Northern Province (Limpopo) - South Africa

Northern Province of South Africa is sandwiched between Gauteng Province and neighboring Botswana and Zimbabwe. The Northern Province is characterized by a variety of terrains and an eclectic mix of peoples. Despite being South Africa's poorest province, it is one of the country's most productive agricultural areas. Although it attracts fewer tourists than other areas, the Northern Province boasts both natural beauty and a rich history. Controversy over recently proposed legislation to change the province's name to Limpopo has shown that age-old tensions are still very real. All visitors should know that names in the Northern Province can change faster than Winnie Mandela's mood ring.

Limpopo - Northern Province South Africa Perhaps one commonality among the people of the Northern Province is their love of the land. The dusty flat bushveld in the west rises into soft rolling mountains to the north, falling again into harsh dry bush punctuated with scattered baobab trees, while soft savannah grass blankets the lowveld in the far east. Farther south, the Letaba District swells with sub-tropical hills, valleys, and the rocky outcrops of the Klein Drakensberg. This attractive, varied landscape guarantees adventure for those willing to travel off the beaten track. Visitors to the province will bask in an unprecedented feeling of freedom while enjoying the many outdoor pursuits of the area, including isolated camping in the bushveld, vigorous hiking along the secluded trails of the Drakensberg, enticing climbs up the waterfalls of the Magoebaskloof Pass, and trekking with game in the salt pans.

Northern Province Links

The Venda People of the Northern Province

Venda Crafts - Northern Province The Venda, who inhabit the eastern part of the Soutpansberg in the Northern Province, are believed to be descended from chiefs who traveled south from Central Africa toward the end of the 17th century.

Intensely superstitious, the Venda place great store on rites and rituals. In the python dance, bare-breasted teenage girls perform a slow, rhythmic dance to the throb of tribal drums.

The drum is central to traditional Venda religious belief.

The North Sotho People of the Northern Province

North Sotho People - Northern Province Scattered throughout the Northern Province, most North Sotho people live in small settlements with family homesteads clustered around their cattle kraals.

A member of the North Sotho tribe, the legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji, was the most famous rain-maker on the subcontinent, believed by many to be immortal.

The Tsonga People of the Northern Province

Tsonga People - Northern Province The origins of the Tsonga people are obscure, but today, small numbers inhabit the Northern Province.

In rural areas, life follows a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to spend on arts and crafts. Unlike other tribal people, the Tsonga are keen fishermen.

Accommodation in Northern Province

Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merl offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in accommodation in the Northern Province.
Accommodation in Northern Province
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.