Central: Nature Reserves, Rock Art and Culture

A vast nature reserve, rock art on a plateau and cultural insights give Central its varied character. Plan your trip according to whether you want to observe nature, discover distinctive landscapes, or explore history and traditions.

Wildlife and trails in Polokwane Game Reserve

Polokwane Game Reserve covers 3,250 hectares and is home to 52 wildlife species. Mountain biking, hiking and horse-riding trails offer more ways to experience the reserve’s landscape. If you are planning a stay in Polokwane, the entrance is a useful landmark, ten minutes by car from the city centre. This is an approximate guide: traffic and route can affect driving time.

Other protected areas have their own distinct features. Blouberg Nature Reserve covers 9,360 hectares, extending from the eastern part of Blouberg Mountain to the savanna along the Brak River. It is also home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape vultures. Wildlife listed for Malebogo Nature Reserve includes giraffes, kudus, springboks, elands, impalas, wildebeest and zebras.

At Wonderkop Nature Reserve, 4x4 routes offer opportunities to spot sable and roan antelope. Route and wildlife conditions can change; check them before your drive. The Seraki Blouberg Route runs along the foot of Blouberg Mountain. The region therefore brings together different landscape and nature experiences, from the savanna expanse described above to a drive on 4x4 routes.

Rock art and cultural insights

The Makgabeng Plateau in Blouberg, part of the Capricorn District Municipality, is home to more than 890 rock art sites created by the San, Khoekhoe, Tswana and Northern Sotho. The rock art depicts the history of Indigenous communities and tells of wars involving Boers on horseback and in ox wagons, as well as Chief Maleboogo. The number of sites and the variety of subjects depicted make this a special focus for anyone interested in cultural heritage.

The Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum focuses on traditional huts, crafts and Bakone storytelling traditions. The Seabakgwana Pottery Project specialises in traditional pottery. Together, these named themes offer insight into different forms of cultural expression. Another historical note concerns Polokwane Golf Course, which was founded in 1863.

More nature and leisure destinations

Meropa Casino includes the Wild Thingz bird and snake sanctuary. At Glen Alpine Dam, tourists can fish at a designated spot where they can easily keep track of their catches. Fishing conditions and arrangements can change; check current conditions before visiting. The different highlights—nature reserves, fishing or cultural heritage—can help you plan your time around the subjects that interest you most.

Getting around the Capricorn District

The Capricorn District Municipality is centrally located between Gauteng and the eastern access routes to Kruger National Park. The N1 and several provincial roads run through the area: the P33/1 (R37) from Polokwane to Burgersfort and Lydenburg, the P94/1 (R521) from Polokwane to Alldays and Botswana, and the P17/1 (R71) from Polokwane to Tzaneen and Phalaborwa. These routes provide an overview of the area. For a specific journey, check the latest route information and road conditions.

More travel ideas in Northern Province

The wider destination of Northern Province also offers distinct nature and cultural experiences. The cultural landscape of Mapungubwe traces the rise and fall of southern Africa’s first Indigenous kingdom between AD 900 and 1300. The Marakele 4×4 Eco Trail is a three-day outdoor adventure with two overnight stays through the wilderness zone of the primitive area in Marakele National Park, the core of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. Check seasonal departures again before booking.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mooiplaas, Alldays, Ga-Maponto, Polokwane, Vivo, Southern, Waterberg, Vhembe.

For the main travel overview: Limpopo.