There are a million reasons to fall in love with Limpopo, along Route 71… there is something for everyone, from young couples or solo-travellers to families… birders, bikers, hikers and adventurers in diverse, spectacular habitats…. visitors wanting cultural and heritage connection….as well as wildlife and wilderness experiences second to none. Stretching from Polokwane, the gateway to the area, Route-71 makes for a spectacular road trip starting with the scenic escarpment of the Northern Drakensberg and Wolkberg mountain ranges above Haenertsburg, where the altitude reaches 2300 metres above sea level and then drops dramatically into the Lowveld. Limpopo’s mountains, forests and bushveld draw you closer like a whisper to the soul.
From Polokwane to Phalaborwa, Haenertsburg to Hoedspruit, Route 71 winds its way through the quaint hamlet of Haenertsburg and the misty mountains and forests of Magoebaskloof, down to the lush subtropical agricultural lands around Tzaneen and into the wild heart of the province. Kruger National Park has always been synonymous with the bushveld – hot, lazy afternoons after the excitement of an early morning start in search of elusive predators. Time slows down, and your senses sharpen as you tune in to the wild world around you.
The wildlife experience of the Kruger National Park draws thousands of travellers from around the world for a Big-5 adventure of a lifetime. In Hoedspruit, there are lodges to suit every taste and options galore to visit the Kruger Park, the spectacular Blyde River Canyon as well as explore what the vibey town of Hoedspruit has to offer like a Coffee-tasting experience at Hoedspruit Coffee Purveyors; the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery and Godding & Godding shop as well as visiting community experiences through the non-profit organizations, Nourish and Hlokomela.
Of course, Phalaborwa’s main attraction is its closeness to the Kruger National Park...it is literally on the doorstep, so don't be surprised if you suddenly happen upon a warthog wandering down the street. There are a variety of accommodation options in Phalaborwa, suited to every pocket from a luxury guesthouse experience to rustic bush camping and some great activities from gin and whiskey tasting at Qualito Distillery to cultural; art and craft experiences; a sunset boat cruise and even a water park with slides to awaken that inner kid in you. Meals from traditional food to fine dining offer a true reflection of the warm-hearted people who fed your soul along the way - the doers and dreamers of Phalaborwa that made this surprising little town come alive.
Allow us to entice travellers like you looking for adventure, to get in your car, put on a Katbok Radio playlist with some of the best South African music and hit the road - roadtripping all the way to the wild heart of the province, through Haenertsburg, Magoebaskloof and Tzaneen along Route-71.
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