Welcome to Limpopo Province’s Ivory Route, so named by the legendary hunters who stalked the great herds once common here. Now it has been brought back to life with a new spirit.
A Land Where Time Stood Still
The Ivory Route, consisting of 54 nature reserves, arcs through mountains and across sandveld plains along the northern reaches of South Africa. Its boundary meets Botswana in the west, Zimbabwe in the north and takes in the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park to the east.
| | |
| |  Well-positioned vantage points offer the visitor spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon. | |
| | |
Thousands of years ago, elephant migratory routes criss-crossed those of ivory, gold and slave merchants. At Mapungubwe, a large trading settlement thought to date back to the 12th century, artefacts have been found from as far away as China. More recently, Portuguese explorers, British hunters and Boer settlers found their way to this verdant land.
Every effort is being made to keep the Ivory Route a wilderness. Simple 4x4 tracks wind past thorn trees to connect traditional villages with luxurious tented safari camps. In time the Ivory Route will link with the planned Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an inspirational project which will once again allow wildlife to follow the old migratory routes across frontiers between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Getting There
Many organised tours are available for the Ivory Route, or take a four or five day self drive package. Experienced guides are available at many of the camps, although it is advisable to make arrangements in advance. Note that a 4x4 is required for Mafefe Camp near Tzaneen; Mutale Falls camp in Makuya Park; and in wet weather for Fundudzi camp in the Soutpansberg.
Self Drive Tours:
Culture, Past and Present
If starting from Gauteng the best way is via Vaalwater, or via Gilead from Polokwane. Head northwest for Nthube Camp in the Masebe Nature Reserve near Marken with the dramatic Waterberg on your left. This five day trip takes in archaeology, history, culture and birding. See surrealistic sandstone formations rising out of the sandveld and important rock art sites. Tackle the guided trail to the top of the Blouberg to take in the chief’s kraal, and visit a traditional healer. See one of the largest Cape vulture colonies in South Africa and giant yellowwood trees.
Eastern Escarpment and Lowveld Tour
If driving from Gauteng the best way to start this four day tour is via Lydenburg, or via Lebowakgomo or Tzaneen from Polokwane. Enjoy the natural spectacle as you head east for Manyeleti Game Reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park. First the expansive Drakensberg escarpment with its patchwork of indigenous forests, vast plantations and grass slopes refreshed by sparkling streams and waterfalls. Then it’s the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, before descending to the Lowveld and Big Five country. Return westward through Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, then bump along a dusty 4x4 trail to the Pedi style camp at Mafefe before returning via Burgersfort.
| | |
| |  An ancient Rain Queen’s spirit guards sacred forests of 800-year-old cycads in Limopopo Province. | |
| | |
Living Culture and Wildlife
Drive east from Polokwane to Modjadji, realm of the rain queens who protect forests of six metre high cycads. En route to Mtomeni Tented Safari Camp on the Great Letaba River banks, stop to enjoy a game of golf watched by wildlife at the Hans Merensky Golf Course. And learn some of the myths and legends surrounding the mineral rich spring at Sautini, the place of salt. Return via the scenic Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg.
Land of Legends
Head northwards on the N1 to Makhado, then go to Thathe Vondo Forest and Lake Fundudzi, the sacred places of the Venda. Become immersed in the mystical rain forests, mythology and folklore against a backdrop of sparkling waterfalls carving panoramic forests. Take in the spectacle of ‘The Big Tree’, a 3 000 year old Baobab Adansonia digitata, and spend the night in Mutale Falls Safari Camp overlooking the Mutale River near the Kruger National Park. Visit the Thulamela archaeological site and the Mutale river potholes before returning via the Tshipise resort and the Soutpansberg.
Links: