Tzaneen is the second largest city in the province of Limpopo in the north-east of South Africa. Tzaneen has a population of around 30,000 people. The area is characterized by beautiful mountains (the Wolkbergen or Wolkberg Mountains), the Tzaneen Dam and the plantations with (sub) tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, oranges, avocados (including for avocado oil), lychees, tea, macadamia nuts and pineapples . Tzaneen is about 420 km from Johannesburg and 100 km west of the Kruger Park.
The summer months from September to March have an average temperature of around 28 degrees, but even in winter it is still pleasant during the day with an average temperature of 15 degrees.
Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve offers plenty of options for a wonderful day at the water. The area is suitable for lovers of water sports, fishing and bird watchers. But also a nice picnic by the water is possible. It is good to know that there are hippos and some crocodiles in the water and that the park is open until 18:00. The dam is located about 10 kilometers north-west of Tzaneen and you can also camp there so that you can enjoy the beautiful copper-colored skies at sunset.
In the mountains around Tzaneen there are various possibilities for walks / hiking. For beautiful views you can drive for example the beautiful wooded Magoebaskloof mountain pass, one of the most beautiful canyons in South Africa. For a beautiful view over the valley you can go to Magoebaskloof hotel, located just before the top of the pass. For a beautiful view of Tzaneen and the dam, stop at Coachhouse, a 5-star hotel / restaurant with spa facilities and the famous home-made nougat.
A number of other sights / activities in and around Tzaneen:
– Adventurous? Visit Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours for a tour where you swing through the treetops and swing with zip lines. You can also abseil, quad bike and divide here.
– Try to find the center of the Amazing Maze maze at Amorentia Estate.
– Picnic at the Debegeni waterfalls at the bottom of the Gorge just outside of Tzaneen. There are tables, benches and bbq facilities.
– Are you traveling with young children? Visit the Tea Garden and petting zoo with a play area for children: Mangela Tea Garden & Animal Touch Farm.
– The Hans Merensky Nature Reserve where you can make walking safaris. For example, go for the 1 km long Mopane Trail, the Lataba Trail that takes you along the river and is suitable for seeing many birds, or take the 32 km long Giraffe Trail that lasts 3 days and where you spend the night in luxury cabins. Zebras, wildebeest, swine, giraffes, antelopes, hyenas, leopards and jackals live in the area. You can make a game drive through the reserve by car or book a game drive with a guide in the morning or evening. You can also ride a horse or cycle a mountain bike route. The park also houses the Tsonga Kraal museum where an original Tsonga village has been reconstructed in an original way and where you can get acquainted with the lifestyle of the Tsonga people.
– Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve is located in Wolkbergen and covers no less than 18,000 hectares. The area is full of water and has several rivers, streams and waterfalls and through all this water many trees, shrubs and plants grow. It is an excellent place for birdwatchers and at the end of the summer there are many butterflies. Follow one of the walking / hike routes, 4×4 routes, visit the Downs viewpoint or picnic at ‘the Cathedral’.
– Rooikat Hiking Trail, a 1-day walking route through the beautiful landscape around Tzaneen. Walk through pineapple plantations, spot many birds and small game, take a refreshing dip in the Bobs river and have a picnic at Die Akker.
– The Debengeni Waterfall in the dense forest of Magoebaskloof is a special place for a picnic and refreshing dip in the clear water. Take a good look around which birds you see, there are some rare ones.
– Agatha Crocodile Ranch located on an avocado farm outside of Tzaneen. This is an excellent place to find out more about (nile) crocodiles and to be able to view them up close.
– Vervet Monkey Foundation Rehabilitation Center where Vervet monkeys are collected that are orphaned or injured and cannot survive independently in the wild. The center serves as a reception and educational center.
– Visit the Modjadji Cycad Reserve to admire the special Modjadji palms during a walk or picnic and visit the information center.
– Play golf at the Tzaneen Country Club
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