Peter Mokaba Stadium. This is one of the five stadiums that needed to be constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (as opposed to the other five that were existing, but needed renovations and upgrades).
 
It was named after an anti-apartheid activist, who was also leader of the ANC youth league and is infamous for his slogan of “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer.” He was born in Polokwane.
 
The stadium’s design was inspired by the baobab tree, often said to look like it was upside down, with roots emerging out of the ground and reaching for the sky. The stadium’s steel structure gathers together at each corner of the stadium and is supported by structures that resemble massive tree trunks.
 
A VIP area accommodates up to 500 VIPs. The stadium is less than five kilometres from the city centre of Polokwane. This area boasts a number of other sights and activities; including the Polokwane Museum and the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park. Location: Dorp Street.
 
The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum is regarded as a living museum. Bakone Malapa, a reconstructed village in the style used by the northern Sotho about 250 years ago, is designed to demonstrate the daily life of the Bakone, a subgroup of the northern Sotho tribe.
 
The village includes two homesteads (or lapas), that display and explain fire making, maize grinding and beer brewing as done yesteryear. Handcraft demonstrations include pottery, basketry and bead work, most of which is sold from the local craft shop.
 
The museum is more than a cultural village – it offers a bird sanctuary, game reserve, hiking trails and outdoor recreational areas. Located at Nurgersfort Road, +/- 9 kilometres from Polokwane on the R37. Call 015 295-2432 for info.
 
One of the biggest municipal-owned game reserves in South Africa, the Polokwane Game Reserve’s main attraction must be the amount of ground one can cover on foot through a number of walks, including a one-day 20km hiking trail with overnight accommodation. There are frequent sightings of white rhino and other game - 21 species in all.
 
The Polokwane Game Reserve conserves the Pietersburg Plateau false grassland, one of the only remaining examples of an extremely localised vegetation type home to important indigenous birds like the short-clawed lark, the ashy tit and the Kalahari scrub-robin. Most of the Pietersburg Plateau false grassland has been transformed by agriculture, the only enduring examples found in and around the Polokwane Nature Reserve.
 
Another great attraction in the city is the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park - one of the largest municipal reserves in the country and a show piece of colour and bird-song. Over 280 bird species, both indigenous and exotic, can be viewed. Aquariums are a delight and home to snakes and lizards and dark pools showcase an array of crocodiles and water birds. Well- developed viewing hides and attractive picnic spots make this a tranquil and restful venue, enjoyable for the whole family.
 
Location: Lordten road, 118 Ivydale, Polokwane. Call 015 292-1719. 
 
Polokwane Golf Club
Established in 1863, the club enjoys a wealth of tradition and history that few South African golf clubs enjoy. Polokwane is known as the “Home of Retief Goosen”, a South African golfer who needs no introduction. Retief honed his exceptional talent on the fairways and greens of Polokwane.
 
The course is an 18-hole, Par-72, championship parklands course offering three different tee options to cater for all levels of player. There are 14 water hazards awaiting wayward strokes and sculpted bunkers guarding the hole. Facilities include: Golf pro, driving range, rental clubs, rental carts, halfway house, clubhouse, conference facilities, banquet facilities, a restaurant and bar. Address: Voortrekker St, Polokwane, 0700. Phone: 015 295 4118.
 
Polokwane Art Museum - Schoeman St, Polokwane Central, Polokwane, 0700. Call072 727 1157.