Tzaneen (K 6)

Name: Tzaneen


Province: Limpopo Province
Region: Valley of the Olifants
Town: Tzaneen
Tourist Route: African Ivory Route

Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Limpopo situated at the foot of the imposing Wolkberg Mountains. More than 80 000 people reside in its area of jurisdiction. The town is the main trading center for more than 800 000 people living within a 30 km radius.
Tzaneen, named after "tsaneng" (gathering place) or "tsana" (basket of hills), is a busy town in the picturesque Letaba district, comprising 20 000 km of tropical and subtropical farming in the Letsitele River Valley. The "capital" of the region, the town is the province's centre for subtropical agriculture and winter vegetables. It produces the majority of the country's mangos, avocado pears, paw-paws, tea and coffee, and contributes substantially to the total production of timber, citrus, litchis and other crops.

Tzaneen is wellendowed with natural resources necessary for economic growth: fertile land, abundant water supplies, access to labour and a sub-tropical climate. Timber has been grown in the area since the turn of the century and nearly forty sawmills are in full production processing pine and bluegum trees.

Within easy reach there are fascinating archaeological sites, mighty baobab trees, wildlife and nature reserves, as well as a superb range of tourism facilities. Situated below the scenic splendour of Magoebaskloof in a subtropical district, Tzaneen offers the visitor a change of scenery at almost every turn of the road. The mountainous landscape, the subtropical climate, the lush indigenous vegetation which alternates with plantations, and the largely unspoilt natural environment, make this picturesque area one of the most attractive recreation and tourist areas in South Africa.

The Modjadji Cycad Reserve contains the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. This particular species (Encephalartos transvenosus) dates back 50 to 60 million years and was abundant during the heyday of the dinosaurs. Some of the cycads stand over 13 m in height. The Cycad Reserve was declared a national monument in 1936. Nearby, in comparative isolation and protected from visitors, lives the Rain Queen, and her people the Bolobedu, whose ancestors lived in this area and nurtured the cycads for over three centuries.

There are more cultural treasures. Discover the Shangaan, Sotho and Venda people each with their intriguing legends, cultures, crafts, arts, dances and ethnic lifestyles. The Tsonga Kraal Museum (in the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve) is a living museum depicting the lifestyle of the Shangaan/Tsonga people.

Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve, is a popular venue for anglers and campers. About 70 km east of this is the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve which includes the Eiland Mineral Spa (named after a large island of 35 ha situated on the farm in the Letaba River). The area is rich in archaeological remains. The Reserve conserves a section of the arid lowveld veld type. A large variety of animals roam the reserve, including the rare sable antelope and grysbok.
Visitors to Tzaneen are assured a relaxing stay in the quiet historical streets of a genuine hospitable, economically significant town. Not to be missed is the quaint Tzaneen Museum. It hosts ethnological artefacts such as weapons, pottery, beadwork, the largest collection of pole carvings in the country, royal drums from the Rain Queen Modjadji, sacred drums as well as a collection of prehistoric pottery, almost 2 000 years old.

One of the interesting persons that left their mark was Dr Siegfried Annecke, at the forefront of the battle against malaria that was an extremely serious problem in the district in the 1930s. The annual number of patients averaged 4 000 at that time. Largely through his efforts the incidence of malaria decreased steadily and by 1966 was virtually eradicated. Tzaneen is still malaria free. The Research Institute in Tzaneen, which today is involved in both malaria and bilharzia research, carries the name of Siegfried Annecke.
Ofcolaco is another settlement with an interesting story. It was established by a group of redundant British Regular and Indian Army officers who formed the Officers Colonial Land Company - whence came the name Ofcolaco - and they set out to tame this corner of Africa. The Ofcolaco Club still thrives and some "pukkah" traditions are observed.

Over the last couple of years the Tzaneen area has developed enormously to cater for the increasing market of overseas and local travellers. In so doing it has geared itself up and can now offer a huge assortment of accommodation facilities to suit any need. From camping facilities to caravan parks, self catering cottages, log cabins and chalets, guesthouses and B&Bs, lodges and five-star hotels.

Activities and Attractions
Commonwealth Plantation
This 10,7 ha plantation contains three varieties of Eucalyptus trees planted as an experimental plot in 1914. In 1939 the plot was "dedicated" to the Commonwealth Forestry Commission when their annual conference was held in South Africa. These are magnificent trees, averaging 55 m in height, and the atmosphere inside this small manmade forest is serene. The plantation is situated within Sapekoe's Middelkop Tea Estate, and is virtually next to the R71, 7 km from the Tzaneen/Duivelskloof road turn-off.

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