Polokwane: From Safe Haven to Paradise
Polokwane (also known as Pietersburg), is a North Sotho word meaning “place of safety”. This city was founded in 1886 by the Voortrekker tribe, and has since become a growing tourist destination in the Limpopo Province. Now, the area is considered one of the best hunting areas in South Africa. Most recently, tourism was boosted by the 2010 World Cup. Several matches were played here at the Peter Mokeba Stadium, which was built specifically for the event. The city enjoys excellent weather throughout the year, and offers plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed.
Discover Untouched Wilderness
The Polokwane Game Reserve (or Pietersburg Game Reserve) is the main attraction of the area. It spans across 3200 hectares, making it one of the largest in South Africa. The area has been very well preserved and is home to rare fauna and flora. You can spot about 21 mammals, and over 50 rare game species, including the White Rhino and Sable Antelope. There are plenty of giraffes, zebras, and waterbucks to capture in photos as well, if you need to prove you were on an African Safari. Bird enthusiasts also come here in search of the most hard-to-find species. This is one of the few places where rare South African birds can be spotted casually. Summer is considered the best season for bird watching, but it’s also the hottest time of the year. Within the reserve, you’ll also find Africa’s most unique vegetation. Again, this is one of the few spots where rare trees and plants still grow wildly. You can choose to explore the reserve on your own terms, whether it’s on foot, via mountain bike, horseback, or a car. The reserve has a beautiful 13-mile trail, and a shorter three-mile route that can be conquered in a day or two. You can find self-catering accommodation within the reserve, but there are also plenty of hotels in the nearby area.
Embrace Amazing Art
The Polokwane Art museum is a must-visit if you’re into the arts. It is located in the central downtown area, where there is a large concentration of hotels and accommodation. If you’re staying in Polokwane, you will likely walk by the museum at some point. The museum houses an exquisite collection of South African art, with a special concentration on local artists of the Limpopo Province. Over 1000 works are displayed, including historical and contemporary pieces. There are painting, photography, and ceramic exhibits, as well as a lovely outdoor sculpture garden. You’ll find that many works were inspired by local mythology. Guides tours through the museum can be arranged upon request.
Endless Entertainment
The Meropa Casino & Entertainment World is another highlight for Polokwane. The Moroccan-style building is a major hub of both indoor and outdoor entertainment for both kids and adults. The complex features go-karting, mini-golf, and a large arcade for children to enjoy. However, the whole family will appreciate a visit to the Wild Thingz Park, an exotic park filled with birds and reptiles. After a long day, you can indulge in a relaxing beauty treatment at the onsite full service spa or the salon. Then, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the fine dining locations. Plan ahead, and check the entertainment schedule – the complex features everything from comedy shows to classy cabaret. As the name suggests, there is also a casino onsite, of course, and it’s open 24-hours a day. It boasts over 400 slots and 17 game tables, as well as private VIP gaming facilities.
Walk with the Lions
Literally! Located just outside the city centre of Polokwane, the program Walk With Lions offers a unique experience that you’ll never forget. It’s an excellent bonding activity for the whole family to enjoy, and a unique way to spend a day with your friends. You’ll have the opportunity to take an invigorating hike through the lions’ natural habitat, or have a relaxing picnic in the outdoors. The experience is not limited to adult lions, as occasionally you’ll also meet baby cubs, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. You’ll see the animals walking beside people like two friends strolling down a street. All of them have been carefully trained from a young age, so you can even pet them if you’d like. Seeing and interacting with the animals in their natural habitat will give you a completely different experience than just taking a safari tour. It is located onsite a hotel, and close to several resorts – helpful if you want to make a full day trip out of it. Best of all, any revenues made from the tours go straight to the animals themselves.