Modjadjiskloof / Duiwelskloof

Afrikaans name: Modjadjiskloof / Duiwelskloof

Modjadjiskloof main street

Photo © Steven Herbert

Limpopo

In 2004 the small town known as Duiwelskloof was renamed to Modjadjiskloof in honour of Modjadji, the Rain Queen, who is the only ruling queen in South Africa. She is queen of the Balobedu tribe. The name "Duiwelskloof" means "Devil's Ravine" in Afrikaans and is a reference to how rugged the surrounding area is. This presented a real obstacle to the ox wagons in the early days, particularly in the rainy season.

The town is surrounded by timber plantations and this is the main industry in the area. The region experiences high rainfall which makes it ideal for plantations.

Modjadjiskloof has been home to a giant Baobab tree which is reputedly 6,000 years old and the largest one in the world. This tree has, unfortunately, recently started collapsing.

The main attraction in the area is the beautiful scenery and there are numerous places of interest within an easy drive.

What did you find to do near Modjadjiskloof?

Above - Despite its small size there are plenty of businesses in the area

Photo © Steven Herbert

Above - Magistrates Court building

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 63

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 265

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 279

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 195

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 286

Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 682 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 24

Wikipedia

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