Polokwane is the capital of the Limpopo Province of South Africa and lies on the Great North Road to Zimbabwe. This peaceful town is the gateway to a world of culture, history and nature. As a cultural hub of the area, you can fly in to Polokwane's small airport or hire a car in Pretoria and drive 2 hours north through magnificent bushveld vistas as the city melts into the savannah of the north. Polokwane is an essential stop over when travelling up into South Africa's northern neighbours but also to reach the glorious Magoebaskloof region and renowned Kruger National Park north. Formerly known as Pietersburg it was founded in 1884 by Andries Potgieter. Navigating the historical wide streets is easy in a rental car and you can take in the many interesting city attractions. The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho museum has excellent displays and information depicting the life of the North Sotho people, who are indigenous to this region. The art gallery in the picturesque Library Gardens always has beautiful exhibitions and is worth a visit. After parking your hire car in the centre of town you will find a wide offering of shops especially the Bushcraft store which is a trading store containing local arts and crafts, beading and weaving gifts and carvings. One should never miss the opportunity to take some of these home as they are all unique and intricately crafted. Polokwane is also known as a premier hunting destination and this is evident by the numerous surrounding game and nature reserves. Most notably the Polokwane Game Reserve is only a short 5 kilometre drive in your rental car and offers a handful of walks and hikes through the bush to see their 21 different species of animals. The Modjadji Rainforest is also nearby and contrasts the surrounding drier areas with lush shady corners and cool waterfalls. It is home to one of the largest concentration of cycads in the world. Getting there by hire car is possible and you can thereafter carry on to the Makapansgat Caves and Limestone works which have remnants of early human habitation in the area. The area is not only steeped in history and culture it is a peaceful and agriculturally rich region which makes the locals friendly and hospitable. Driving around in your hire car you will be sure to find someone who will take the time to recount stories of the past and share their precious culture with you.
For extra discounts be sure to (rent) hire a car and add in lodging for maximum savings. Known for its year round, comfortable weather, East London is a famous family vacation destination. Beach yourself in the blazing sun on East London's white sandy beaches.
This is a true surfers paradise where frequent, international surf contest are held every year. You think surfing is cool, try your hand at sand boarding. This is the alternative to snowboarding, and has become East London's favorite fun sport. Slide down sand dunes at Bonza Bay becoming nearly vertical and feel the adrenaline pump through you. Want a little town history? You should go on a tour of the natural history museum and learn about the past that made East London what it is today. This museum holds the only dodo egg in existence. The ancestry is quite interesting to discover as well. There is evidence of German lineage as well as the strong English Background in East London. The beautiful architecture dates back to the 19th century. With all the gullies, Lagoons, and river mouths, it is also quite the place for the fishing enthusiast. Not to mention, the many water sports in the area; such as boardsailing, boating, water skiing, and swimming. This makes for a wondrous water vacation. If you'd rather observe than be in the water, the aquarium is for you, featuring many of South Africa's amazing sea creatures. Want to check out the night life? Enjoy the theatre or try your hand at black jack or roulette at Bisho's casino.
Cleanse your palate at one of the many eateries in town. Whatever you decide to do, you'll find East London to be a lovely, refreshing break from the normal.