The best places to visit during your Limpopo road trip

You’d be surprised how many people head north for a festive season family trip. While coastal regions have gained a reputation for drawing in plenty of visitors at the end of the year, provinces such as Limpopo also have plenty to offer prospective holidaymakers, especially those who prefer to travel by car instead of flying. But if road trips teach you anything, it’s the fact that the journey is just as important as the destination.  

If you’ve been toying with the idea of visiting Limpopo, but don’t know what you’ll get up to when you’re there, you’re in for some surprises. There’s plenty to do in Limpopo, and we’ve consolidated a list of spots worth visiting when you’re in that part of the country.  

Before road trip car assessments and road trip route planning take up too much of your time, it’s best to figure out how and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time when you get to Limpopo. Here are a few places worth visiting during your time in the province.  

Mapungubwe World Heritage Site

For those who don’t know this UNESCO World Heritage Site, here’s a bit of history. The expansive stretch of land between Limpopo and Zimbabwe is believed to be the former home of Southern Africa’s first indigenous kingdom some time in 900AD. The artefacts found at the site include ivory, gold, pottery and glass beads. Activities include museum tours, guided walks and game drives.

Limpopo River 

Stretching out for 1600km, the Limpopo River is the second largest river in Africa. It flows through neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique before finally emptying into the Indian Ocean. A boat trip is the perfect way to soak in the immaculate wilderness that flanks the river, and the wildlife enthusiasts in your family are guaranteed to enjoy their time at the river.

Polokwane Art Museum 

South Africa has always had a rich history in visual art. Whether it’s the 4000-year-old cave paintings of the San people, or the house painting practised by the Ndebele, you can’t deny that South Africans are an artistic people. If you’re keen on learning more about South African art, there’s no better place to satisfy your curiosity than Polokwane Art Museum. The museum differs from those around the country by placing a focus on art made in the province. There are more than 1000 pieces on display, including sculptures, photographs and pottery.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre 

Few places can warm your heart quicker than Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The centre is a haven for wild animals that have been poisoned, injured, or left behind by their pack. The recovering animals at the centre include lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and vultures. The main attraction is an educational tour that lasts about two hours.

There’s more to domestic travel than trips to coastal regions. If a relatively short trip is as much travelling as you’re willing to do, then Limpopo is the perfect place to have your next road trip. Pack your bags, fill the tank, and get plenty of kids entertainment for the trip. Most importantly, prepare to make great of memories.