Southern: Nature and Cultural Heritage

Southern offers different starting points for a trip: nature experiences by the water, caves and rocky landscapes, and places of cultural and historical significance. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between these themes: a route may focus on nature and wildlife, while a memorial site may centre on a particular story or a recurring event.

Landscape Between Water, Caves and Mountains

Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve covers 9,037 hectares and lies next to Flag Boshielo Dam, north of Marble Hall. Activities offered in the reserve include fishing, self-drive game viewing and birdwatching. These activities are available side by side; the game-viewing drives are specifically described as self-guided. Check the current conditions for activities before setting off.

Flag Boshielo Dam, formerly called Arabie Dam, offers numerous campsites for visitors who prefer spending time outdoors. If camping is part of your travel plans, confirm the current operating situation before you arrive.

The Echo Caves contain candle-wax-like stones, stalactites and stalagmites that are regarded as natural wonders. When struck, the Echo-Stone produces a unique, drum-like sound. These features give the caves a different character from the activities by the water; check current visitor conditions before planning a visit to the Echo Caves or the Echo-Stone.

The landscape around Monametse Spring Water also has its own distinctive character: the spring in the Leolo Mountains is considered a scenic highlight in the Fetakgomo community. The Yellow Arum Lily blossoms are another seasonal attraction. They are celebrated every year in November in Roossenekal and on the slopes of Leolo Mountain. If you are planning a visit for this celebration, check the current dates.

Historic Places and Cultural Remembrance

Tjate Heritage Site was declared a provincial heritage site on 23 February 2007. This date refers to the site's designation. Another historical story is associated with Mapoch’s Caves: the caves served as a refuge for King Mabhoko during invasions by Boer commandos and Swazi kingdoms.

Tisane Cultural Heritage Site preserves the history of Pedi culture. A statue of King Mampuru II stands in Mamone Moshate. Manchi Masemola Gravesite is located in the village of Ga Marishane/Ga Phaahla in the Makhuduthamaga municipality. These places have different focuses—from cultural heritage and a statue to the specific location of a memorial site.

Recurring commemorative events are also part of the historical calendar. The King Nyabela Commemoration has been held every year on 19 December at eRholweni Cave since 1979. A national commemorative event is held annually at Kgoshi Mampuru II Heritage Site, at the place where King Mampuru II was captured. As programmes relate to specific years, check the latest information before planning your trip around a date.

Another glimpse into the past is offered by Bushmen Rock Shelter, which is over 120,000 years old. Together with the caves and cultural heritage sites, it offers a different way to experience the region than an event with a fixed date: here, the site's age is the focus, while there, the focus is an annual commemorative day.

Planning Routes and Experiences

The Mafulo a Matala route takes tourists to the natural beauty and wildlife of Sekhukhune Land. The Platinum Stream tourist route runs along the R555 and R37. For navigation, these descriptions refer to different things: Mafulo a Matala describes the route's destination, while Platinum Stream describes its course along two roads. Check the latest route details and road conditions before planning.

At Setšong Tea Estate, tea-making sessions are offered. If you would like to take part, check in advance whether sessions are running on your travel dates. This makes it possible to include the experience in your plans without equating it with the nature or memorial sites.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Damwal, Ga-Mongatane, Ngwaritsi, Tonteldoos, Tsimanyane, Eastvaal District Council, Greater Sekhukhune, Far North.

For the broader travel overview: Limpopo.