Tzaneen
Description
Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Mopani district of Limpopo. Set at the foot of the Wolkberg Mountains, it is a scenic region with hiking trails, zipline tours, an abundance of tropical fruit and timber plantations, and animal farms to provide a holiday full of fun.
Tzaneen comes from the word “Tsaneng” which means “come together”, and with so many natural, cultural, and historical sites, you’ll certainly want to spend as much time here as possible. Known as the cleanest town in the province, Tzaneen offers a variety of top class accommodation to suit all needs, from B&Bs to lodges.
Tzaneen is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounds. Situated at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg, it has spectacular scenery and fantastic attractions waiting to be explored. Swim in the crystal pool at Debengeni Falls, zipline through the trees with Magoesbaskloof Canopy Tours (26km), and enjoy a drink in the trunk of one of the biggest baobab trees in the world (34km).
Animal lovers will be in their element in Tzaneen. Agatha Crocodile Ranch offers the chance to feed an adult crocodile or hold a baby crocodile and count all 68 teeth. Mangela Animal Touch Farm has miniature ponies, ostriches, emus, potbellied pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, and rabbits. Feeding opportunities and pony rides are available. Other attractions include the Vervet Monkey Foundation, and SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary (60km) which has everything from giraffe, red hartebeest, and zebra, to rhino, hippo, and elephant.
Modjadji Nature Reserve (28km) was established in 1985 to protect a species of cycad called the Modjadji palm (breadfruit palm). Visitors can enjoy a number of hiking trails and spot impala, blue wildebeest, nyala, and kudu.
Tzaneen has above average rainfall in summer and a moderate year round temperature which provides the perfect climate for tropical and subtropical fruit to flourish in the fertile valleys. Mango, banana, orange, litchi, avocado, nuts, coffee, tea, and cotton all grow here. There is also local pine and eucalyptus plantations that serve at least 40 sawmills in the region.
Hans Merensky Nature Reserve (70km) has hiking trails and a number of sable, roan antelope, zebra, giraffe, and kudu. Here you will find the Tsonga Kraal Museum, an open air village that depicts the life of the Tsonga people a hundred years ago.
Other attractions include Tzaneen Country Club, King Waldens Garden Manor, and Tzaneen Museum with exhibits of weapons and pottery, and the largest collection of pole carvings in South Africa. Tzaneen Dam is a popular recreation spot for bird watching, angling, water sports, braais, and picnics on the edge of the dam. Agatha State Forest is home to the Rooikat Hiking Trail with picnics, fireplaces, and ablutions. Don’t miss a trip to Duiwelskloof (18km) in spring when it’s carpeted with beautiful wildflowers.
With a variety of natural, cultural, and historical sites, Tzaneen is the perfect holiday destination.
