Welcome to Tzaneen, South Africa — Explore the beautiful scenery, savour delicious local produce, and immerse yourself in the charm of this hidden gem!
When exploring a new place, have you ever felt a sense of awe?
During our first trip to Tzaneen for a gorgeous wedding, we had our own "Wow" moment right when we started cruising along the winding roads of The Magoebaskloof Pass on the R71..
This pass takes you from the highveld down the escarpment to the lush Lowveld, dropping around 600 meters in just 6 kilometers.
The views over the kloof were breathtaking!
The town of Tzanzeen is enveloped by verdant landscapes, magnificent waterfalls, and scenic mountains.
The area is as enchanting as its inhabitants are warm and inviting, and we encountered some of the most amiable locals.
Nestled just beneath the Magoebaskloof, Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Mopani district of Limpopo, situated at the base of the Wolkberg Mountains in the northern part of the Drakensberg range.
Its inviting climate and hospitable residents enhance the allure, ensuring that visitors feel genuinely welcome.
This verdant, tropical haven, affectionately known as the ‘Land of Silver Mist,’ enjoys brief winters that are dry and cool, alongside lengthy, pleasant summers that are warm and overcast.
It boasts a diverse array of fruit farms and astonishingly contributes approximately 40% of South Africa's avocados, 40% of its mangoes, 20% of its bananas, and an impressive 90% of the country’s tomatoes.
Travel Tip: When you find yourself on the road and have the chance to grab a bag of avocados from one of the many vendors, don't expect them to be displayed front and center. Ask for their largest bag and you'll likely come across a bag the size of a typical 10kg potato sack, priced around R150. Trust me, it's worth it! These export quality avocados are not just any ordinary fruit; they’re bursting with flavor and are among the largest avo's you'll ever taste. So, stop, indulge, and savor the deliciousness on your journey!
Local Tip: If you find yourself with more avocados than you can eat or share after your visit, here’s a handy trick: Fill a shallow tray in your fridge with water and place the avocados inside. This simple hack can extend their ripening process, allowing you to savor those delicious avocados for up to three months after your trip!
According to local legend, King Makgoba described the area where Tzaneen is now situated as "Tzaneng - the happy land". A second explanation is that the name originates from the word "Tzana" (basket), which describes Tzaneen's location: surrounded by hills and filled with fresh produce.
If you are like me and enjoy the rewards of gardening, make sure take a piece of Tzanzeen with you, and visit one of the many local nurseries, if the freindly locals haven't stocked you up already.
I would say that any land would be “Tzaneng” if their “Tzana” overflowed with gigantic avocados, bananas, Mangoes, tomatoes, litchis, Macadamia nuts, coffee, tea, and coffee.
Our family cruised back to Cape Town in our trusty VW bus, filled to the brim with litchi, avocado, tea, and macadamia trees. We also had some curious fruit seeds and a giant pomelo, known locally as "pampelmoes." Trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!
Even the chicken eggs are of a high quality. We purchased pastured chicken eggs from Orange Pasture Raised Farm where Megan and Martin taught us the value of eating fresh and healthy eggs.
Did you know: that pasteurized eggs contain more vitamins A, D, and E, omega 3 fatty acids, and much more than the average poultry chicken eggs? People can often get confused between pasteurized and pastured eggs. The difference here is that pasteurized eggs have been heated up to decrease foodborne illness risks, while pastured eggs tell us that the hens who laid the eggs were brought up in a pasture. Place your order: 072 159 9085
We got to meet these happy chickens, and they eat a lot more grass, bugs, and worms than commercial chicken feed because they're free to scratch and peck.
While it may serve as an ideal locale for farmers, it also offers a wealth of experiences for holidaymakers, with numerous attractions located within a convenient 30-minute drive from the town center.
At the Agatha Crocodile Ranch, visitors can engage in a reptilian adventure. While adults will find the experience intriguing, children will be particularly captivated.
You will gain insights into the crocodiles' behavior, history, breeding, and ongoing conservation efforts.
When was the last time you had the chance to touch a baby crocodile?
This is your opportunity for a novel and thrilling experience.
Hans Merensky Nature Reserve offers options for walking, cycling, or horseback riding.
The area is rich in wildlife, species include zebra, wildebeest, warthog, and antelope. You might even catch a glimpse of a hippo in one of the pools along the Letaba River.
Debengeni Waterfall features not just one stunning waterfall but a series of cascades, complete with braai areas where you can enjoy a lekker "braai" while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Tzaneen is largely undiscovered by tourists yet caters to a variety of tourism niche markets.
Whether you're drawn to agri-tourism, birdwatching, eco-tourism, culinary adventures, thrilling safaris, or adrenaline-pumping activities, Tzaneen warmly welcomes you to discover your perfect spot for fun and exploration.
Eat Out in Tzaneen
Magnolia Restaurant Excellent food, first-rate service, breathtaking views—the cafe is devine. Nicely decorated, serene ambiance tucked down on George's Vally Road with a stunning view of Tzaneen; pizza and chocolate brownie highly recommended. When the rugby is on, make sure to stop by the bar and have a drink with the locals.
Stay for R1000 or less with 1000Stays
These stays perfectly fit all three of our 1000 Stays categories:
Solo, Couple, and per Unit, all for R1000 or less!
The White House
At the Tzaneen White House, you'll experience a stay fit for royalty, where every guest is treated like a president!
The hosts are absolutely incredible, going above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable. The gardens? Simply stunning! You can truly appreciate Andre’s talent for gardening and agriculture; it's on full display. If you’re a gardening enthusiast, make sure to pick up some helpful tips from him during your visit! Lenette's culinary talents will ensure you truly savor your stay.
The Tzaneen White House Lodge has 2 locations for a comfortable, feel-at-home stay.
Hamawasha with a homey-comfortable feel with rooms inside a big family house
Pompagalana giving you your bachelor flat feel
The Stables
The Stables offers comfortable, clean, and uniquely decorated rooms, braai facilities, a wide open setting of natural bush, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful environment unlike any in urban areas.
Parking is available for trucks, boats, caravans, and trailers - an important feature, as most guesthouses lack it.
In March 2015, Marina and André Boekee embarked on a journey to create THE STABLES, just a few kilometers from town. Their passion for hospitality shines through in their meticulous attention to guest comfort and satisfaction, making every stay a memorable one.
It's no wonder that their dedication has earned them a loyal following of happy visitors, including us!
To Book these stays email info@100stays.co.za
South Africa is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences! Whether you're craving fun in the sun on pristine beaches or scenic drives through stunning landscapes, this destination delivers on all fronts. Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike, South Africa offers an array of budget-friendly yet quality accommodations just waiting to be explored!
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