About Tzaneen and the Letaba Valley
The beautiful town of Tzaneen lies in the scenic Letaba Valley at an altitude of 710 m above sea level. Tzaneen is an attractive subtropical garden town with a colourful profusion of indigenous and exotic vegetation. Situated at the foot of the imposing Wolkberg Mountains, the town is recognised as the "capital" of the picturesque Letaba district, which comprises 20 000square kilometers of tropical and subtropical farming area in the Letsitele River Valley.
Tzaneen is the second largest town in the Limpopo Province, and accommodates some 80 000 residents, while serving close to 650 000 people within a radius of 30 kilometers. Due to an above average summer rainfall, and moderate climate all year round, everything here grows in great abundance - nuts, avocado's, citrus, mangoes, litchi's, bananas, coffee, tea and the largest portion of South-Africa's tomatoes are cultivated in this area. Close by are the extensive green Sapekoe tea plantations, and the surrounding mountain slopes are heavily forested with timber plantations of Pine and Blue Gum, with close on 40 sawmills operating in the area.
The name Tzaneen could originate from the Sotho word " Tzana" which means basket, which is a very acceptable description of the area, which lies as a basket of abundance. The late chief Mahupa called the area "Tzaneng or Tzanene" which means "Gathering place" or "Happy land". Lying below the scenic and well-known Magoebaskloof, Tzaneen offers visitors a change of scenery at almost every turn of the road. The mountainous landscape, subtropical climate, lush indigenous vegetation alternating with cultivated plantations as well as the largely unspoiled natural environment, make this picturesque area one of the most attractive recreation and tourism areas in South-Africa!!
Tzaneen is the ideal centre from which to explore the region and is within easy reach for travelers via the R 71 road.