Because it is so far north Northern Province is closer to the equator than ny other part of the country and is hot and sunny, but the eastern and western landscapes and climates differ somewhat in that, the eastern and northern parts are more sub tropical, but the western parts more semi desert. The northern part of the Kruger National Park falls in this province.

Pietersburg is the capital city and lies right in the middle of the province with Nylstroom, Warmbaths and the Waterberg in close proximity to the south.

The Northern Province's most famous tree is the baobab and rather resembles a tree that has been planted upside down with the roots appearing as branches.

The Thumalela Ruins in the far north-eastern Kruger National Park date back to the middle ages and is unquestionable proof of sophisticated societies in southern Africa a thousand years before white colonists arrived in the area. The Thumalela are thought to have had an empire reaching all the way to Zimbabwe and that they had towards the end of their empire started using gold as currency rather than beads.

The region is home of the Venda (who are thought to be descendants of the Thumalela). This fertile valley has also been home to cultures dating back to the Stone Age. There is San rock art in the area.