SECTION 4: CITY GUIDES | < BACK | NEXT >

4.6 POLOKWANE 

If Limpopo is the ‘land of myth and legend', then Polokwane is its lost city, rising from the bushveld paradise. It's a bustling economic hub that somehow manages to retain a bucolic feel and has the distinction of boasting a game reserve a mere three kilometres from the imposing Peter Mokaba Stadium.

 It's also conveniently located, with Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana a few hours away and it's not far from the glories of the Soutpansberg and Waterberg mountain ranges. Polokwane is also only two hours from Kruger National Park, which is unbeatable for a Big Five safari.

Limpopo's rugged surrounds were made for mountain and quad bikes. Technical routes through hilly, forested terrain and wildlife sanctuaries will challenge riders of all abilities.

Abseiling, kloofing (canyoning) or rock climbing you're after, head for the wild mountains of the Magoebaskloof area. Expert guides offer extreme sports in a breathtaking setting   the wild and untamed Mohlapetsi Valley. Caving is growing in popularity here too and instructors will help you discover subterranean excitement.

Restaurant Guide: www.what2night.co.za/restaurants/browse/city/97

Tourism Info: www.polokwane.org.za

SHOPPING

Farmyard Trading Post proudly produces a fresh variety of home baking and Alfresco foods on the premises   from a variety of gourmet cheeses and breads to delectable pastries. Their doors are open from 09:00   17:00 Mon Sun and you are invited to experience something out of the ordinary. ( 015 263 6452 www.thefarmyard.co.za/

Limpopo Mall This shopping centre accommodates all tourists of all ages. Here you will find a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, fashion outlets, jewellery stores and much more. ( 015 291 4772.

 Cycad Centre -  coffee shops and restaurants, alongside a photo centre, DIY outlet and pharmacy.
 ( 015 291 4700

Savannah Centre  -  established shopping centre that offers it shoppers 65 shops, which will be increased by an additional 45 shops. ( 015 296 1401.

Gemco arts & crafts studio
Situated 1 km from the city on the N1 south   a brilliant collection of semi precious stones, ivory and other jeweller. The fascinating manufacturing stages of semi precious beads such as tiger eye can be seen. 
( 015 292 0758

OUTDOOR

Birding  ( 015 263 6473 www.edenroutes.co.za

Magoebaskloof forest for adrenaline fuelled activities ( 083 866 1546 www.thabametsi.com

Polokwane Game Reserve ( 015  263 6473, web www.polokwaneonline.com/naturesway

Golf - Course founded in 1863. ( 015 295 4118

HISTORIC MUSEUMS & CULTURE

Makapansgat Caves & Limestone Works - A look at ancient human habitation in the area. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makapansgat

Polokwane Museum
This national monument building houses exhibits detailing the history of the city and its environment.

Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum showcases Northern Sotho and Ndebele culture and includes a ‘living' village. ( 015 295 2432

EXPLORE

Cultural day trips and tailor made outings from Polokwane. ( 015 298 8127

Fiki Mmini, a man ‘born poor, but rich in mind'. Among the home made drums, hubcaps, shoes, planks, plastic flowers, tin cars and other curiosities On the R71 just past Mankweng, about 30 minutes from Polokwane.

Moria, about 25 kilometres east of Polokwane, is the seat of the Zion Christian church   an entirely black denomination with over four million members formed in 1910 by Engenas Lekganyane   an indigenous church to Africa that is one of the only churches not established by evangelists from abroad. Contact: ( 015 267 1124/5

Spa’s wellness techniques will rejuvenate stressed fans.  ( 015 360 8020

Crocodile Farm ( 014 735 0322  www.sibakalodge.co.za

Elephant Back Safaris ( 083 419 8223 www.efaf.co.za

Game drives, Horse trails & alfresco dinning  ( 015 263 6473  http://www.polokwaneonline.com/naturesway/

Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge & Holistic living ( 015 276 1131 www.krm.co.za/

Moletzie Bird Sanctuary - A sanctuary housing many bird species and highly acclaimed for its excellent work in the protection of rare Cape Vulture.

ADVENTURE

The Wolkberg is a rugged area and hiking in this area can be classed as strenuous and should be only attempted by those who are fit. The hike leader should be an experienced hiker with a local guide. 0  15 276 1303 http://www.explorationsociety.org/drupal/node/94 

Hot Air Ballooning ( 027 15 793 3491 www.gwala.co.za

White Water Rafting ( 015 795 5488  www.ottersden.co.za

Microlighting  ( 015 793 0348  www.lefssa.com

Skydive (  083 759 3483 www.skydivextreme.co.za

4x4 Trails ( 015 276 5076 www.adventurelifestyles.co.za

Abseiling ( 014 736 3337  www.limpopoteambuilding.co.za

Paintball ( 082 570 9485.

Adventure Centre Boat Trips ( 015 795 5961

Quad Biking ( 014 734 1714  www.etango.co.za

White Water Rafting ( 015 795 5488

Hiking - Polokwane Game Reserve, on ( 015 290 2331

Caving at Makapan’s Cave on ( 015 491 8458,

COOL SPOTS

Please let us know!!!

NIGHTLIFE

Saskia's  ( 015 291 4042

Fusion Boutique Hotel for cocktails and fabulous food.

ENTERTAINMENT

Meropa Casino and Entertainment World  ( 015 290 5400, five kilometres outside of the city, offers a casino and several restaurants and bars.

GETTING AROUND

Car hire

Africa-Car-Hire.com ( 078 669 4444

Europcar ( 015 288 0097

Tempest Car Hire ( 015 288 0219

Sixt ( 015 291 4819

Avis ( 015 288 0171

Metered taxis

City Taxis ( 015 297 4493

Maxi Taxi ( 072 704 987

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