World Cup Host City: Polokwane

Polokwane is one of the official host cities for the World Cup.

Introduction

Polokwane, previously known as Pietersburg, is the capital city of Limpopo province. It is the largest city in the north and a major economic centre. Wide streets, Jacaranda trees, colourful parks and sparkling fountains characterise the city.

Polokwane falls under the Polokwane Municipality. The municipality's area accounts for 3% of Limpopo province's total surface area and about 10% of the Limpopo's population resides here.

Polokwane, which means a place of safety, is situated 60 km south of the Tropic of Capricorn and is home to just over 500 000 people. It encompasses the vibrant communities of Seshego, Mankweng and other surrounding townships.

Safaris from Polokwane

Polokwane is the capital of the Limpopo Province and is in the heart of
some of South Africa's best game parks. The Kruger National Park and
adjoining private reserves (namely Timbavati Reserve, Sabi Sands Reserve
and Thornybush Reserve) are within a couple of hours drive of the city.
Even the more remote northern part of the Kruger is within a comfortable
driving distance.

There are numerous other smaller National Parks and reserves that provide
lots of choice for the World Cup supporters. These can all be included in
short-breaks between the football games.

 

Travel from Polokwane

Other than the World Cup, the city does not have much more to offer the
average tourist. But, we think it is a great city to be used as a base to
take advantage of the many attractions within close reach. There are
numerous 2-4 day trips based out of Polokwane. Other than the mandatory
safari, we recommend Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrim's
Rest, and the escarpment, to name a few.

In African terms, Polokwane is also relatively close to Zimbabwe. If you
are not on a self-drive tour, you will probably have to transfer via
Johannesburg for flights to any destination in Zimbabwe. This also applies
to connections to other safari destinations like Botswana, Mozambique or
Zambia. Contact us for travel options as these are likely to change in the
runup to the event.


Self-Drive: Polokwane

Given its location, Polokwane is ideal for self-drive travellers. The
Kruger National Park is within easy reach of the city. The Kruger has a
very good road infrastructure with most of the main routes being tarred.
The park is easily accessible to the standard hire car.

Another short break self-drive option includes The Blyde River Canyon,
Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrim's Rest and the escarpment between the
"highveld" and "lowveld". These can all be visiting within a 2-3 day round
trip from Polokwane.

Polokwane is also on the main National Road into Zimbabwe, for those
travellers with a bit more time.

Recommended Safari Destinations: Polokwane

Greater Kruger National Park:

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Kruger Park Concessions

All of these reserves can be reached within a couple of hours of Polokwane.

Although you do not need to go any further to get your safari fix, if you are interested in getting some variety, you could consider:

Zimbabwe:

Read more about safaris to Zimbabwe

Getting to Zimbabwe from Polokwane can be achieved by air or self-drive.
At the moment, air travel requires you to transfer via Johannesburg. More
options may be introduced in the run up to the World Cup. Contact us for
the most up to date information.

The other option is to drive into Zimbabwe. We suspect that the Beitbridge
border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe will be very busy during
the World Cup so expect long delays.
 

Botswana:

Read more about safaris to Botswana

The best way to get to Botswana from Polokwane is by air travel via
Johannesburg.
 

Polokwane weather during the World Cup months - June/July

Rainfall: Dry

Nelspruit is situated in the lowveld and has a sub-tropical climate with summer rainfall (September to May). This dry weather is also superb for game viewing as the animals congregate around watering holes.

Temperatures: Daytime 25C; night 3C

In other words, daytime are mild and sunny, but temperatures plummet at night.

Distance from other World Cup host cities

Pretoria              260 Km
Johannesburg      338 Km
Rustenburg          360 Km
Bloemfontein       717 Km
Cape Town         1721 Km
Port Elizabeth     1394 Km
Nelspruit              290 Km
Durban                879 Km

Quick links

World Cup 2010 links

World Cup 2010 News | Official FIFA Website

Safari Links

South Africa safaris | South Africa Lodges | Kruger Park safaris | Kruger safaris | Botswana safaris | Botswana lodges | Namibia safaris | Namibia lodges | Zimbabwe safaris | Zimbabwe lodges

Planning a safari | Fly-in safari | Camping safari | Walking safari