South Africa – South African Provinces – The Transvaal 1

The Transvaal is the northern area of South Africa and used to be one of the four provinces. Today it is no longer in existence and has been divided into four separate provinces: Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Gauteng is the smallest province in South Africa but also the wealthiest. The main cities are Johannesburg and Pretoria. Other large cities in the province are: Sandton, Krugersdorp Vereeniging, Germiston, Roodepoort, and Soweto.

Limpopo province is North of Gauteng and the capital city which used to be Pietersburg is now called Polokwane. Limpopo is steeped in folklore, fables, and majestic surroundings. Whether travelling through the Valley of the Olifants, The Bushveld (Waterberg), Soutpansberg or Capricorn, the beauty of the region is breathtaking. Places that must be visited while touring South Africa are The Kruger National Park, Polokwane Game Reserve, Makapansgat Valley, The Mapungubwe World heritage site and the Boababs.

Mpumalanga is the former Eastern Transvaal. The meaning of the name is “land of the rising sun” and it lives up to it with its stunning scenery, wildlife and fauna and flora. When touring South Africa, this region is perfect to see nature at its best. There are some wonderful places to visit like Blyde River Canyon, Kruger National Park, and Sudwala caves or go on an elephant back safari. For those wishing to relax there is also fly-fishing available.

Finally, located to the West of Gauteng is the North West Province, with Mafikeng as its capital city. With the Magaliesberg mountain range to the North, the Province is mainly made up of flat bushveld, nature reserves and luxury vacation facilities with a wide choice of places of interest to visit while travelling in this region of South Africa, visit the Rustenburg Nature Reserve, the Madikwe Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park.  No trip to South Africa is complete without spending a few days at the world renowned resort of Sun City.

These four provinces have an abundance of scenic routes, nature parks, museums, attractions and supreme beauty to experience while sightseeing in South Africa.