I’ve always had a fascination with language, accents and it’s a highlights whenever I would visit foreign lands. I was taken aback by the amazing variety of languages, accents and dialects found in Limpopo. In this province, rich in culture, you find various tongues- from the Vendas to the Pedis, right to the Tsongas, not forgetting the Bolobedo (although this is not an official language).Limpopo is the only province out of nine found in South Africa where you will find more than one origin languages.
I recently took a four hour drive from Mafikeng to Limpopo province after missing my flight that was supposed to have departured from Jozi. My visit was to attend Mapungubwe Arts Festival 2019 and to take a shortleft in Limpopo.It was my first time on the soil of Limpopo. I had no idea what to expect and couldn’t possibly imagine the spell the province would cast on me.There were many highlights about this unforgettable five day trip which was organized and all expenses paid the by Limpopo Toursim Agency. Whenever I go through my pics and videos I took whilst visiting, my body is covered in goosebumps.
After a lovely night spent in Park-Inn hotel, situated directly opposite the famous Peter Mokaba stadium, I took a shuttle the next day to Uhuru, a multi-use space which boasts a myriad of shops from a hair salon, a deli, a restaurant, jewellery store, conference room,and a spa to name a few. It is there that I met up for the first time with a well known online content producer and influencer -Tumi Sole, together with the tour marketer Dimples – for lunch and a bottle, or rather should I say, bottles of bubbles…Hahahahaha ,*sigh* this was love at first.
In the early hours, we had a buffet breakfast down stairs by the hotel where I met up with another group of digital content creatives .Then we hit the road to the breathtakingly beautiful Drakensburg Mountain, Ukhahlamba- Canopy Tour Magoebaskloof adventures.On our way there we drove past the famous Moriya church (aka ZCC). I’ve always wondered what it looks like, I’ve always seen a glimpse of it on TV which was not much, however, this was my first time seeing it live.
Upon our arrival, faces were lightened up, adrenaline rush started to kick in and I couldn’t catch my breath, because of the beauty of the scenery from those majestic mountains. The tour guide informed us that we were about to have one of the best canopy ziplining experiences with 12 lines. I must say I was both nervous and excited at the same time. With the help of one of the future media moguls, Kea Motlokwa, who had been there more than twice, and the rest of group, I was able to conquer my fears! When we were done we celebrated victory over lunch sharing our experiences.
Another drive that was so fun was on our way back from the Zwakala brewery for beer tasting.hahahah blame it to the booze. I must say we got more than beer tasting ,we got an epic experience. Former CEO of @limpopotourism and parks now the founder of @zwakalabrewery ,Rob’s passion for beer is immense and is evident in his tasty crafted beers #zwakala
We also took a shortleft to Bakone Malapa to learn about the heritage and culture of bapedi. Its amazing how people then survived without technology, transportation and money and how they were United but different and remind true to their tradition and culture. Nowadays things have taken a turn.We are bombarded by 4IRL life.
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When they say Limpopo is a county on it’s own,they don’t lie.The night riders came alive when attending the first of two nights of the Festival where international star, Syleen Johnson, was a headliner.Among the performances, Limpopo gospel star – Dr Tumi – lifted my spirit and reminded me of all things one ought to be grateful for.
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The Limpopo princess, Sho Majozi, Limpopo’s King, King Monada, as well as the “Haka matorokisi” hitmaker, Makadzi had the crowd hynotised under their jovial spell.I’ve never seen such support of local artists.One of the things that fascinated me when visiting other provinces was trying new cultural cuisine. I tried various meal I must say my fav was when I tried for the very first time – Masonja aka (mopani worms) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I would really recommend my friends to travel more often so they can broaden their horizons. In setswana there’s a say ” Ngwana yoo sa eteng o nyala kgaitsadiyage” when translated this simply means a person who doesn’t travel will only know and be exposed to his own culture and environment only.I’m looking forward to my next trip to Limpopo very soon.
