Tzaneen

The origin of the name Tzaneen is unclear. There are three theories, all assuming that it is derived from the Sesotho language. One theory states that it derives from Batsaneng (meaning People of the Small Village), the name of a group who split away from the Bokgaga tribe. Other theories state that the name derives either from the word tsaneng, which means come together, or tsana, which means basket of hills.

Attractions

Also see the neighbouring towns

Tzaneen (population about 30'000) lies below the interior escarpment in the subtropical lowveld at the foot of the Wolkberg, which is a peak between the Strydpoort Mountain Range and the Drakensberg Mountain Range. It is on the R71 route to Polokwane. The route passes through Magoebaskloof, and passes Haenertsburg. Ba-phalaborwa is east on the R71. Morbeng (Soekmekaar) is north on the R36, passing Modjadjiskloof (Duiwelskloof) while Orighstad is south on th R36.

The Debengeni Waterfall is off the R71 towards Haenertsburg.

The Woodbush (Houtbos) Forest is home to 40 different indigenous tree species.

The highest peak of the Wolkberg Mountains is Iron Crown Mountain (2128m).

Wolkberg Nature Reserve

The Wolkberg Nature Reserve (22'000Ha) is located south of Tzaneen. There are several hiking trails in the reserve.

Ga-Modjadji

Ga-Modjadji is the head quarters of Queen Modjadji of the Balobedu people, one of the few African tribes with a female leader.

Modjadji Cycad Forest

The Modjadji Cycad Forest (530Ha), in the Lobedu Mountains, is less than 20Km north of Tzaneen. This nature reserve contains the largest natural forest of cycads (palmfern trees, Encephalartos transvenosus).

The Modjadji Cycad grows up to 8m tall, and dates evolutionary back to the Mesozoicum era (about 50 to 60 million years ago).

Tzaneen Dam

The Tzaneen Dam is fed by the Letaba River. Fishing and picnics are allowed. There are hippos in the dam. About 350 bird species have been listed at the dam.

Photos courtesy of Louis Claassen

See more photos.

Ebenezer Dam

Ebenezer Dam is off the R71 in Magoebaskloof on the way to Haenertsburg. Fishing, boating, sailing, and picnics are allwoedd. There are also sundowner cruises.

Annual Bushpilot Air Show

Photos courtesy of Louis Claassen

See more photos.

History

Tzaneen began in 1912 as a railway station on the farm Pusela.

Climate

Summer (September - March): 28°C (82°F).

Winter: 15°C (59°F).

Economy

Farming: subtropical fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers, tea, coffee, timber, avocado's, vegetables, bananas, mangoes, litchis, citrus fruits, cotton.

TOP