Driving in Polokwane, South Africa

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 09/10/2007 11:00:48
• In: South Africa Car Hire

Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) was founded in 1886 by the Voortrekkers. They retreated here after establishing a town 100km to the northwest but were chased out again by the native tribes. Pietersburg became a city in 1992 and, then, in 2003 its name was changed to Polokwane or 'place of safety’. Today Polokwane is the largest metropolitan area in South Africa north of Pretoria and is the capital of Limpopo.

When South Africa hosts the 2010 World Cup a number of games will be played in the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

What to see in the Polokwane area?

Polokwane is a very interesting place to visit and within the city itself you'll find the Eersteling Monuments. These are dedicated to South Africa’s first gold crushing site. The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum is also worth a visit, while the Polokwane Game Reserve is located adjacent to the city and features over 20 species of animals.

If you're looking to get out of the city there are a number nature and game reserves within easy reach. These include the Lapalala Game Reserve,  to the west, which has all the big 5 of African animals; rhinos, leopards, elephants, lions and cape buffalo. Located to the east is the northern section of the Kruger National Park,  though the southern section is more popular with tourists, the northern section has plenty to offer and is less crowded.

Located closer to Polokwane are Makapansgat Valley, which has a number of archeologically significant caves related to the birth of the human race; Wolkberg Wilderness Area, with its amazing landscape; and the Bewaarskloof Nature Reserve.

Why not hire a car?

The nearest airport is Gateway International Airport. 

If you're hiring a car, which is probably the best option, the N1 national road passes through Polokwane. This links the city with Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town to the south and Zimbabwe to the north. Car rental will give you the freedom to explore the stunning landscape at your own leisure.

Maybe you've been to Polokwane and would like to share some travel tips. If so, or if you have any queries about car hire in the area, just drop us a line in the comment box below.