Provinces
Despite being South Africa's smallest and only landlocked province, Gauteng, home to more citizens than any other province in the country, is largely regarded as the epicentre of South Africa, if not the whole of Africa. This buzzing province is situated in the heart of what is known as the Highveld, and owing to its rich history of mineral wealth, is highly developed and urbanised. As gold deposits were discovered in the area in the late 1800s, so much of the country's population migrated here looking for a share of the spoils. As such, Gauteng is home to a myriad of cultures, each of which have had a significant impact on this unique part of the world.
South Africa's busiest airport is located in Gauteng, and it services most centres in the country. At the same time, there are a wealth of other attractions within a short driving distance, including spectacular mountain ranges, diverse and fascinating cities, as well as the world famous game reserves of the Mpumalanga region.
The North West Province has a hot, dry, African climate which is truly unique.A must see destination, North West offers the Pilanesberg 'Big Five' Game Reserve (see map below) and other fine reserves, cultural sights, archaeological treasures, and adventures, as well as world class entertainment resorts such as Sun City. This province consists mainly of flat areas of scattered trees and grassland, with the the Magaliesberg mountain range in the northeast and the Vaal River flowing along its southern border.
Tourism areas we cover within North West, and which are within 45 min to 3 hours away, include:
- The Northern Magaliesberg: An area of mountainous beauty, unexpected by many visitors and only around 1 hour from Northern Joburg - its really worth a visit!
- Pilanesberg Game Reserve: A wildlife haven, situated in an ancient volcano, with a fascinating geology and interesting vegetation, together with the big 5 and a spread of other bushveld animals. A combination you cannot leave Joburg without seeing at least once!
Mpumalanga - "the place where the sun rises" - offers something for everyone. It is often said that Mpumalanga Province alone offers more diversity and and adventure opportunities than any other country in the world.
Mpumalanga is divided in half by the northern range of the Drakensberg Mountains. The westerly half consists mainly of high-altitude grassland called the Highveld, and the eastern half is situated in low altitude subtropical Lowveld, which is mostly a savanna habitat. The transition area between the Highveld and the Lowveld, is known as the Escarpment.
The Highveld is in the area around Machadodorp, Belfast and Waterval Boven, after which there is a steep descent into the Lowveld
The Escarpment contains mountain passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests, and is aptly known as the Panorama Route. Sabie, Graskop and the historic gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest are the key tourist towns of this area. Within this area lies the Blyde River Canyon, which is the largest green canyon in the world and also the 3rd largest canyon in the world. To some people it comes as a surprise that this reserve is the 4th-most visited tourism destination in the country!
The Lowveld is Big Game Country, the icon of which is the world famous Kruger National Park - about the same size as Israel - and teeming with with wildlife. There are also many private Game Lodges in the area loosely referred to as the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, including the well known Londolozi, Mala Mala, and Savanna Private Game Reserves, and Richard Branson's Ulusaba Game Lodge.
Tourism areas we cover within Mpumalanga are:
- Kruger National Park (approx 4hours drive time from Joburg)
- Panorama Route (approximately 3 hours away from Joburg)
- Highlands Meander (approximately 3 hours away from Joburg)
Limpopo Province is located in the northernmost part of South Africa, sharing its borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Limpopo is one of the last unspoilt corners of Africa. With the Great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger National Park forming the southern border of the province, it offers vast expanses of land which are unmistakably African.
Limpopo is home to numerous nature reserves and National Parks. Besides the well-known national parks, such as the Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe and Marakele, approximately 50 further nature reserves, including the beautiful Waterberg region are spread throughout Limpopo. Already many of the conservation areas bordering on the Kruger National Park have removed their fences and now form part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Limpopo is divided into five Regions strategically located according to the cultural inhabitants. These are known as: the Waterberg, Capricorn, Vhembe, Mopani, and Sekhukhune.
Polokwane International Airport is the main airport , with other local airport such as Eastgate airport in Hoedspruit and Kruger National Park Airport in Phalaborwa serving the tourist market.
