Three night: Venda Culture and Soutpansberg Splendour Program

Visiting Venda, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a truly captivating experience filled with mystical forests, sacred lakes, water spirits, stunning scenery and world famous crafts. The Venda culture is steeped in the spirit world and finds expression in their woodcarvings, pottery and the decoration of their buildings.

Tour details

Day 1:

• Check-in at Mashovhela Lodge early afternoon.
• Stretch your legs on a short walk to our baobab tree.
• At 16;00 prepare yourself for a sunset drive where our guide will drive you on top of our Soutpansberg Mountain platao to indulge in the panoramic view of our Morning Sun Nature reserve which presents breathtaking scenery.
• The evening is full of the sound of drumming and traditional song as local Venda dancers entertain you with an array of different Venda cultural dances to honour the chef for the creative and delicious dinner about to be served.

Day 2:

• After breakfast a relaxing 4hour morning walk to the large waterfall on our Morning Sun Reserve, allows you to take in the beauty of indigenous forests, rock pools and streams whilst being informed about the nature surrounding you. The walk also includes a packed Picnic lunch while you enjoy the sounds of the water at our Mashovhela rock pool, the second most sacred site in Venda Culture.
• Afternoon tee and cake can be enjoyed while relaxing around the Lodge pool/garden
• On a short walk to our small waterfall you can...
  • weather permitting) spend the night sleeping in our “Star gazing Hammock Camp” enjoying a “Bush braai dinner” around a fire. (optional for minimum of 2 Adults) not included in the rate.
  • OR Dinner will be served at our restaurant

Day 3:

• After a momorable Bush-breakfast your morning of discovering the Venda culture Tour begins:
• Visiting the Dzata Ruins and Museum, the Venda legends and interesting history of this very proud and colourful African tribe is brought to life by the relaying of actual stories and legends linked to the artefacts displayed there.
• Stopping at mountain viewpoint offers breathtaking views of scenic beauty of Venda and the Soutpansberg and Tshivhase Tea Plantation.
• Venturing further into Venda we visit Lake Fundudzi which is probably the most sacred site in Venda culture. It has always been related to the spirit world with a legendary large white python God living below the surface of the water and sometimes you can hear the Tshikona sing, although no one appears to be present. It is the home of the mythical python and white crocodile.
• Surrounding Lake Fundudzi is the Thathe Vondo forest, the 'Holy Forest', with ancient trees and mountain ferns where all the great Venda Kings are said to be buried. Hence it is believed to be so full of spirits that few Venda people venture into it, but we do.
• The Tshatshingo Potholes are a must see, here the waters of the Mutale River fall into a naturally formed pothole and disappear for some distance before reappearing and continuing on its course. In this beautiful natural setting with waterfalls, river streams and forests we enjoy a picnic lunch is enjoyed.
• To get an insight into the life of Venda people and their culture we are welcomed at a Venda cultural village.
• A Lapa Dinner is served at Mashovhela Lodge around a fire (weather permitting).

Day 4:

• After breakfast your morning can start with a relaxing guided walk in our reserve....
• We then farewell you to check-out and depart from our Mashovhela Lodge.

• 3 nights accommodation at Mashovhela Lodge
• All activities as per tour details
• All meals (Including a bush breakfast )
• All entrance fees on tour
• A conservancy fee of R30 per adult and R15 per child under 12.
• Free- walk to baobab tree on day 1 / -tee & cake on day 2 /-picknick lunch on day 3 / -guided morning walk on day 4

PRICES:

Learn More About The Venda Culture