Plan your trip
Practical information
What to know about getting around the north, the seasons, staying well and crossing the border. Details change, so confirm anything important before you go.
Getting there
- By road, the N1 runs north from Gauteng through Polokwane, Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Musina towards the Beitbridge border with Zimbabwe. Most of the north is reached from this road.
- Polokwane has the province's main airport, and some lodges arrange charter flights or road transfers. Ask us what fits your plans.
- The far north of the Kruger National Park is reached through the Punda Maria and Pafuri gates. Check gate times with SANParks before you travel.
- Distances are long and some roads to reserves are gravel. Ask your host about the access road and whether a high-clearance vehicle is needed.
When to go
- Summer (roughly November to March) is hot and is the rainy season, with green landscapes and summer birds.
- Winter (roughly May to August) is dry, with warm days and cool to cold nights. Bare bush can make wildlife easier to see.
- The Limpopo Valley can be very hot in mid-summer. Plan walks and drives for early morning and late afternoon.
Health and safety
- Parts of northern Limpopo and the Kruger National Park are in a malaria area. Speak to a doctor or travel clinic about prevention before you travel.
- Carry water, sun protection and a charged phone. Mobile signal is patchy in remote areas.
- Walk only with a qualified guide in areas with dangerous animals, and follow your host's instructions on reserves.
- In an emergency in South Africa, call 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for an ambulance.
Crossing into Botswana for Tuli
- The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is in Botswana. Everyone crossing needs a valid passport, and some nationalities need a visa. Check the requirements for your passport well before you travel.
- From Mapungubwe and the Limpopo Valley the usual crossing is the Pont Drift border post. When the Limpopo River is high, the crossing can be affected, and lodges may arrange the transfer across.
- Taking a vehicle across needs its registration papers, and a hired car needs the rental company's written permission.
- Border hours and rules change. Check with the border authorities, or ask us and the lodge, before you set out.
Something missing or out of date? Tell us at visit@thenortherncircuit.co.za, or send a trip enquiry and we will help with the details.
Common questions
- How do I get to northern Limpopo?
- By road, the N1 runs north from Gauteng through Polokwane, Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Musina towards the Beitbridge border with Zimbabwe. Most of the north is reached from this road. Polokwane has the province's main airport, and some lodges arrange charter flights or road transfers. Ask us what fits your plans. Distances are long and some roads to reserves are gravel. Ask your host about the access road and whether a high-clearance vehicle is needed.
- When is the best time to visit northern Limpopo?
- Summer (roughly November to March) is hot and is the rainy season, with green landscapes and summer birds. Winter (roughly May to August) is dry, with warm days and cool to cold nights. Bare bush can make wildlife easier to see.
- What do I need to visit Tuli in Botswana?
- The Northern Tuli Game Reserve is in Botswana. Everyone crossing needs a valid passport, and some nationalities need a visa. Check the requirements for your passport well before you travel. Border hours and rules change. Check with the border authorities, or ask us and the lodge, before you set out.
- What number do I call in an emergency?
- In an emergency in South Africa, call 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for an ambulance.
- How do I find out prices and book?
- Rates are not published on the site. Send an enquiry with your dates and who is travelling, and the team checks with the hosts and comes back to you with options. Sending an enquiry does not confirm a booking.