SOME HISTORY OF PLACES WE VISITED LAST YEAR:

LIMPOPO TOUR 2010:

Nylsvley:

· Situated in the upper reaches of the Nyl River, near Naboomspruit in Limpopo.

· Largest floodplain vlei in the country.

· Well known for its exceptional avifaunal diversity.

· 370 bird species recorded here, with 102 waterfowl.

· Plays an important role for frogs and fish, which gather in large numbers to breed when the floodplain becomes flooded.

· Bird species recorded on the entire floodplain is 412, almost half the total number of bird species in S.A.

· Breeding of endangered Roan antelope, which use the floodplain extensively, and rare Tsessebe.

· Premier bird-watching localities in the country.

· Most intensively studied sites in the world.

· Various international scientists still conduct research in the Nylsvley reserve.

· Nylsvley Nature Reserve is a 40 square kilometre protected area.

· Declared a Ramsar wetland site because of its international conservation importance.

· Covering about 20% of the floodplain.

· Home to 72 mammal species.

Sekhukhune:

· Region named after King Sekhukhune who was a King of the Marota (commonly known as the Bapedi) in Sekhukhuneland during the 18th century.

· Sekhukhune is a cross-boarder municipality between Limpopo and Mpumalanga Province.

· Rural area with an economic base in the fields of mining and agriculture.

· Good soil, a sub-tropical climate.

· Strong and prosperous farming industry which consists of citrus, grapes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, peppers, beans and pumpkins, wheat, maize, cotton and tobacco.

· Region is endowed with mineral resources like chrome, platinum and diamond deposits.

· Places of interest include the Lebowa Platinum Mines, Potlake game reserve, Mona Meetse spring water, Ledingwe Cultural Village, Echo Stone at Phahlamanoge and Lenao la Modimo (God's Footprint).

· Schuinsdraai is a popular water-recreation destination.

· Sekhukhune was King of the Marota people (commonly called Bapedi) who originated from the Bakgatla of the Western Transvaal. Sekhukhune, like Moshoeshoe King of the Basotho people, was an illegitimate ruler who came to power using military force.

· The Marota lived in the land between the Vaal and Limpopo rivers. They regarded this territory as their country and admitted or excluded all corners to it.

· He refused to submit to the ZAR, leading to a war in 1876. He was also in conflict with the British who annexed the republic.

Echo Cave:

· Stumbled upon in 1923.

· Found by an owner on farm called Klipfonteinhoek when he was searching for a source of water.

· He realised that some of his cattle had already mysteriously disappeared into the cave.

· After exploring the cave, it was realised that it carried the most beautiful gems of nature.

· Cave was opened as a tourist attraction in 1959.

· A while after the cave was declared as a National Monument.

· The name Echo was given to the cave, as a distinctive echoing sound when tapped on.

· This echo can still be heard on the outside of the cave today.

· 45 - 60 Minute guided tour of the caves

· Hike in the surrounding mountains

· Curios Shop

· Bird Watching

· Various animals for children to view. Includes Emu's, Llama, Ducks and the odd Baboon and Monkey that visits.

· Museum of Man for interesting archaeological finds.

· The Three Rondawels for stunning views over Blyde River Canyon.

· Bourke's Luck Potholes for spectacular rock formations.

· Visit the Mac Mac Falls - 60m high drop into a natural pool.

God's Window with views over the Lowveld