Polokwane

CityLimpopo, South Africa

Polokwane is a CITY in Limpopo, South Africa.

Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo Province in South Africa, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. It serves as a gateway to the northern bushveld and offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Polokwane Game Reserve, home to diverse wildlife, or delve into history at the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum. The city is also famous for its annual Marula Festival, celebrating the indigenous marula fruit. With a lively arts scene, bustling markets, and proximity to the UNESCO-listed Mapungubwe National Park, Polokwane is a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Best time to visit Polokwane

The best time to visit Polokwane is from April to September, when the weather is mild and dry. The Marula Festival in February is a highlight, but temperatures can be high.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 23-30°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Transition to summer

Know before you go

Getting there

PTG

Polokwane International Airport

Domestic/International

5 km away

HLA

Lanseria International Airport

International

280 km away

JNB

O.R. Tambo International Airport

International

320 km away

Getting around

"Polokwane has a network of minibus taxis, which are affordable but can be crowded. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, especially for visiting nearby game reserves. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are also available."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

27

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; standard precautions advised.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; standard precautions advised.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night. Keep valuables secure and use reputable taxi services. Polokwane is generally safe, but petty crime can occur in tourist areas."

Entry and health

Health information

"Polokwane is a malaria-free area, but travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs. Private healthcare facilities are available, but travel insurance is advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important in Polokwane; a handshake and a smile are customary. Respect for elders is highly valued. When visiting rural areas, it's polite to ask permission before taking photos. Traditional ceremonies and festivals are significant, and visitors are often welcomed to participate."
Northern SothoEnglishAfrikaansTsongaVenda

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Polokwane is affordable for budget travellers; mid-range options available.

Timezone

Africa/Johannesburg +02:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

0.7 million

Area

106.8 km²

Government

Municipality

ISO code

PTG

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Pietersburg, פולוקוואנה, 폴로콰네, Полокване, Polokwane

WildlifeCulturalFamily-FriendlyHikingHistoric