Tzaneen Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - September Read More

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"Tropical Paradise and Lush Orchards"

Tzaneen Tourism

Tzaneen is a tropical garden town located in South Africa's Limpopo Province, serving as the second-largest town in the region. Covering an area of approximately 1050 square kilometres, Tzaneen's lush landscape is surrounded by picturesque mountains and plantations. It is renowned as the "Fruit Basket of Limpopo"  as it is South Africa’s fruit-growing region especially,  its thriving citrus and pine plantations.

The town boasts attractions such as the Tzaneen Dam, Magoebaskloof Nature Reserve, and the Baobab Tree Trail. The famous Kruger National Park is approximately 100 km (62 mi) away from the town, whereas the Vervet Monkey Foundation, which cares for over 600 vervet monkeys, is located just outside the town - both adding to its wildlife diversity.

Things to do in Tzaneen

1. Debengeni Waterfall

A must-visit natural wonder, the Debengeni Waterfall offers a refreshing escape and breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and hikers.

2. Modjadji Cycad Reserve

The Modjadji Cycad Reserve is home to the largest concentration of a unique and ancient plant species, the Modjadji Cycad, and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

3. Tzaneen Museum

History enthusiasts can explore the Tzaneen Museum, showcasing the region's cultural and historical heritage through exhibits and artefacts.

4. Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour

 Adventure seekers can experience an exhilarating zip-line adventure amidst the picturesque Magoebaskloof Mountains.

5. Tzaneen Dam

Located just outside the city, the Tzaneen Dam is a picturesque spot for picnics, fishing, and water sports. To reach the dam, travellers can take a short drive or hire a local taxi.

6. Agatha Crocodile Ranch

 A unique attraction where travellers can learn about crocodiles and even hold a baby croc. The visit usually takes around 1-2 hours.

7. Haenertsburg Village

This charming village is nestled in the Magoebaskloof Mountains and is known for its arts and crafts. A short drive from Tzaneen, you can explore the village's shops and galleries.

8. Kings Walden Garden Manor

This beautiful manor is renowned for its exquisite gardens and provides visitors with a delightful spot to indulge in high tea.

9. Kruger National Park

Though not within the city, the Kruger National Park is approximately 100 km away. It's a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, offering safari experiences and the chance to spot the "Big Five."

10. Vervet Monkey Foundation

This sanctuary is located near Tzaneen, South Africa, caring for over 600 vervet monkeys. Accessible by road, visitors can learn about these fascinating creatures, spend time observing them, and suppo (Read More)rt their conservation efforts.

11. Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

This reserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna, offering activities like hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. Accessible by road, it's a recommended day trip.

Must Know Before You Travel to Tzaneen

  • Local Transportation: The local transport in Tzaneen includes minibus taxis, metered taxis, shuttle services, and car rentals.
  • ATM Safety: Exercise caution during ATM transactions and avoid accepting help from strangers to ensure security.
  • Drinking Water: Carry bottled water at all times for drinking.
  • Language: The primary language spoken in Tzaneen is Sepedi, but English is widely understood and used for communication with tourists.
  • Vaccinations: Consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations before travelling to Tzaneen, considering risks like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Rabies, and Yellow Fever.

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More on Tzaneen Travel

Shopping in Tzaneen

Tzaneen offers delightful shopping experiences with fresh produce of citrus fruits and avocados, handcrafted arts, and unique souvenirs. Popular shops like Tzaneng Mall and Oasis Shopping Center cater to diverse needs, while local markets and craft stores in the city centre showcase authentic products from talented artisans.

History of Tzaneen

Tzaneen, a town in South Africa's Limpopo Province, has a long history since the early 20th century. The area was first inhabited by the Tsonga people, who called it "Dzanani." Later, European settlers arrived and established a trading post and a church. The town's growth accelerated as it became known for citrus farming, earning the nickname "Fruit Basket of Limpopo." Today, Tzaneen is a thriving town with a mix of culture, agriculture, and natural beauty that draws visitors from various places.

Nightlife in Tzaneen

Although not very thriving, locals and tourists alike enjoy Tzaneen’s nightlife with a few bustling pubs, nightspots, and fine restaurants with the most popular one being Platform PubandGrub.

Best Time to Visit Tzaneen

How to Reach Tzaneen

How to Reach Overview

Tzaneen is accessible through various modes of transportation. For those arriving by air, the nearest major airport is the Polokwane International Airport, located about 93 kilometres away. Road travel is convenient as the city is well-connected to major highways, making it easily reachable by car or bus. 

How to reach Tzaneen by flight

The nearest major airport is the Polokwane International Airport, located about 93 kilometres away. From there, travellers can reach Tzaneen by road, either by private vehicle or taxi.

How to reach Tzaneen by road

Tzaneen is 410 kilometres from Johannesburg, about a 4.5-hour drive on the N1 highway. From Pokwane, it's a 1.5-hour drive (96 kilometres) on the R71 highway. It takes around 1.5 hours from Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa too. Travellers can self-drive or hire a taxi to reach Tzaneen.

How to reach Tzaneen by bus

There is one bus daily travelling between Johannesburg and Matokslokasie, with the journey taking approximately 6 hours. From Matokslokasie, travellers can hire a taxi to reach Tzaneen, which adds an extra 1.5 hours to the trip. The bus service is provided by Translux Express and typically costs around $22 for a one-way ticket.

Tzaneen Photos

Tzaneen
Edible fruits from Tzaneen
Edible fruits from Tzaneen

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