The North

KwaZulu-Natal province KwaZulu-Natal is the most populated province in South Africa. © Karl Beath - age fotostock

See more pictures : The North

The northern part of South Africa is divided into four distinct regions. Gauteng, in the centre, is also called "the goldfield region", as the most important goldfields are located here and has Johannesburg as its main tourist attraction. Limpopo, the northernmost province, hosts, between mountains and bush fields, the largest open air copper mines, as well as a number of parks and nature reserves, archaeological, historical and ornithological sites. The region is known for having a great variety of views and activities such as the sacred lake of the Vendas Lake Fundudzi, the Levubu River and its cascades, forests, cliffs, fauna and baobabs. To the north-east, the province of Mpumalanga is known for its ornithological reserves. You can practice canoeing, horse-riding, hiking, bicycle touring, fishing and alpinism. This area also offers many places worth seeing: the surroundings of Chrissiesmeer where some 270 lakes and fishponds are scattered, the wine region of Loospruit, Marble Hall and its ostrich farms, Belfast with its tulip fields (September-October) and its 50 varieties of orchids and the cascades of Lone Creek. Lastly, the north east province is famous for its mountains, caves, majestic setting, and stunning fauna and flora. Elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros, buffalos and birds of all kinds make their homes here. You can go horse-riding, mountain hiking and practice water sports in the area.