The Limpopo Province covers the Area that lies Northern most in South Africa, just South of Zimbabwe. It was first called the Northern Province, but this was changed in 2002. The Limpopo Province was part of the old Transvaal and includes many old homelands like Venda, Gazankulu and Lebowa. Limpopo is a South African Province bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It's known for bushveld and wildlife reserves, including part of Kruger National Park.

Capital: Polokwane (before 2002, its name was Pietersburg)
Main languages: Sesotho sa Leboa, Shangaan
Premier: Cassel Mathle
First premier (1994): Ngoako Ramatlhodi

Limpopo's claim to fame: 


The golden rhino from Mapungubwe.

Mapungubwe was a kingdom in Northern South Africa a thousand Years ago. The people of Mapungubwe mined gold and traded with other parts of the world, even China. They left many objects that show how they lived and how rich they were, like this golden rhino that was made from pure gold. Mapungubwe is a World Heritage Site, which means that it is a very important place in the history of the world, not only South Africa, and it must be protected so that people can see it and know what it was for many years to come. Mapungubwe is also the name of one of South Africa’s highest orders of merit, a very special prize for people who served South Africa.


Another important archaeological site in Limpopo is Makapansgat near Mokopane (the old Potgietersrus). People lived there about 1,5 million to 100 000 years ago, and left objects and fossils. It was also the place where a battle between Boers and the Kgotla was fought in 1854. The Boers won, and they named a town nearby after their hero of the battle, Piet Potgieter. The town was Potgietersrus, but in 2002 the name was changed to Mokopane. Chief Mokopane was the chief of the Kgotla who lost against the Boers.

-Baobab trees

A baobab tree in the Limpopo Province

Baobab trees are very large African trees. They are sometimes described as ‘upside-down’, because of the short branches that look like the roots of a tree. Baobabs grow very slowly, but they can live for thousands of years. Old and large Baobabs have hollow trunks, and animals and even people can stay in a Baobab trunk. Some of the Baobabs in the Limpopo Province are possibly even more than 3000 years old, and the biggest Baobab in the world can be found in Limpopo. One of the orders of merit of South Africa is called the Order of the Baobab.

It is one of the best protected areas on the African continent, included in this area is the famous Kruger National Park! Through these nature reserves, we seek to preserve our natural heritage for future generations and for sharing with the international community. There isspectacular mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists. The game viewing is absolutely fantastic and possibly the best in the country and the preferred Eco-tourism destination in Southern Africa.
Limpopo is the only Province in South Africa with more than two cultural groups staying together in their original habitat in harmony. Other ethnic groups include the English and Afrikaner people. English is regarded as a business language but other native languages of the province include Tshivenda, Sepedi, Xitsonga, Setswana, Isindebele and Afrikaans.
Internet operates in all areas and there are internet cafés available in major towns around the province. The value added tax is charged at 15%. Visitors may claim VAT refunds at major border posts and at international airports on departure from South Africa.
26° 16' 12", -23° 30' 36"