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DISTRICT INFORMATION Height Above Sea level: 724m (2413ft) 23 47o South and 30 9o East |
Explanation of names |
Tzaneen is an attractive garden town with a colourful profusion of flowers and subtropical vegetation. A high rainfall and the warmth of the lowveld ensure that everything grows here in great abundance: - nuts, avocados and other vegetables, fruits (especially citrus fruits, mangoes, bananas and lychees) coffee, tea and cotton. Close by are extensive emerald green plantations and the surrounding mountain slopes are heavily forested with timber plantations of pine and blue gum. The name Tzaneen has three possible origins: a.)"Tzaneng" means the happy land b.) Was the name of the local African Tribe. Chief Makgoba originally quoted this interpretation. c.) "Tsana" is a round reed basket and a circle of hills surrounds the town like a basket Tzaneen is an ideal centre from which to explore the region. Scenic drives up into the Wolkberg mountains take one away from the heat of the Lowveld into cool, green uplands. There are several Nature Reserves within easy reach of Tzaneen and the Kruger Park is only an hour's drive away. There is also the unique Modjadji Cycad Reserve where huge groves of these magnificent plants stand sentinel on the rocky hillside. The Tzaneen Nature Reserve is situated next to the Tzaneen Dam. |
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| Haenertsburg
Known as the capital of the "Land of the Silver Mist", this picturesque village
lies just off the R7 1 between Pietersburg and Tzaneen. The village originated as a
"gold rush town" in 1887 and remains of the old workings can still be seen.
Enjoy the spectacular mountain views and the very special serenity found at the hilltop
cemetery, 1 Km from the village and well worth the steep drive or climb ! The unusual War
Memorial and Long Tom Monument commemorate those of all race, colour and creed from the
area who gave their lives in various wars over the last century, and are dedicated to
future peace. The surrounding area is a world of crystal clear mountain air, craggy peaks,
tumbling waterfalls, tranquil lakes and magnificent indigenous forests. Several hiking
trails exist and, walking quietly, it is possible to see antelope, bush pig, baboons,
samango monkeys or even the rare caracal cat. The bird life is also prolific. Mooketsi Valley Mooketsi means "adding to ..." and prominent farmers with a Mooketsi vision of the future long ago implemented programmes for the reconstruction and development of this rural area, home of Modjadji the Rain Queen. Farming communities, combining their faith, experience and technology produce almost half of the country's tomatoes. A recent visitor described Mooketsi as "a unique experience of a new world" and a visit to this valley will definitely add value to your experience. Duivelskloof the picturesque town, Duivelskloof, is roughly 17 km from Tzaneen and offers the eco- tourist a feeling of a tropical paradise in a undisturbed wilderness with a panoramic view of the Wolkberge from here visitors are just a short distance away from the Modjadji Cycad Forest offering nurseries, walking and rest camps under the protective arms of year old giants of which some date back to the days before Christ. The giant boabab tree is also definitely worth a visit which is found on the way to Modjadji. A bar has been built in its hollow stem, alot of culture and interesting history can be felt at this site. Letsitele The name Letsitele comes from the Letsitele river, taken from the Sotho word, which means "Valley of Death" The Letsitele area is not very old - The first farmers settled around 1914, the first development only took place around 1950, after the Malaria was brought under control by Dr Siegfried Anneke. The Great Letaba River is the life blood of this area, Progressive farmers are at the forefront of development in this area, it is one of the biggest citrus producing areas in South Africa, Very good quality Valencias and the best quality " Red Texas Star Ruby " pomelos in the world are produced here. Soekmekaar is situated on the edge of the escarpment east of Tzaneen equidistant from Louis Trichardt in the north, and the capital of Northern Province, Pietersburg, to the south. Soekmekaar has a high rainfall with a moderate climate. The surrounding farmers produce potatoes, granadillas, maize, timber, avocados, guavas, strawberries, mangoes, tomatoes and cattle. South of Letaba
To the south of the Letaba area is some of the most striking scenery in Southern Africa.
This is where the Olifants and Blyde rivers meet and the backdrop to this mighty river
confluence is the dramatic Drakensburg Mountain Range. |
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