Louis Trichardt Accommodation | Polokwane accommodation | Soutpansberg | Venda Culture

Visiting Venda and the Soutpansberg Mountains, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a truly captivating experience filled with mystical forests, sacred lakes, water spirits, the stunning scenery of the Soutpansberg 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 in the Soupansberg early afternoon

• Stretch your legs on a short walk including a baobab and waterfall, in the Soutpansberg

• Enjoy a scenic sundowner drive on Morning Sun Reserve in the Soutpansberg

• 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 your day of discovering the Venda culture 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 one of the mountain viewpoints in the Soutpansberg offers breathtaking views of scenic beauty of Venda and the Soutpansberg.

• 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 including a bottle of fine South African wine

• To get an insight into the life of Venda people and their culture we are welcomed at a Venda-kraal, and here you are also treated to a traditional Venda dance, called the Domba or 'snake-dance'.

• A memorable dinner is served at Drumbeat Restaurant at Mashovhela Lodge

Day 3:

• After breakfast we head over the Soutpansberg Mountains on the 4x4 'Mamba's pass' which presents breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to see remote Venda life.

• Mangwela Camp, is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic lunch as it is a scenically beautiful area with 7 different waterfalls.

• With a circumference of 43 meters and its branches covering an area of half a football field, the Big Tree, the world’s oldest and largest Baobab tree, estimated at 3000 years and is our next stop.

• To heal any ailments you might have we visit the 'holy tree'. Well Venda legend has it, that after touching the tree all diseases will be cured.

• Dinner is served at Mashovhela Lodge around a fire (weather permitting)

Day 4:

• After breakfast a morning walk to the large waterfall on 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 which includes a visit to Mashovhela rock pool, the second most sacred site in Venda Culture.

• After lunch is check-out and departure from Mashovhela Lodge.

Price: Valid until 30th July 2010

Includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at Mashovhela Lodge in the Soutpansberg
• All activities as per tour details
• All meals
• All entrance fees

Excludes:

Louis Trichardt Accommodation | Polokwane accommodation | Soutpansberg | Venda Culture

Learn More About The Venda Culture