Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo and the largest urban centre in South Africa north of Gauteng. It sits on a high plateau roughly halfway between Gauteng and the Zimbabwean border, on the N1 toll highway, and it is a practical stopover for travellers heading north to the Kruger National Park via the R71 or across the border. The city offers a wide variety of shopping, malls, restaurants and entertainment venues, alongside museums and heritage sites.
For a visitor, the city spreads out from a central business district into a ring of suburbs, with townships and clusters further out. The main approaches are the N1 from the south, the R71 from the east, and the R81 from the north-east, and Polokwane International Airport lies north of the city. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, how they connect to the sights and the roads, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Polokwane
1. Central Polokwane (CBD and surrounding streets)
The central business district is the most convenient base if you want to be close to shops, restaurants and civic venues. The city provides a wide variety of shopping, malls, restaurants and entertainment venues, and staying centrally puts you within easy reach of them. It suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car who wants everyday amenities on the doorstep.
Accommodation here tends toward guesthouses and lodges rather than large resorts. Note that the city has persistent issues with service delivery, including electricity, water and sewage infrastructure, so it is worth confirming that a property has reliable backup before you book.
2. Roodepoort Road area (near Meropa Casino)
This area lies along the Roodepoort Road and is anchored by the Meropa Casino and Entertainment World, a Moroccan-style, 24-hour casino with outdoor entertainment such as go-karts, minigolf and a wildlife park. It suits travellers who want entertainment and dining close at hand, and families looking for things to do in the evening.
It is also a practical base for drivers, since the road connects readily to the wider road network. Accommodation here includes larger hotel-style properties and lodges.
3. Suburbs of the city
Polokwane's suburbs include Nirvana, Westenburg, Bendor, Welgelegen, Moregloed, Annadale, Ivydale, Flora Park, Fauna Park, Greenside, Penina Park, Ivy Park, Hospital Park, Ster Park, Dalmada, Broadlands, Woodlands, Southern Gateway and Thornhill. These are residential areas, generally quieter than the centre, and they suit travellers with a car who prefer a calmer base and are willing to drive in for meals and sights.
Accommodation in the suburbs is mostly guesthouses and lodges. Because the city is spread out, distances between suburbs and the centre can be significant, so plan on driving.
4. Munnik, on the R81 towards Tzaneen
Munnik lies on the R81 out of Polokwane towards Tzaneen, in natural surroundings within a historic wildlife area. It suits travellers passing through towards Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Bushbuckridge or the Kruger National Park, and anyone who wants a quieter, more rural setting outside the city.
Accommodation here is lodge-style, with full catering offered. The trade-off is that you are outside the city, so you will need your own transport for anything in town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Backpacker-style hostels with dorm beds and camping where you bring your own tent, as well as simple guesthouses. Expect shared or basic facilities and the lowest rates.
- Mid-range: Guesthouses and lodges, including properties in the suburbs and along the main routes, typically with private rooms and breakfast or catering available.
- Splurge: Larger hotel and casino-resort style properties, such as those in the Roodepoort Road area, with entertainment and dining on site.
Best area for a first visit
Central Polokwane is the best base for a first visit. It puts you closest to the city's shops, malls, restaurants and entertainment venues, and it is the most straightforward area to orient yourself from. If you have a car and prefer quieter surroundings, the suburbs or the Roodepoort Road area are reasonable alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Polokwane?
It helps. The city is spread out across suburbs and clusters, and while private bus services run in the city and connect Polokwane to other major centres, a car makes it much easier to reach accommodation outside the centre and to travel onward on the N1, R71 or R81.
How do I get to Polokwane?
The city lies on the N1 toll highway roughly halfway between Gauteng and the Zimbabwean border, and it is connected to Johannesburg and other major centres by rail. It is also served by Polokwane International Airport north of the city and the smaller Pietersburg Civilian Aerodrome to the south-east.
When is the best time to visit?
The city has a dry climate with a summer rainy season and a pronounced dry spell in winter. December, or less often January, is the wettest month and July the driest, so travellers who prefer dry conditions may favour the winter months.
What is there to see and do near the city?
The Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open-Air Museum depicts the traditional and modern lifestyle of the Bakone people and includes archaeological remains and rock paintings. The Meropa Casino and Entertainment World offers a casino, go-karts, minigolf and a wildlife park.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.