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Tzaneen - Sub-tropical Paradise

Located in the Mopani district of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the picturesque town of Tzaneen is a sub-tropical paradise, boasting a kaleidoscope of indigenous and exotic plants. The town is surrounded by flourishing farmlands producing macadamia nuts, avocados, paw-paws, citrus fruit, mangoes, litchis, bananas, coffee, tea, cotton and a wide variety of vegetables, with the nearby Wolkberg mountain slopes being covered in pine and blue gum plantations.

There are a number of interesting attractions in and around Tzaneen, most of which focus on the natural beauty of the area. With its sub-tropical vegetation, Tzaneen is a birder’s dream come true and the nearby Tzaneen Dam offers picnic spots and walking trails that nature-lovers are sure to appreciate. There are a number of wildlife reserves in the area, with the renowned Kruger National Park being about an hour’s drive away. Visit the Tzaneen Museum and view the exhibitions relating to the history and culture of the region, including weapons, beadwork, pottery, pole carvings, sacred drums, Rain Queen Modjadji’s royal drums and much more.

The name of the town is believed to have originated from the word Tsaneng, meaning "the place where people gather", which had been used long before settlers arrived. German cartographers apparently changed the "ts" in the name to "tz" and the name evolved to Tzaneen. When touring the lovely Limpopo Province of South Africa, be sure to take some time to visit Tzaneen.