More than 890 rock art sites on the Makgabeng Plateau and 52 wildlife species in the Polokwane Game Reserve offer two clear points of focus: Central can be explored through cultural history and nature. Its attractions and landscapes offer different ways to discover the area—from wildlife viewing and outdoor activities to the stories told by rock art and cultural traditions.
Nature Reserves and Wildlife
The Polokwane Game Reserve covers 3,250 hectares and is home to 52 wildlife species. The entrance is about a ten-minute drive from Polokwane city centre; actual travel time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions. Activities in the reserve include mountain biking, hiking and horse-riding trails. You can therefore combine different interests with the landscape and wildlife here.
The Blouberg Nature Reserve covers 9,360 hectares. It extends from the eastern part of Blouberg Mountain to the savannah along the Brak River and is home to one of the largest Cape vulture breeding colonies in the world. Its location and breeding colony make the area a special destination for anyone interested in landscapes and birdlife.
Descriptions of the Malebogo Nature Reserve mention other wildlife species, including giraffes, kudus, springboks, eland, impalas, wildebeest and zebras. At the Wonderkop Nature Reserve, 4x4 routes run through the area and offer the chance to see sable and roan antelope. This offers different ways to experience nature—from seeing the diversity of species to driving along designated routes.
Rock Art, Traditions and Culture
The Makgabeng Plateau is home to more than 890 rock art sites created by the San, Khoekhoe, Tswana and Northern Sotho. The rock art depicts the history of Indigenous communities and tells of wars involving Boers on horseback and in ox wagons, as well as Chief Maleboogo. For anyone interested in the stories behind a landscape, this offers a cultural perspective distinct from that of the nature areas.
The Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum focuses on traditional huts, crafts and Bakone storytelling traditions. The Seabakgwana Pottery Project, which specialises in traditional pottery, offers another cultural focus. Both provide insights into different forms of cultural heritage: the museum through buildings and storytelling traditions, and the project through ceramics.
More Discoveries and Activities
The Polokwane Golf Course also has a long history: it was established in 1863. Meropa Casino is home to Wild Thingz, a sanctuary for birds and snakes. At Glen Alpine Dam, a fishing spot gives tourists the opportunity to track catches using precise coordinates. These places cater to interests different from those of the nature reserves and rock art, and broaden the range of possible discoveries.
Getting Around the Capricorn District Municipality
The Capricorn District Municipality is centrally located between Gauteng and the eastern access routes to Kruger National Park. The N1 and several provincial roads run through the area: the P33/1 (R37) from Polokwane to Burgersfort and Lydenburg, the P94/1 (R521) from Polokwane to Alldays and Botswana, and the P17/1 (R71) from Polokwane to Tzaneen and Phalaborwa. These roads provide regional orientation; check the current route and road conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Mooiplaas, Alldays, Ga-Maponto, Polokwane, Vivo, Bosveld, Waterberg, Vhembe.
For the broader travel overview: Limpopo.
