The
Northern Province comprises a vast area of dramatic contrasts. This is
a land characterised by wide open plains and majestic mountains,
primeval indigenous forests and latter-day plantations, unspoilt
wilderness areas and sophisticated towns and cities. It
is, moreover, a land of legend and romance that will intrigue the
visitor with tales of ancient peoples and fearless pioneers who braved
the unknown in days of old. The scenic beauty and infinite variety of
the area will appeal to those in search of a break from routine and a
chance to experience the true Africa without forgoing luxuries and
comfort. Although
the area boasts modern towns and cities, much of the land, including
portions of the Kruger National Park and other game and nature
reserves, has remained unchanged for centuries, providing sanctuary
for a prolific animal and birdlife and affording visitors the
opportunity to escape from the pressures of modern life. Warmbaths,
the entry point of this region from Gauteng, is renowned for its
ultra-modern mineral spa complex and health resort, and it has become
a favourite weekend destination for people living on the Witwatersrand
- the ideal gateway to the Northern Province. The
game farms and game festival in Thabazimbi, the table grape industry
in the Nylstroom region, its mild winters and the splendour of the
Waterberg range are just some of its attractions. The Nyl River flood
plain provides a setting for one of the largest natural collections of
birds in South Africa, with over 400 species attracted to the wetlands
and surrounding woodlands. Naboomspruit,
north of Nylstroom, has 11 hot mineral springs while the town of
Ellisras offers the opportunity of seeing some fine examples of rock
art. The
attractive city of Pietersburg, 260 km north of Pretoria, is an ideal
base from which to explore the beauty of the scenic Magoebaskloof Pass
between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen. The pass winds through cool forests,
tea plantations and groves of subtropical fruit orchards. Further afield, the thickly forested Soutpansberg Mountains, criss-crossed with delightful mountain walks, offers relaxation guaranteed to soothe frayed city nerves. Cradled
in the southern foothills of the Soutpansberg Mountains, the
picturesque town of Louis Trichardt lies in one of the loveliest
regions of the country. The scenery ranks amongst the finest regions
of the country and should be explored at leisure. Beyond the
mountains, mopane trees and giant baobabs dominate sweeping grasslands
rich in history and cultural diversity. The
Northern Province boasts some of the finest golfing in South Africa at
the Hans Merensky course in Phalaborwa. This developing mining town,
close to the northern entrances to the Kruger National Park, provides
an ideal base from which to visit the game farms and reserves in the
region. Towns situated close to one another and linked by good roads, fine accommodation establishments, facilities for camping and caravanning and a pleasant year-round climate enable tourists to enjoy to the full this wonderful region. (Sourcr: SATOUR)
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