the place to see and be seen among Polokwane's hip and happening people. Meropa's Jembe Tavern is a cosmopolitan Afro-chic jazz club and the capital city's grooviest place to meet, greet and get on down all night long.
From fine dining and gourmet cuisine to organic delis and traditional fare, Polokwane has plenty of good eating spots. It also has the biggest shopping centre in Limpopo and many places to purchase art, crafts and curios. And it's easy to escape the urban hustle and bustle when you want to. On the city's doorstep, you'll find lots of natural attractions including game reserves, mountains and wilderness areas.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Limpopo Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)15 290 2010
Email: info@golimpopo.com
How to get here
There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Polokwane International Airport, and a daily bus service from Johannesburg. It's a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg – take the N1 to Polokwane.
Best time to visit
Polokwane is a year-round destination but try to avoid Easter as thousands of members of the ZCC (Zion Christian Church) come to Polokwane on a pilgrimage.
Things to do
Walk with the lions at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort; visit the quaint village of Haenertsburg, famed for its surrounding mountains, rivers and waterfalls; go on a tour of the Makapan Valley Heritage Site, sister site to the Cradle of Humankind at Sterkfontein.
Tours to do
Go on a guided game drive at the Polokwane Game Reserve. Take a tour of the local shebeens and taverns.
Get around
Downtown Polokwane is easy to explore on foot. The city also has plenty of buses, taxis and car rental companies.
Length of stay
Take a weekend to explore the city and surrounds.
What to pack
Urban gear for inner-city adventures, and outdoor gear for discovering the natural attractions beyond the city.
Where to stay
Polokwane has a wide range of places to stay, from 5-star hotels to budget B&Bs. Take your pick.
Best buys
Arts, crafts and curios from all over Africa.
Related links
South Africa on social media
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