Travel Information on the Northern Province, South Africa


Welcome to the magic of the Northern Province: -		Search our Site: sitemap

The great North Road from Pretoria was first carved by the creaking wheels of ox wagons. Today, when you follow the footsteps of the Voortrekkers, you’ll travel on fast, safe roads and enjoy every modern amenity as you go.

This land of legend, ruins and relics abounds in ancient forests, sparkling trout waters, hot mineral springs and waterfalls. Much of it has remained unchanged for centuries, offering unlimited opportunities for the enjoyment of untamed Africa.

Boabab Tree - Northern Province The northern section of the Kruger National Park is renowned for its large herds of elephant and buffalo, significant numbers of Tsessebe and Sable and a rich bird life.

On the park’s western border, excellent privately owned game reserves offer luxurious, air-conditioned accommodation and day and night game viewing in open 4x4 vehicles.

The mountainous area of the Waterberg is also home to numerous game reserves, providing a rewarding experience of wilderness country.

Hiking Trails - Soutpansberg - Northern Province The Soutpansberg range, one of the loveliest regions of the country, should be explored at leisure by following at least one of the forest trails.

Beyond the mountains, Mopane trees and giant Baobabs dominate the plains sweeping northward to Zimbabwe. Many natural heritage sites in the area are accessible to visitors.

Swimmers cool off in a pool at the bottom of the Debegeni Falls - Northern Province

This page contains information on the various towns on the backpacking route in Northern Cape Province. The lodges in each town are linked to their home page.

Each lodge has a booking facility for each room in their establishment or the places on their tours.

If you wish to book, just follow the instructions on their booking page.

Select a region or town from the list below: - You will be taken to that region or town.

Phalaborwa. Tzaneen. Major Attractions in the Northern Province. Modjaji Game Reserve. Sapekoe Tea Estates. Big Baobab Bar. Northern Province's Best Lodges. The Venda People of the Northern Province. The Tsonga People of the Northern Province. The North Sotho People of the Northern Province. Detailed Map of the Northern Province. Northern Province's Backpackers Association.

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Kimberley, THE WORLD'S DIAMOND CAPITAL is approximately 485 kilometers from Johannesburg on the road to Cape Town.

Without the enthusiastic digging of a cook named “Damon”, Kimberley may never even have existed.

In 1871, Damon was the first to discover three diamonds that lay beneath a small hill known as the “Colesberg koppie.”

This turned out to be the tip of an iceberg of precious stones which within a few years led to the biggest man-made hole in the world.

Today the “Big Hole”, as the mine is known, together with the restored diamond town, forms the Kimberley Mine Museum.

From the imposing City Hall you can step back into the ‘new rush' days on a 1910 tram and experience the feel of the early days of the big hole. Staring out over the viewing platform you can almost hear the sound of shovelling and shouting as men dug their way to fame and fortune in the vast 457 m diameter crater.

The nearby reconstructed diamond town contains original relics and with a bit of imagination you can join the sounds and bustle of the early Kimberley. Kimberley also contains many other beautifully preserved and restored buildings from its early days, all well worth viewing.

Elegant residences can be visited by arrangement and it is then that you will discover the 2nd treasure in the town - the friendly welcoming people.

Out am from the centre of town) Mr Shuttleworth the proprietor will introduce you to another Kimberley treasure. The Lodge has all its rooms looking out on to a central quadrangle of beautiful garden where you can enjoy the quiet splendour of a star studded Kimberley night.

Rooms are beautifully clean and welcoming after superb belly stuffing food and ale on tap at the wooden bar of the adjacent Diggers Restaurant.

Leaving Kimberley, whether you're heading either on the Cape Town, through the dry and dusty Karoo or traversing the maize fields back to Johannesburg. The memories of South Africa’s diamond capital and its hospitality will remain with you throughout your “hole life long” (or should that be whole?)

In addition to the fabulous diamond discoveries which catapulted Kimberley to fame and fortune, and changed the course of history, a rich bounty of alluvial diamonds is mined off the west coast.

The wild and lonely western coastline is also one of the world’s most prolific fishing grounds, providing yet another source of venue.

Wealth there is too, in copper, but to some, the greatest gift of all lies in the extravagant beauty of Namaqualand’s wild flowers.

The area is also notable for fine examples of Bushman art, abundant deposits of semi-precious stones, and friendly hospitality. Four major wildlife sanctuaries and a number of smaller reserves provide endless opportunities for getting back to nature.

The Venda People of the Northern Province

The Venda, who inhabit the eastern part Venda Crafts - Northern Province of the Soutpansberg, are believed to be descended from chiefs who traveled south from Central Africa toward the end of the 17th century. Intensely superstitious, the Venda place great store on rites and rituals. In the python dance, bare-breasted teenage girls perform a slow, rhythmic dance to the throb of tribal drums. The drum is central to traditional Venda religious belief.

The North Sotho People of the Northern Province

Wilderness Trails in the Kruger Park - Northern Province

Lions in Kruger National Park - Northern Province Scattered throughout the Northern Province, most North Sotho people live in small settlements with family homesteads clustered around their cattle kraals. A member of the North Sotho tribe, the legendary Rain Queen, Modjadji, was the most famous rain-maker on the subcontinent, believed by many to be immortal.

The Tsonga People of the Northern Province

The origins of the Tsonga people are obscure, but today, small numbers inhabit the Northern Province. In rural areas, life follows a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to spend on arts and crafts. Unlike other tribal people, the Tsonga are keen fishermen. Tzaneen - Northern Province

Detailed Map of the Northern Province

Backpacker Associations
| BAI - BackPack Africa International | BTSA | HISA |

Backpacker Travel Guides
| Lonely Planet | Rough Guide | Lets Go |

Tourism Associations
| Gauteng Tourism Association |