I had often heard whispers of Limpopo’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but it was not until a recent three-day excursion that I truly connected with the province’s beauty.
The Limpopo Tourism Agency curated a spectacular media itinerary, blending historical sites, nature, and adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Photo: Nathaniel Xipalana
I explored the mysterious depths of the Echo Caves, marvelled at the Shoe Museum’s architectural ingenuity, and gained a newfound appreciation for conservation efforts at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. I then embarked on a sunset boat cruise along the serene Olifants River, a natural boundary between the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. I cruised past elephants, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat within the Kruger National Park. The adventure continued at the Mapungubwe National Arts Festival, where I was captivated by legendary artistes like Thomas Chauke and intrigued by the performances of Loyiso Bala and Amanda Black. Engaging conversations with the talented Candy Tsa Mandebele Mokoena further enriched my experience.

Photo: Tanyaradzwa Ntuli.
Soaring through Groot Letaba River
While all other activities were interesting, it was the heart-pounding canopy tour at Magoebaskloof Adventures that left a memorable experience. My zipline adventure began with a warm welcome from a team of passionate guides. The hike to the starting point was a prelude to the excitement, offering breathtaking views and the stimulating scent of the river. The two-hour journey, comprising 11 exciting ziplines stretching up to 150 meters, provided a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Groot Letaba River, an experience that connected me with nature in a unique way.
As I soared through the air, I was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Lush valleys, turquoise pools, and the soothing roar of three giant waterfalls, each plummeting 20 meters into the river below – created a sensory experience that could only be fully appreciated from above.
Beyond the thrill, this adventure taught me valuable life lessons. Once the zipline adventure begins, there is no turning back. This realisation highlights the importance of making informed decisions, commitment, and the courage to face challenges and uncertainties. At some points, I struggled to reach the landing pads and had to pull myself onto them. It was a reminder that life, like a zipline, is a journey with its unique twists and turns, and the key to a fulfilling experience lies in embracing the adventure.
Branching out and taking the leap
The second activity, tree hopping, was a real challenge. It involved navigating through 18 trees and balancing on various objects to move from one to the next. The activity was a test of both physical and mental abilities, requiring full-body coordination, agility, perseverance, and patience, especially when waiting for others to complete their turns.
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Photo: Nathaniel XipalanaNathaniel Xipalana
Some of the steps were so uncomfortable that I decided to bypass a few and move directly to the final stage. This experience taught me a valuable lesson. Life often presents us with uncomfortable situations that push us outside of our comfort zones. It is easy to give up or find shortcuts, as I did. However, my colleague, Nomazulu Moyo, inspired me. She had completed all the previous steps with great skill, but she was hesitant to take on the final challenge. Despite my shortcomings, I encouraged her to persevere. This experience reinforced the importance of encouraging and supporting those around us to reach their full potential, even when we are facing difficulties.
Reaching to new heights
Soaring through the canopy on a zipline and hopping from tree to tree, I gained a new perspective, both literally and figuratively. This exhilarating adventure not only pushed my physical limits but also created a deep sense of self-confidence and mindfulness.
As I look ahead to the new year, I feel ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. This experience has given me a “bird’s-eye view of new heights”, teaching me valuable lessons about courage, and resilience.
Sakhile Dube is an Independent Journalist covering the environment, business, finance, culture, gender equality, health, technology and loves all things adventurous.