A warm welcome to Tzaneen – with a spin on the word ‘warm’. ‘Hot’ better describes the general climate of this Limpopo town, roughly halfway between Polokwane, capital city of Limpopo, and Phalaborwa, one of the gateways to the Kruger National Park.
 
Although Tzaneen is mostly a drive-through for travellers, take a few days to explore this area. Every place has something unique to offer - one just has to find it. It is no different with Tzaneen. At first glance it is a town like many others. The magic, however, lies in the surroundings: farms lined with citrus orchards, banana, avocado, macadamia, mango, litchi and pecan plantations (in season): no wonder it is fondly called the Fruit Basket.
 
Visitors are awed by the beautiful gardens and prevailing greenness. Many trees see to clean, healthy air. The earth is rich and responsive. Water is ample, with three large bodies of water in close proximity: the Tzaneen, Ebenezer and Magoebaskloof dams. The Great Letaba, which flows close to Letsitele, serves the farmers with welcome water for irrigation.
 
Legit farm stalls and informal hawkers lure travellers off the road to buy some of the juicy produce of the land. Neighbouring Haenertsburg offers festivals even city folk swarm to, such as the Berry Festival in February, the famous Haenertsburg Food, Wine and Beer Festival in April and the Spring Festival marked by cherry, azalea and other trees in… well, spring.
 
For the fitness enthusiasts there are monthly fun runs for all levels of runners on Blueberry Heights Farm, the Ebenezer Mile for swimmers in March, the Iron Crown and ClemenGold Wolkberg Trail Runs in August and the Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic in November.
 
Then there is the mystical Modjadji Cycad Forest and the home of the Rain Queen, Modjadji. Before the serious ascent up the picturesque and lush Magoebaskloof, a turnoff to the Debengeni Waterfall. Picnicking, hiking, swimming in crisp mountain water will fill languid hours pleasantly.
 
Along the George’s Valley road out of Tzaneen, look out for Magoebaskloof Adventure turnoff where the adventurous can experience the exhilarating canopy tours. Four-wheeling, fishing and horse-riding are other enjoyable activities.
 
Is your appetite whetted yet? Do you want to know more? Watch this space!