Bushveld - South Africa - Accommodation, Safaris, Adventure

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Province: Limpopo province
Region: Bushveld

Bushveld Towns:
Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) | Lephalale (Ellisras)|   Modimolle (Nylstroom) |  Mookgophong(Naboomspruit) |  Thabazimbi | Settlers |  Vaalwater / Waterberg

Tourist Routes/ Meanders
The African Ivory Route


Vast, peaceful and incredibly beautiful, the Bushveld region of the Limpopo Province is a fascinating destination with a rich cultural legacy and a natural splendour that appeals particularly to those in need of a place to unwind.

The magnificent diversity of the Bushveld is evident both in the natural environment which incorporates a range of habitats and in the facilities and attractions available. The region boasts an
abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five, and many ecotourism adventure opportunities.

The region encompasses vast tracts of bushveld savannah punctuated with clusters of trees and tall savannah shrubs, the extensive and mountainous Waterberg area and the Springbok Flats
in the south.

The Bushveld as we know it today is more than three million years old. Archaeological finds and San paintings are just glimpses of lives that have been played out in the region. Part of a pit prop from an Iron Age mine shaft found in the Rooiberg area west of Bela-Bela gave a radio-carbon date of approximately 1500 AD. More recently,the histories of the Bapedi, Tswana and Basotho tribes are gradually being uncovered, while the lifestyle of the Voortrekker settlers is also evident in many of the towns.

The region is one of the most mineralised in the world and forms part of the Bushveld Igneous Complex - a unique complex of volcanic rocks formed more than 600 million years ago and
considered to be one of the geological wonders of the world. The complex extends over an area of 50 000 square kilometres, and is rich in chrome, platinum, nickel, iron, tin, tungsten and other
metals which gave rise to the thriving mining industry of the region.

The greatest draw-card of the Bushveld remains the extraordinary natural attractions that are part of it. The Waterberg, a geographical wonder supporting a biome of some 14 500 square
kilometres, offers scenic vistas, exciting game viewing and a holiday in the mountains - rustic and close to nature, or in splendidly opulent surroundings.

The Nylsvley wetlands are home to the largest number of water birds in southern Africa and the bird species list for the entire area numbers over 400, of which more than 200 can easily be spotted in a single day. Visitors can stay over in the camping ground, or in one of the many lodges close by to enjoy nature's bounty.

Bird watchers will also thrill to the sight of Cape vultures as they effortlessly ride the currents, looking down on yellowwood trees,huge cycads and tree ferns in the Marakele National Park near
Thabazimbi. The park is home to around 800 breeding pairs.

The African Ivory Route is for the eco-connoisseur - the person drawn to the African wild and its wildernesses. Steeped in the history of ivory hunters and gold traders more than a thousand
years ago, the route offers scenic camps, exciting off-roading and many other adventure opportunities for safari enthusiasts.

And then of course there are the many curative hot mineral springs - often described as nature's gift to humankind - where the warm relaxing waters restore sanity and a sense of wellbeing to all who holiday there.

The Bushveld not only offers superb destinations, but fine examples of how tourism is being developed to benefit all the people of the region. While the African Ivory Route has become
one of the icons of the Bushveld, it has also empowered the communities along the route to become involved in tourism. 

Another icon, in the form of the Waterberg Savannah Biosphere Reserve, embraces an integrated land use development plan incorporating, besides conservation areas, rural villages and
agricultural areas within its boundaries. As a consequence of this policy, ownership of the reserve is vested in a representative community structure.

The main towns of the Bushveld region are Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) Lephalale (Ellisras), Modimolle (Nylstroom), Mookgophong, (Naboomspruit) and Thabazimbi. Each town in itself is worth
visiting as each boasts a surprising number of historical, cultural and natural attractions and
offers a host of activities to enjoy.

While much of the Bushveld is seemingly old-world and rustic, tourists are assured of a solid tourism infrastructure of excellent facilities and modern conveniences. Situated only two to three hours from the hustle and bustle of the densely populated Gauteng, the Bushveld is easily accessible, even for weekends.

The knowledge that the area is malaria free, adds to the allure of the region.