Enjoy the serenity of the Bushveld

To a myriad of people, the Bushveld is the most relaxing and stunning veld type of the serene South African scenes. The natural beauty and startling diversity of the savannah, with its never-ending stretches of the grass and trees bordered by the Waterberg mountain range soothes the stressed city soul.

In addition, the large animal population and the prolific birdlife, interesting people and fascinating history, hot mineral springs, and adventure activities make it the favourite place of many South Africans and well-informed overseas holidaymakers.

The Bushveld, as we are well-conversant with it, has been the way it is for more than three million years. Archaeological verification and San paintings offer a glimpse of lives which existed in this harsh but rewarding region.

It is a combination of serenity and relaxation that makes this region even more fascinating to a casual visitor here in Limpopo, the Garden of Eden to the uninitiated.

The historical background of the legendary Bapedi, Batswana, and Basotho tribes are gradually being uncovered, while the Voortrekker standards of living is nowhere else more noticeable than in the towns of the Bushveld. These colourful characters create a fascinating historical mosaic.

There are the wanderings of renegade Conrad de Buys, the epic journey of the Jerusalem explorers who were under the impression that they have indeed arrived at the “Promised Land” when they encountered the Nile River, the battles of the Voortrekker against disease, the wild land and other tribes, and the sad remnants of the Anglo Boer War such as concentration camps, cemeteries and block houses.

Add to these the legacies of well-known people such as illustrious novelist and poet, Eugene Marais, architect of the Voortrekker Monument and erstwhile prime minister of the Republic of South Africa, advocate JG Strydom.

Today the Bushveld is a region bustling with activity. There is the “mountain of iron” (Thabazimbi) to be mined. The coal deposits in Lephalale provide the fuel for the largest dry-cooled power station in the world, Eskom’s Matimba power station.

The earth is generous and agriculture is blossoming – Zebediela has the largest citrus estate in the world. Modimolle is celebrated for its table grapes and farming with maize, tobacco, ground nuts and cattle is thriving.

However, the greatest draw card remains the extraordinary natural attractions that are part of the Bushveld.

The Waterberg, a geographical wonder, supports a biome covering approximately 14 500 km², and offers spectacular vistas and scenic valleys, the Nylsvley wetlands, where the greatest variety of water birds are concentrated, the Cape vulture breeding ground in Thabazimbi, the Marakele and Lapalala nature reserves and the curative hot mineral springs – nature’s gift to mankind.

The most important towns of the Bushveld region are Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Mookgophong, Vaalwater, Thabazimbi, and Lephalale. Each town in itself is worth visiting, each boasting a number of historical, cultural and natural attractions and activities.

Spectacular sunsets, soothing nocturnal sounds, bird songs and abundant game amid the natural beauty of the Bushveld ensure a pleasant vacation.