M’Kloof is a picturesque little town

Modjadjiskloof,  a picturesque little town lies approximately 17km from Tzaneen on the route R36 and offers the eco-tourist a breathtaking panorama of the beautiful WOLKBERG Mountains, which can vary in colour from a soft and misty look to a strong deep blue, Modjadjiskloof has a well-established infrastructure and hosts a small community of mainly business people.

Sightseeing – The Land of Modjadji the Rain Queen:

The land of Modjadji, The Rain Queen, is am impressive setting of baobab trees, untouched bushvelds, breathtaking mountain ranges and an abundance of wild creatures, flora and the bird of life complementing this treasure chest of enchanting legends, myths and culture. At its centre the royal kraal of Modjadji, in Bolobedu, near Modjadjiskloof the place where this mysterious and magical woman’s ancestor finally settled, after many years of traveling as far as Bjathladi and Magoebaskloof.

Modjadji is a direct descendant of the mighty Monomatapa who ruled over the Karanga people of Zimbabwe during the 15th century. Following a royal scandal in the house of the King, his daughter, Princess Dzugungini and her son fled south from Monomatapa’s kingdom.

With her she carried the potions and secrets of making rain and medicines to protect her against her enemies. These powers were passed down through her family line and her granddaughter was crowned the first Rain Queen Modjadji.

Modjadji, whom author Sir Rided Haggard immortalizes in his novel “She” has been revered far beyond the boundaries of her tiny kingdom and, according to legend, many great kings, including Zulu King Shaka, have left her nation untouched and often called on her for her awesome rainmaking powers.

The Largest Baobab Tree in the world: this enormous Baobab Tree (Adansonia Digitata), is thought to be one of the biggest specimens in the world and can be seen at the Sunland Nursery between the village of Modjadjiskloof and Ga-Kgapane The trees has a circumference of 46,8 metres and has been estimated to be 6000 years old. The existing cavity in the trees has been created into a unique pub, which can accommodate 15 people.

Cycling in the area: The two most popular disciplines in the cycling are Road and Mountain Bike Cycling. Each discipline has its own attraction and both are widely enjoyed in South Africa. The Greater Tzaneen area, in particular, is suited for cycling all year round as the weather is ideal and the area offers a large variety of challenging terrain for the sport.

Road cycling: This discipline has been around for the longest and has its roots well set in Europe. The bike id equipped with thin tyres and gear ratios that allow very high top speed. They usually come with drop handlebars. The rider sits in a forward arched position that helps tremendously with wind resistance. The tyres are only suited for riding on tarred and hard, smooth surfaces and cannot be ridden on dirt. The Tzaneen area has excellent tarred roads, which makes it a preferred destination for cyclists. Roads on the northerneastern part are flat and fast while the south western area has five serious climbs to challenge the riders.Low traffic volume in the greater Tzaneen area makes riding particularly safe and pleasurable.

Mountain biking: The mountain bike differs considerably from the road bike, with wider knobbly tyres and straight handlebars, with the rider in a more upright position. The gears have very low rations for climbing steep hills and getting through terrain. These bikes are normally equipped with a front shock absorber and many are now coming out with suspension on the back wheel as well. The Tzaneen area is tucked up against the most northern tip of the Drakensberg range and has many awesome opportunities for cross country riding. The area has a variety of game farms, which are also opening up their hospitality to cyclist. Touring: a popular way of touring nowadays is to do it in the saddle of a bicycle!

A reasonably fit rider with a fully loaded bike can travel up to 150km a day.