Polokwane (Pietersburg)

The capital of Limpopo, Polokwane is South Africa’s largest city north of Gauteng. Home to the 3,200 hectare Polokwane Nature Reserve – one of South Africa’s largest municipal reserves - it’s a haven for animal lovers where you can take one of many walks and hikes to see the healthy rhino and bird population. You can also visit Wild Thingz, a small animal park that features exotic birds and reptiles.

If its history you're after you should definitely visit some of the museums in the city. Pop in to the Polokwane Museum to learn about the area’s past and view some ancient Stone Age artefacts. The nearby Hugh Exton Photographic Museum features many historical photographs of the area dating as far back as 1892. Bakone Malapa is a living museum where tourists can watch and learn from the native Bakone tribe who live in accurately styled homesteads and practice and explain their traditional activities including maize grinding, fire making, beadwork and pottery. You can also purchase examples of these crafts from the craft shop on site.