Mokopane
Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus, still nicknamed 'Potties') is the main town of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in the Waterberg District of Limpopo. It is an agricultural and mining service centre on the Platreef of the Bushveld Complex, near Anglo American's Mogalakwena open-pit platinum mine, and serves farms producing citrus, maize, wheat, tobacco, cattle and game. Suburbs include Chroom Park, Trim Park, Nylpark and Kameeldoring Park.
History
Voortrekkers founded a settlement here in 1852, first called Vredenburg. It was renamed Potgietersrus after Piet Potgieter, killed in 1854 during the Siege of Makapansgat, when Chief Mokopane's (Makapan's) Kekana Ndebele people were besieged in the nearby caves for about a month. The town grew as a farming centre with tobacco and general co-operatives, and in 2003 was renamed Mokopane in honour of the chief. Platinum mining has since become a major part of the economy.
Getting there
About two hours' drive north of Gauteng. The N1 toll road bypasses the town on the way to Polokwane (about 40 minutes north) and Beitbridge; the R101 runs through the town centre and the N11 runs north-west from town. Mokopane has a small airfield (FAQR); the nearest scheduled flights are from Polokwane.
Weather & climate
Semi-arid bushveld climate with hot summers and afternoon thunderstorms, and mild, dry, sunny winters.
Things to do
- Doorndraai Dam Nature ReserveAbout 7,000 ha reserve around Doorndraai Dam, roughly 30 minutes from Mokopane, popular for birding and angling, with game such as kudu, zebra and giraffe.
- Kameeldoring Country Club golfBunker-free 18-hole par-72 bushveld course from 1978 where trees are the main hazard; carts for hire and open to the public every day.
- Percy Fyfe ConservancySmall bushveld reserve about 20 km from Mokopane towards Polokwane that breeds roan antelope and disease-free buffalo; cycling routes, a hiking trail and game drives.
- Thabaphaswa Hiking and MTB Trails38 km of self-planned hiking routes plus mountain-bike trails among granite domes, with camps, a tree shelter and glass-walled huts; leopard, brown hyena and nearly 200 bird species.
Things to see
- Arend Dieperink MuseumCultural history museum in an old stone school building, covering the region from Makapan's caves to the Anglo-Boer War, with a replica bushveld farmhouse and Piet Potgieter's grave nearby.
- Makapan's Valley (Makapansgat Caves)Fossil-bearing caves in a World Heritage-listed valley north-east of town, where Australopithecus africanus remains were found and where Chief Makapan's people were besieged in 1854. Visits must be booked in advance and are guided.
- Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre1,300 ha breeding and conservation centre of the National Zoological Garden on the northern outskirts of town, with rare species such as black rhino, tsessebe, roan and lemurs.
Businesses in Mokopane
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Accommodation (34)Agriculture (2)Automotive (18)Business Services (23)Community & Government (9)Education (13)Food & Drink (14)Health & Wellness (24)Home & Building (5)IT & Electronics (6)Shopping (36)Tourism & Leisure (2)Transport & Logistics (2)
Seba Cottages Guest House
Renovated air-conditioned self-catering cottages on a large bushveld property with a pool.
Self-Catering
Mokopane, Limpopo
Somethin Special Guest House 77A
Five self-catering units, each with a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and kitchen, aimed at business travellers.
Self-Catering
Mokopane, Limpopo
Squirrel's Nest Restaurant and Accommodation
Lodge on the R101 just outside Mokopane sleeping 45, with a licensed restaurant, pool and conference facilities.
Lodges & Game Lodges
Mokopane, Limpopo
Stutterheim Lodge
Bushveld lodge with family, single and self-catering units, a pool and braai facilities.
Lodges & Game Lodges
Mokopane, Limpopo
The Bunkhouse
Three-bedroom self-catering house sleeping up to eight, with a covered patio, garden and secure parking.
Self-Catering
Mokopane, Limpopo
The Hank Adventure Lodge
Bushveld lodge just outside town sleeping 22, with a pool, conference facilities, hiking trails, game viewing and 4x4 r…
Lodges & Game Lodges
Mokopane, Limpopo
theDOORSinn
Guest house with 15 air-conditioned en-suite rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant and conference facilities for up to 6…
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Mokopane, Limpopo
Tree Aloe Guesthouse
Centrally located guest house sleeping 12 with air-conditioned rooms and a garden with braai facilities.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Mokopane, Limpopo
Vation Nation Guest House
Modern guest house with en-suite rooms on the Marken Road (R518) side of town.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Mokopane, Limpopo
Wonder House Lodge
Guest house sleeping 28 in twin and double rooms with air-conditioning and secure parking.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Mokopane, Limpopo
Property in Mokopane
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