Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
It’s 354km from Pretoria; take the N1 to Polokwane and the R71 via Haenertsburg and Magoebaskloof.
STAY HERE
The Fairview Collection is a 26ha estate with a choice of rooms, chalets, luxury suites and spa. From R880 pp sharing B&B. 015-307-2679, fairviewtzaneen.co.za
Granny Dot’s Country Spot overlooks the hills of the Agatha farming district. There are six double rooms, all with patios. R475 pp sharing B&B. 015-3075149, grannydots.co.za
Christie’s Inn is a guest house in town, offering 10 ensuite rooms with views of the garden and pool. R595 pp sharing B&B. 015-306-0243, christiesinn.com
DO THIS
See African pole carvings at the Tzaneen Museum – it has a large collection and is crammed full of artefacts from the local Tsonga and North Sotho people. 015-004-0923 Enjoy a canopy tour over the Great Letaba River with Magoebaskloof Adventures. There are 11 zip lines (the longest at 150m), which zigzag down the river and over waterfalls. R625 pp for two-anda-half hours (other activities are available). 083-866-1546 Learn about monkeys at the non-profit Vervet Monkey Foundation, which rehabilitates and provides sanctuary for about 600 primates. There are tours, half- and full-day volunteering opportunities and weekend stays for volunteers. The tour is R100 for adults and R50 for kids. 082-725-9432 Visit nearby Haenertsburg (30km away) for shopping, dining and hiking. You’ll find more restaurants in this tiny hamlet’s main street than in the whole of Tzaneen. The Louis Changuion Hiking Trail (10km) starts and ends in Rissik Street. Maps are available at the Memory Hold-The-Door second-hand bookshop for free. 079-525-7849
EAT HERE
The Tavern at Highgrove Lodge offers family friendly dining and a vibey bar next door. Check out the chef’s specials for pub-grub fare, such as eisbein and oxtail (R95 each). 072-150-5380
Monya’s Restaurant is fine dining meets chic bistro, while also catering for vegetarians. Pan-fried calamari steaks with basmati rice (R110) and meatball and mushroom penne pasta (R92). 079-500-4181
The Iron Crown is a pub and bistro in Haenertsburg. Try the Haenertsburger for R95 (with locally sourced ingredients) and Old Packhouse Distillery’s Blueberry, Valencia and Crystal gins, which are Amorentia’s side project. R25 for a shot. 072-424-9912