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If you’re into rugged off-road adventure, one of the most exciting short breaks from Polokwane is the self drive African Ivory Route, through the wild heart of Limpopo province – following in the footsteps of historical characters like rain queens and elephant hunters. Stay in a choice of rustic, self-catering bush camps located within nature reserves, with awesome scenery and wilderness. To avoid disrupting ecosystems, the roads are basic and cater for 4x4’s.
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Walk amongst the ancient ruins of South Africa’s very own lost city of gold – Mapungubwe. Set on the banks of the mighty Limpopo River a thousand years ago, Mapungubwe was the centre of the largest Iron Age kingdom in the sub-continent, where a highly sophisticated people traded gold and ivory with China, India and Egypt. Stay in tasteful thatched chalets, take guided tours to the ruins, as well as game drives into this beautiful valley where elephants have roamed for thousands of years. Other highlights include wild dog tracking, rock art tours, a visit to a diamond mine and of course, the mighty baobab tree, icon of the Limpopo province.
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A short break into Venda and the Soutpansberg area will amaze and delight. The Venda people are famed for their carving and sculpting skills and you can visit spots that sell embroidery, ceramics, baskets, clay pots and more. The historic village of Elim, which was started by Swiss missionaries, is now home to a series of self-drive arts & crafts routes. You can also do a guided tour and find out about python dances, elephant gods and the voices of ancestors. The Venda Village at Lesheba Wilderness, a nature reserve high in the central Soutpansberg, was designed by renowned artist Noria Mabasa and features a series of sculpted clay chalets and courtyards.
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The Valley of the Olifants takes its name from the mighty river, and is centerpiece of this region that includes the Drakensberg Mountains, the escarpment and parts of the Kruger National Park. There are wonderful places to stay and a whole bunch of things to do – quad biking, river rafting, hiking, fishing and game viewing. And don’t miss a visit to the home of Amarula Liqueur.
Wanting even more of the great outdoors? Enjoy a few extra days in Nelspruit and magical Mpumalanga, before making your way back to Johannesburg.
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