Valley of the Elephants (or Olifants) - Limpopo, South Africa

This tourism region of the Limpopo Province is at its heart and the Valley of the Olifants is the name given to the eastern lowveld and the escarpment region. This breathtaking region is from Tzaneen to Bushbuckride. As the name suggests this region falls in the valley of the Olifants River which cuts through the Kruger National Park forming the province's southern border. The valley forms part of the northernmost section of the Drankensberg and the inimitable lowveld vegetation many seem to assume ends in the province of Mpumalanga, actually stretches north to encompass many towns.

The Valley of the Olifants is very well known for its abundance of wildlife, breathtaking mountains, huge man made and indigenous forests, trout streams and cascading waterfalls. This region also boasts an abundance of historical, cultural and ethnic attractions. The contrasts in climate, scenery and landscape in the different towns within this region are striking and dramatic. With the majestic Drakensberg range that towers over its vast expanse of bushveld and the perennial Olifants River sustaining its network of game reserves and tropical fruit farms, this are is very different form the other parts of South Africa. It is the hub of the nation's eco tourism industry and offer unmatched adventures for visitors that is ready to explore its splendor. This region also encompasses some of the largest remaining wilderness areas in the country that includes the Timbavati, Balule and Thornybush Reserves and offers very easy access to the northern section of the Kruger National Park.

The unique ecological and cultural features within the region have led to the formation of the Central Lowveld Biosphere Initiative. The community driven project is engaging in environmental and developmental issues and is proposing the establishment of an International Biosphere Reserve in the Central Lowveld region.

The Letaba area of the Valley of the Olifants is a place of stunning vistas and great industry with towns that thrive in this subtropical conditions and boasting massive tea estates, orange farms and tropical fruit and nut plantations. Magoebaskloof is well known for its mountain forests, dams, nurseries and trails like the known paradise on earth. Here you will come across indigenous forests and their legends, emerald, perfectly terraced hills, fertile valleys and cultivated lands embroidered with irrigation furrows and decorated with the polka dot material of fruit plantations.

All the main towns are easily accessible by road or air and boasts excellent tourism information centres as well as good shopping, banking and accommodation facilities.