Host Cities

Polokwane City Guide

2010-05-07 14:27

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The famous Baobab tree, upon which the design of the Peter Mokaba Stadium is based. (SA Tourism)

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polokwane

Polokwane is a vibrant, busy and colourful wonderland in the sea of grasslands and surrounded by scenic mountains. It is home to many fascinating people and cultural diversity.

The centre for local African culture where carefully preserved social traditions are displayed and tribal identity fiercely maintained. It is the “nerve centre” of regional economic development in Limpopo.

Bustling cities and towns, good roads, superb networks and world class telecommunications are all available in the district, unlike years gone by where wagons and stage coaches negotiated the vast mountain ranges and wild savannahs.

Steeped in history, alive with colorful cultures, surrounded by myths and legends the area offers the finest of accommodations, which vary from first class hotels to game lodges, highly acclaimed bed and breakfast lodges and traditional cottages and tents.

Professional soccer first came to Polokwane in 1995 when Real Rovers were promoted to the country's Premier Soccer League. There have been two other Limpopo Province-based sides who have competed at the highest level; Dynamos and Black Leopards. Both these teams have since been relegated to the lower ranks.

Winner's Park is another popular club in the area and now compete in the First Division. The Peter Mokaba stadium holds a special memory for the 2006 African Football Player of the Year. In 2001, Didier Drogba made his debut for Côte d'Ivoire in a decisive CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualification game. South Africa won the encounter 2-1, securing a place for Bafana Bafana in the 2004 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Polokwane’s Soccer World Cup Stadium
Named after one of the renowned sons of the struggle and emancipation of South Africa against the apartheid regime, the Peter Mokaba Stadium holds much historical significance in South Africa.

For full information on this stadium, click [here]

Top things to do
* Take a safari drive through the Polokwane Game Park
* Shop in one of the excellent malls
* Visit one of the excellent museums, including the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum.
* Relax on one of the local golf courses or in a health spa
* Visit Makapan’s Cave, with outstanding fossils

Getting around
Polokwane International Airport, known as the Gateway into Africa is a brand new, state-of-the-art terminal capable of handling 400 passengers an hour. The new terminal will facilitate FIFA 2010 visitors quickly and efficiently. There will be shuttle services, as well as bus and taxi services and rental car facilities.

Useful links:
GoTravel24

There are many wildlife parks and safaris around the Polokwane area.(SA Tourism)