NOTEWORTHY STOPS 3 BOTANICAL HIGHLIGHTS

KINGS WALDEN GARDEN MANOR

This historic garden and century-old guest house overlooks the Letsitele Valley and the Drakensberg. Its famous lightning tree (above) stands out – legend has it the blue-gum was struck on the same night the owner’s wife passed away. 079-396-7830

MODJADJI CYCAD NATURE RESERVE

Modjadji resembles a scene from Jurassic Park – some of the plants date back to the era of dinosaurs. Some cycads reach 13 metres, others grow in contorted clumps; the braai spots are enveloped by the flora. R20 pp. 015-311-7009

CHAMPION BAOBAB

The Sunland Baobab toppled over in 2017, but it’s still a worthwhile drive north of town to see it. The tree is more than 1 000 years old. Before it fell, its trunk circumference was 33,63 metres and it stood 19 metres tall. Visitor’s fee R25 pp. For a list of Champion Trees around Tzaneen, visit iinfo.co.za.