GARDEN OF THE RAIN QUEEN TOUR
Route: Tzaneen - Tzaneen Dam - Duiwelskloof - Big Baobab - Modjadji Cycad Reserve - Tzaneen. Round trip - approximately 100km (depending on routes taken)
PLACES OF
INTEREST ON ROUTE:
Tzaneen: Colourful market town in the lush lowveld with a wide range of shops and innumerable roadside stalls selling an amazing array of locally grown tropical fruits and nuts. Excellent Museum next to the Library.
Tzaneen Dam. This is a large dam on the outskirts of Tzaneen. Boating and fishing are permitted. A public launching site and boat club can be reached from the suburb of Aqua Park.
Duiwelskloof Waterfall and Picnic Spot: Access is from the Duiwelskloof Holiday Resort and Caravan Park . Four hiking trails of varying length also start from here.
Big Baobab: The inside of this gnarled and ancient giant, situated at Sunland Nursery, has been cleverly converted into a bar! Tea and scones are available.
Modjadji Cycad Reserve. 28 km north of Duiwelskloof. This beautiful hillside reserve contains the largest concentration of a single species of cycads (Encephalartos transvenosus) in the world. Reminiscent of AJurassic Park@ - one almost expects to see dinosaurs lurking amongst these ancient royal cycads which date back 60 million years. A small museum in the Reserve is dedicated to the ancestors of the Rain Queen, who still lives in protected isolation in the area. Also within the Reserve are four delightful walks, an attractive dam for fishing and a splendid picnic site.