Province Overview Information
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SOUTH AFRICAN PROVINCES COVERED BY MYJOHANNESBURGINFO.com
Despite being South Africa's smallest and only landlocked province, Gauteng, home to more citizens than any other province in the country, is largely regarded as the epicentre of South Africa, if not the whole of Africa. This buzzing province is situated in the heart of what is known as the Highveld, and owing to its rich history of mineral wealth, is highly developed and urbanised. As gold deposits were discovered in the area in the late 1800s, so much of the country's population migrated here looking for a share of the spoils. As such, Gauteng is home to a myriad of cultures, each of which have had a significant impact on this unique part of the world. Apart from a range of world class hotels, museums, entertainment centres, restaurants and sporting facilities, it also serves as the perfect gateway for the rest of the country and the continent. South Africa's busiest airport is located in Gauteng, and it services most centres in the country. At the same time, there are a wealth of other attractions within a short driving distance, including spectacular mountain ranges, diverse and fascinating cities, as well as the world famous game reserves of the Mpumalanga region.
Mpumalanga:
The Drakensberg Mountains divide Mpumalanga into a westerly half consisting mainly of high-altitude grassland called the Highveld and an eastern half situated in low altitude subtropical Lowveld/Bushveld, which is mostly a savanna habitat. In the eastern region lies the southern half of the magnificent Kruger National Park (see map below), a nature reserve teeming with African wildlife in a total area roughly the size of Israel. There are four entrance gates to the Kruger Park in Mpumulanga, starting with the Kruger Gate in the West - 40 km from Hazyview, Phabeni Gate near Hazyview, Numbu Gate near White River, Malelane Gate near Nelspruit and Crocodile Bridge Gate in the East at Komatipoort on the border with Mozambique. These gates are all within 4 to 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, making the Kruger Park a very accessible destination from Johannesburg.
Limpopo:
The Limpopo Lowveld is one of the last unspoilt corners of Africa. With the Great Olifants River that meanders through the Kruger National Park (see map below) forming the southern border of the province, it offers vast expanses of land which are unmistakably African. Limpopo is home to numerous nature reserves and National Parks. Besides the well-known national parks, such as the Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe and Marakele approximately 50 further nature reserves, including the beautiful Waterberg region (see map below), exist in this province that reflect the diversity of this pristine part of the world. Already many of the conservation areas bordering on the Kruger National Park have removed their fences and now form part of the Greater Kruger National Park, resulting in vast traversing areas of unspoilt wilderness.
North West:
The North West Province has a hot, dry, African climate which is truly unique. A must see destination, North West offers the Pilanesberg "Big Five" Game Reserve (see map below) and other fine reserves, cultural sights, archaeological treasures, and adventures, as well as world class entertainment resorts such as Sun City. This province consists mainly of flat areas of scattered trees and grassland, with the the Magaliesberg mountain range in the northeast and the Vaal River flowing along its southern border.
Free State:
The Free State is home to some of the country's richest and most fertile soils, which, combined with its vast flat lands, offer ideal farming conditions. As such, there are an estimated 30 000 farms in the area, each combining to contribute more than 70% of the country's grain stock. The Free State lies in the heart of what is known as the Karoo, an often hostile yet beautiful landscape that stretches vast expanses across the country. It's home to a number of different plant and animal species, however many people travel to the area simply to take in the spectacular scenery, from the vast, stark plains to the impressive Drakensburg and Maluti mountains that rise out of them in the east.
