RISE WITH THE GATEWAY TO SOUTHERN INCENTIVE FACT BOOK XXXXX – Limpopo LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Situated in the far north of the country, Limpopo borders Botswana, and . It is a prime destination with a host of game and nature reserves, including the northern Kruger as well as the . There is spectacular game- viewing and birding in the province, as well as a mix of African cultures, intriguing folklore and legend and prehistoric treasures. It is home to the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, as well as Modjadji, the fabled Rain Queen, and the age-old relics of the Valley. It is here that the artists live and thrive, and where places like Lake Fundudzi and the Vondo Forest are considered to be sacred. The birding at Nylsvley RAMSAR Wetland is a magnet for nature-lovers and many golf enthusiasts have the extreme 19th hole at Legend Golf and Safari Resort on their bucket list. The city of is at the heart of the province – a growing urban hub with its sights set on the future, yet with a heart and soul steeped in traditional values. Limpopo is a fascinating province and delegates will enjoy the wild beauty of the area combined with incredible cultural insights and numerous adventure attractions that will keep them coming back for more. 1 – Limpopo

2 KEY ATTRACTIONS AND INSPIRING ACTIVITIES:

• KRUGER NATIONAL PARK: One of above the village of Modjadji (near ’s main attractions, the the town of ). The reserve is Kruger National Park is a highlight on also part of the realm of the legendary any trip to the country. Home to the Rain Queen (Modjadji village has been Big 5 and an abundance of animal and ruled by a series of Rain Queens since plant life, it is one of the best-known the 16th century - the only matriarchal national parks in Africa. Delegates tribe in Southern Africa). The 560ha will enjoy game drives, walking trails Modjadji Cycad Reserve is a unique and a host of activities in the amazing natural forest that remains unspoilt biodiversity that is the northern Kruger and very much like it was in prehistoric National Park. times. Take a gentle hike through the reserve, which has a series of paths that • MAPUNGUBWE: Once an ancient lead up and down the mountain slopes. African kingdom that welcomed traders from Asia and Arabia, the • BELA-BELA: Roughly translated, Mapungubwe UNESCO World the words Bela-Bela mean ‘boiling Heritage Site is renowned the world boiling’ in Tswana, which refers to the over for its ancient archaeological hot springs that are this town’s key treasures. The Mapungubwe National attraction. Bela-Bela’s hot springs (set Park is one of the gems of the region in the Waterberg mountains) were - a wild stretch of pristine originally used for healing purposes, known for its incredible wildlife and and today these legendary waters magnificent baobab trees. have been turned into a key resort and leisure attraction. • THE : The Waterberg is about three hours • PRIVATE GAME RESERVES: There are from and and a number of private game reserves is known as a nature and wildlife in Limpopo, all offering exclusive destination. There are numerous bush and wildlife experiences. lodges and bush camps in the area Many of these reserves boast luxury and activities such as hiking, birding accommodation at tented camps or and game-viewing are all popular. bush lodges. The list includes Mabula The UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere , is the only savannah biosphere Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve, reserve in Southern Africa and features Timbavati Game Reserve, Kapama a fascinating mix of rock formations Game Reserve, Tshukudu Game which formed over millions of years. Reserve and Makalali Game Reserve. There are San (Bushmen) rock art sites in the Waterberg and wide bushveld • NYLSVLEY : Up to plains that support a diverse array of 80000 can be found at Nylsvley creatures. Nature Reserve at any one time, making it a prime birding attraction. • THE MODJADJI CYCAD RESERVE: The 4 000ha reserve has around 370 Holds the largest concentration of a , including rare ones like single cycad species in the world. The the dwarf bittern and rufous-bellied Modjadji Cycad Reserve is found in heron, as well as many others you the foothills of blue-green mountains won’t find anywhere else. 3 XXXXX – Limpopo

4 LIMPOPO: POLOKWANE

Rise with the Great North • Europe: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Luxembourg, Polokwane is a city on the rise. This Madrid, Munich, Paris, Zurich fast-growing capital of Limpopo is a • Middle East: Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Dubai, cosmopolitan mix of cultures, places and Jeddah people and is an excellent launch pad • North America: Washington, to the Kruger National Park, Big 5 New York reserves and the rest of Africa. There • South America: Buenos Aires, is a wide variety of accommodation Sao Paolo establishments (hotels, guest lodges and • Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, country estates), meetings venues and Mumbai, Singapore entertainment options in Polokwane and • Australia: Perth, Sydney the city really does offer the best of both • Africa: all major cities worlds: excellent infrastructure and a stepping stone to the game reserves and Where to stay wilderness regions blessed with superb wildlife and options for nature-lovers, not There are 1 510 graded hotel rooms in to mention the spectacular cultural and Polokwane and surrounding areas. These heritage sites for which the region is so consist of 33 five-star establishments, well known. In town, there are museums, 461 four-star establishments and 902 galleries, restaurants, casinos and three-star rooms. Places like the Meropa nightclubs, as well as some of the country’s Casino are very popular with conference finest golf courses. delegates and just about anyone visiting the city who wants fantastic entertainment Accessibility and good accommodation in the same place. However, incentive travellers will Polokwane is easily accessible from major enjoy moving further afield to stay in the centres: many excellent game lodges and bush • There are four direct daily flights from camps, as well as country estates further Johannesburg. afield. • The city is within a four-hour drive of Johannesburg. • Polokwane is easily accessible from .

Johannesburg is the gateway to South Africa via OR Tambo International Airport – the largest airport in Africa. Connecting flights via Johannesburg include:

5 XXXXX – Limpopo

6 Exceptional incentive activities • THE LEGEND GOLF & SAFARI RESORT: Is famous for its unusual golf course, • -BACK SAFARIS: Experience which boasts a 19th hole that players the wonders of the African bush from can access only via helicopter. Situated a completely different viewpoint – take in the gorgeous Entabeni Safari an elephant-back safari when visiting Conservancy in Limpopo province, Limpopo province. These safaris the combination of wildlife, bushveld take place under the supervision of and award-winning golf is an attractive a trained guide and delegates will option for those searching for have the opportunity to explore something extraordinary. the bushveld on the backs of these incredible pachyderms - no doubt a • DRINKS IN THE LARGEST BAOBAB: once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Sunland Baobab is estimated to be around 6000 years old, and is the • THE MAGOEBASKLOOF CANOPY country’s biggest baobab, featuring a TOUR: Takes explorers on an small pub inside its hollow trunk. With unforgettable journey above the its giant surreal branches, interesting Gorge. The zip-line site is flowers and quaint little pub, the within two hours’ drive of the Kruger Sunland Baobab delights all who National Park and is a must for any visit. The Sunland Baobab, near the adventurer passing through the area – subtropical town of Tzaneen, is one of a great one for team-building. the area’s most popular attractions.

• : Is a charming • PAFURI WALKING TRAILS: Participants hamlet in Limpopo’s Magoebaskloof can walk in the private Mountains. It’s a high rainfall area and, Concession in the northern Kruger as a result, boasts thick indigenous National Park – a place with incredible forests, rolling and biodiversity and beautiful scenery. incredible views (although the mist can There is also the opportunity to do be a challenge for any photographer). a cross-border walking trail (into Browse the village’s lovely shops, Zimbabwe or Mozambique) with a including arts and crafts, books, trained guide. These trails run from curios, fresh produce, and antiques April to October every year. and collectibles. There are also a few charming bistros and the iconic village • VENDA ARTISTS: The culture of the pub, Iron Crown, which is named after Venda people in places like Makhado, the district’s highest peak. Elim, and is steeped in legend and myth and this • KUHESTAN ORGANIC FARM IN THE is reflected in the amazing sculpture, MAGOEBASKLOOF MOUNTAINS: pottery and artwork found along the Offers cooking courses focused on somewhat informal Venda art route, the methods and flavours of Persian where visitors can visit the makeshift cuisine (using the best of local studios of the artists when they are produce). These cooking courses are a in residence and, of course, buy wonderful way to feed mind, body and incredible Venda artworks to take soul while learning something new in home. a gorgeous mountain setting – another great team-building opportunity.

7 XXXXX – Limpopo

THE TIME TO RISE IS NOW. JOIN US.

For destination expertise and convention planning support, contact the South Africa National Convention Bureau. T: +27 11 895 3000 E: [email protected] W: www.businessevents.southafrica.net