TZANEEN:
Tzaneen is an attractive subtropical garden town with a colourful profusion of indigenous and exotic flowers and vegetation. An above average summer rainfall and temperate climate all year round ensures that everything grows here in great abundance - nuts, avocados and other vegetables, fruits (especially citrus fruits, mangoes, bananas and litchis), coffee, tea and cotton. Close by are extensive emerald green tea plantations and the surrounding mountain slopes are heavily forested with timber plantations of pine and blue gum.

The name Tzaneen originated from the word Tsaneng. Oral and written evidence indicate that the area around Piesangkop, Mayland, Hansfontein and south of Westfalia (Krabbefontein) had been known as Tsaneng since early times, long before any white settlers came to the district. The closest meaning of the name Tsaneng is "come together" or "the place where people gather". To early German cartographers the sound ts as in Tsaneng became tz as in Tzaneen.

Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Northern Province and is situated in the foothills of the impressive Wolkberg (Cloud Mountain), the northern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountain range. The town is the commercial center for the district with 80 000 people residing in its area of jurisdiction and 650 000 people residing within a 30km radius.

Tzaneen is the ideal center from which to explore the region. Within easy reach the visitor can find archaeological sites, the biggest baobab tree, wildlife and nature reserves and a full range of quality tourism facilities and services, catering for all needs and interests of the visitor. Its unique natural scenery provides the most beautiful background for all the recreational and other tourism products and services, in the country. Tzaneen is also a birders paradise!

Tzaneen Museum: The Tzaneen Museum is a small but fascinating museum, which was opened in August 1995. The permanent exhibition is made up of ethnological artifacts of the area. This includes weapons, pottery, beadwork, the largest collection of pole carvings in the country, royal drums from the Rain Queen Modjadji, sacred drums as well as general utensils as used in every day life. The museum is open from Mondays to Fridays and can be contacted at Tel: (015) 307 2425.

Distances from Tzaneen to Pietersburg = 89km, Pretoria = 362 km, Johannesburg = 420 km, Hoedspruit = 120km, Phalaborwa = 115km, Louis Trichardt = 114km

HAENERTSBURG:
Known as the capital of the "Land of the Silver Mist", this picturesque village lies just off the R71 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, 1km 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.

Distances from Haenertsburg to Pietersburg = 55km; Tzaneen = 38km
DUIWELSKLOOF:
Another picturesque village, Duiwelskloof lies in a valley with panoramic vistas on the surrounding Wolkberg Mountains. Following rain the view is crisp and clear but misty days softens the view to a mysterious wonderland of mountains and wilderness.

From Duiwelskloof the visitor is within easy reach of Mooketsi Valley (largest tomato production area in the country), the Modjadji Nature Reserve (containing the largest natural concentration of a single cycad species in the world - Encephalartos transvenosus), the largest Baobab tree in the world (with a pub inside the tree) and the Duiwelskloof Waterfall and picnic site.

Distances from Duiwelskloof to:

Tzaneen = 17km, Mooketsi = 16km

LETSITELE:
The name Letsitele is derived from the name of the Letsitele River. Letsitele means "Valley of the Dead" in the Sotho language. Agricultural development in the area started in 1914. Meaningful development could only take place after 1950 when Dr Siegfried Annecke managed to bring the devastating effect of malaria under control. The Letaba River is the main source of water to the area and most of the agricultural development is dependent on its life-giving waters.

The Letsitele farming community represents the largest citrus production area in the country. High quality Valencia oranges and the best quality Texas Star Ruby grapefruit in the world are produced here. A big fruit juice factory adds additional value to the area's produce. A variety of vegetables are also produced around Letsitele.

The well-known Hans Merensky Nature Reserve is located in the district as well as a number of game farms - all of which contain a wide variety of indigenous fauna and flora species.

Distances from Letsitele to Tzaneen = 32km; Phalaborwa = 87km

SOEKMEKAAR:
Soekmekaar is situated on the edge of the escarpment northwest of Tzaneen. Soekmekaar has a high rainfall with a moderate climate. The surrounding farmers produce potatoes, granadillas, maize, timber, avocado's, guavas, strawberries, mangoes, tomatoes and cattle. Game farming is well established in the area.

Distances from Soekmekaar to:

Louis Trichardt = 59km; Pietersburg = 83km; Tzaneen = 62km

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