Southern: Nature, History and Distinctive Discoveries

Water, wildlife watching and a layered history give Southern its varied character. Nature reserves, caves, heritage sites and recurring commemorative events offer different ways to shape your trip. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can choose one based on the activities that interest you most.

Water, Wildlife and Nature Watching

Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve lies next to Flag Boshielo Dam, north of Marble Hall, and covers 9,037 hectares. Activities in the reserve include fishing, self-drive game viewing and birdwatching. This gives you a choice of different ways to experience nature: a self-guided drive, watching wildlife or looking out for birds. Check the conditions for each activity before setting out.

Flag Boshielo Dam, formerly Arabie Dam, offers numerous campsites for visitors who prefer spending time outdoors. If camping is part of your travel plans, check current camping operations before you leave. The dam and the nature reserve offer different nature-focused experiences; plan around whether you’re primarily interested in fishing, wildlife watching or spending time outdoors.

Cultural Heritage and Historical Perspectives

Tjate Heritage Site was declared a provincial heritage site on 23 February 2007. Mapoch’s Caves also have a specific history: they are associated with King Mabhoko, who used them as a refuge during invasions by Boer commandos and Swazi kingdoms. The caves thus represent a different kind of historical place from a formal commemorative event.

A statue of King Mampuru II stands in Mamone Moshate. The Manchi Masemola Gravesite is in the village of Ga Marishane/Ga Phaahla, in the Makhuduthamaga municipality. The Tisane Cultural Heritage Site in Ga-Tisane preserves the history of Pedi culture. Each of these places has a distinct focus: a statue, a gravesite and a community’s cultural heritage.

An annual national commemoration is held at Kgoshi Mampuru II Heritage Site, where King Mampuru II was captured. The King Nyabela Commemoration has been held every year on 19 December at eRholweni Cave since 1979. If you want a commemorative event to determine your travel dates, check the current programme in advance.

Bushmen Rock Shelter offers another historical perspective and is over 120,000 years old. Its archaeological timescale extends far beyond the more recent commemorative dates. Tea-making sessions are offered at Setšong Tea Estate; check specific dates before planning your trip. Alongside cultural heritage and history, this offers a community experience centred on tea as another possible focus.

Caves, Landscapes and Seasonal Highlights

Echo Caves feature candle-wax-like stones, stalactites and stalagmites, regarded as natural wonders. Check the current visiting conditions before your visit. When struck, the Echo-Stone produces a unique drum-like sound. If you plan to see this feature, check the conditions in advance as well.

Monametse Spring Water in the Leolo Mountains is considered a scenic highlight of Fetakgomo municipality. Check current conditions when planning a visit. The Yellow Arum Lily bloom has a clear seasonal connection: it is celebrated every November in Roossenekal and on the slopes of Leolo Mountain. While Monametse Spring Water is a scenic attraction, the November event offers a specific reference point when choosing when to travel.

Routes and Choosing a Base

The Mafulo a Matala route takes tourists to the natural beauty and wildlife of Sekhukhune Land. Since route offerings may change, check current information before including it in your plans. The Platinum Stream tourist route runs along the R555 and R37; take current road conditions into account when planning.

When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: nature watching, caves and landscapes, cultural heritage, or a specific commemorative or seasonal event. This way, you can choose a base that suits your itinerary rather than picking accommodation separately from the experiences you have planned.

Discover More Places

More places to consider for your trip: Damwal, Ga-Mongatane, Ngwaritsi, Tonteldoos and Tsimanyane.

Discover more destinations: Waterberg, Vhembe, Eastvaal District Council.

Back to the regional travel overview: Limpopo.