Discover Polokwane: Golf, Nature and Culture

Polokwane as a destination

Polokwane offers a range of reasons to visit: golf history, nature watching and culture. The Polokwane Golf Course, Polokwane Bird Sanctuary and cultural attractions are in Polokwane; Polokwane Game Reserve is nearby. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between destinations in the city and nature experiences in the surrounding area.

Golf history and facilities

Polokwane Golf Course was established in 1863. The city administration ranks it among the best golf courses in South Africa. Its connections to players are also part of its history: Retief Goosen learned to play golf there; according to the city administration, Ray Earle and Callie Swart are from the club. The course is open to the public and has a clubhouse and a halfway house. Other facilities include a bar, a braai area and an event hall. If you plan to visit the course or any of its facilities, check their current public availability in advance.

More activities in Polokwane and the surrounding area

Meropa Fun Zone at Meropa Casino in Polokwane offers supervised activities for children aged one to 13; qualified childcare staff supervise them. If you plan to visit, check with the operator for current visitor arrangements.

Nearby Polokwane, Jembe Tavern’s entertainment includes performances by bands and comedians, as well as karaoke nights. If you want to plan your visit around a performance, check the dates in advance.

Nature and wildlife

Polokwane Bird Sanctuary combines birdwatching with picnics, braai and walking trails, and is home to 320 bird species. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Polokwane Game Reserve is nearby. It preserves the endangered Pietersburg Plateau False Grassland. Its features include pristine bushveld and winding driving routes; the reserve is home to 52 wildlife species. Approximately 200 bird species nest there. Its plant diversity includes 110 grass species, approximately 280 flowering plant species and 68 tree species. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing, picnic areas, and mountain biking, hiking and horse-riding trails. The reserve also has self-catering chalets and an adjoining caravan park—additional accommodation options besides hotels. Check current access and operating conditions before travelling.

The nature destinations offer different experiences: birdwatching is the main focus at the Bird Sanctuary; at the Game Reserve, bushveld, animal and plant diversity, and several types of trails round out the experience.

Art and architectural history

Polokwane Art Museum is located in the Library Gardens Complex and has an extensive indoor and outdoor collection. Irish House is a late-Victorian commercial building that represents the province’s diverse cultures. The art collection and the building thus offer two different cultural perspectives on Polokwane.

Discover more destinations: Mooiplaas, Vivo, Ga-Maponto, Alldays.

Go to the regional travel overview: Central.