Think Limpopo and it brings to mind images of Africa’s true nature – that part of the country that is practically out of reach of civilisation, and largely unchanged by man and his needs. Limpopo is the land of baobabs, seething hot days, the mountains of the Waterberg, the Soutpansberg, and bushveld plains peppered with thorn trees. It is where one comes to view game in its rightful place, where animals can once again reign supreme. This is the great north.
Large areas of conservation differentiate the Limpopo from most other provinces, where adrenalin seekers find a realm of untouched nature that offers endless opportunities in the wild. If it’s untamed bushveld and wilderness you are after, then the home of the mystical and fabled rain queen, Modjadji, and the treasures of a rich cultural heritage are where you will find them …
The northern section of the Kruger National Park lies in the Limpopo, renowned for its effortless herds of elephant and buffalo, whilst private game reserves border this reserve offering endless game viewing opportunities. Endeavour to walk at least one of the incredible forest trails of the Soutpansberg, and then beyond the mountains to the land that sweeps towards Zimbabwe, dominated by mopane trees and ancient baobabs.
Limpopo Adventure – Adrenalin Junkie Activities in Limpopo
Go kloofing in George’s Valley gorge:
Actually you’re spoilt for choice in the beautiful George’s Valley Gorge as you can abseil, kloof, tube, rock climb, hike and just about anything else here too. George’s Valley lies on the R528 between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen right in the heart of the Groot Letaba River’s journey through gorges and gullys. Kloofing is for the more adventurous. You can otherwise float or swim down various sections of the more calm and peaceful waters. Converseley, bum slide or rock hop your way over waterfalls, or jump into pools.
Contact: Adventure Lifestyles on +27 (0)82 321-5430.
White water tube (‘geckoing’) the Groot Letaba River:
White water tubing is also known as ‘geckoing’ and probably the most fun you can have on water. The gecko-tubing begins high up in the gorge of the Groot Letaba River and follows fairly calm waters and breathtaking views. Be warned, there are also roaring white water rapids en route for the more adventurous.
Contact Thaba Metsi Adventures on +27 (0)15 276-5096.
Raft the Blyde River Canyon:
This is an extreme whitewater experience, so not for the feint-hearted; helmets and endurance are necessary. One of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the Blyde River allows one to paddle demanding rapids (excitement bordering on truly challenging), take in some of the most awesome scenery that begins in the Mariepskop Forestry Reserve and ends as the Blyde River joins the Blydepoort Dam, and the Three Rondavels above you against a sheer wall of rock. It’s a full day’s worth of fun and exhilaration. Or you can opt for an overnighter at a rustic busy camp in A-frame huts.
Contact Umkulu Safaris on +27(0)21 853-7952 or The African Rafting Company on +27 21 853 2453.
Take the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour:
In Magoenaskloof, your chance to travel the upper level of the indigenous forest and ancient mountain cliffs that overlook the Groot Letaba River gorge. This is a combination of slides and platform viewpoints that include sliding over three giant waterfalls. Aimed at thrill seekers of any age (well, those older than seven at any rate), the cable slides over some of the most incredible scenery and will leave you breathless, both from the sheer adventure of it all, and from the views.
Contact Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour on +27 (0)83 866-1546
4×4 African Ivory Route trails:
Drive, or join an organised tour on, the 4-5 day self-drive version of the wild Ivory Route, and follow in the footsteps of legendary hunters who stalked great herds that used to roam these parts. The Ivory Route crosses mountains and sandveld plains, including 54 nature reserves.
The route is kept as basic and as wild as possible, consequently large parts of it are only navigable via 4×4. Tracks wind past thorn trees connecting traditional villages with tented safari camps. The route combines elephant migratory routes with those of ivory, gold and slave merchant routes, and crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the country.
Skydiving in the Waterberg:
If launching yourself out of an aeroplane with only a parchute between you and a rather hard landing is your kind of thing, then skydiving, whether tandem or solo, will blow your mind. Once you leave the aircraft from 11 000ft (over 3.5km high up) you experience the feeling of freefall, your life will change forever!
The views, if you can divorce yourself from the fact that you’re in the air without a lifeline, are pretty spectacular, and the jumps over the Waterberg are exhilirating to an extreme.
Contact: 083 SKYDIVE or +27 (0)83 759-3483
For more extreme adventure options (and the less extreme) see the following:
Find a Place to Stay
For a good deal on accommodation see Limpopo Game Reserves or browse through accommodation in Limpopo – you deal directly with the accommodation owners so you pay less – No Commission, No Service Fees!
More Adventures
Find a bunch more activities and adventure experiences at Things to Do in Limpopo – from wildlife encounters to extreme adventure there is plenty to keep you busy in the Limpopo Province.
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