Overview
Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) is a city of 130,000 people and serves as the capital of Limpopo Province, South Africa's northernmost province. It is the country's largest urban centre north of Gauteng, functioning as a major transit hub for travelers heading to Kruger National Park, the Zimbabwe border at Beitbridge, and Botswana.
Day Trips · History · Museums · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Major South African mobile networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) provide coverage throughout the city. WiFi is available at hotels, malls, and restaurants.
Money
South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available at shopping centres and banks throughout the city. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, malls, and restaurants.
Safety
Standard urban safety precautions apply. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. The city centre is generally safe during daylight hours.
Transport
Polokwane was designed for car travel with extremely limited public transport. Renting a vehicle or using taxis is necessary to explore the city and surrounding attractions.
Weather
Polokwane has a subtropical climate with hot summers (October-March) and mild, dry winters (May-August). Summer brings regular thunderstorms; winters are pleasant for game viewing.
