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Northern Limpopo

Soutpansberg and Venda

The salt-pan mountains, Venda's forests, lakes and makers, from Makhado to Thohoyandou.
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Where to stay

Curved lodge suite above a wooded mountain slope, Few & Far Luvhondo
Place to stay

Few & Far Luvhondo

Soutpansberg / Makhado

Cliff suites and private plunge pools in the Soutpansberg.

Illuminated bush camp building beneath a night sky, Hamasha Bush Camp
Place to stay

Hamasha Bush Camp

Soutpansberg / Makhado

A remote self-catering camp looking into Hamasha Gorge.

Terracotta hotel building and garden courtyard, Khoroni Hotel
Place to stay

Khoroni Hotel

Thohoyandou

A Thohoyandou hotel base with dining and time to unwind.

Sculpted courtyard at the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Leshiba Luvhondo Bush Camp
Place to stay

Leshiba Luvhondo Bush Camp

Soutpansberg / Makhado

A larger group camp near Leshiba’s clifftop viewpoints.

Wall display combining landscape and cultural photographs, Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge
Place to stay

Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge

Soutpansberg / Makhado

Guest rooms and self-catering suites in a Soutpansberg valley.

Panoramic mountain slopes covered in green vegetation, Medike reserve stays
Place to stay

Medike reserve stays

Soutpansberg / Makhado

Rustic stays and mountain trails in an EWT reserve.

Double bed with an upholstered headboard, MGB Hotel at 2Ten
Place to stay

MGB Hotel at 2Ten

Sibasa / Thohoyandou

A modern hotel and skybar overlooking Thohoyandou.

Safari vehicle parked beneath trees in a resort garden, Nwanedi Nature Reserve
Place to stay

Nwanedi Nature Reserve

Regional

Stay near the twin dams in the northern Soutpansberg.

Illuminated modern villa and fire pit at dusk, The Farmhouse at Leshiba
Place to stay

The Farmhouse at Leshiba

Soutpansberg / Makhado

A private six-bedroom villa on Leshiba’s mountain reserve.

Lodge reception building surrounded by garden plants, The Ultimate Lodge
Place to stay

The Ultimate Lodge

Soutpansberg / Makhado

Rooms and cottages above Louis Trichardt.

Lounge seating and small tables beside large windows, Tshipise Forever Resort
Place to stay

Tshipise Forever Resort

Tshipise / eastern Limpopo

Warm mineral pools and self-catering stays in the bushveld.

Venda Art Lodge terraces and thatched rooms
Place to stay

Venda Art Lodge

Soutpansberg / Makhado

A mountain lodge shaped by Venda art and the work of Noria Mabasa.

Collage showing ablution interiors, Zvakanaka cabins, cottages and camping
Place to stay

Zvakanaka cabins, cottages and camping

Soutpansberg / Makhado

Cabins, cottages and secluded camping in the Soutpansberg.

What to do

Experiences, places to visit and ways to get around, in and near Soutpansberg and Venda.

Questions about Soutpansberg and Venda

Where is the Soutpansberg?
The Soutpansberg range runs east to west across northern Limpopo, above Makhado. Its slopes and the Venda villages beyond hold walking trails, artists' studios and mountain lodges.
Where can I stay in the Soutpansberg?
Venda Art Lodge, on Leshiba's reserve, is set in a restored Venda homestead with sculptures by Noria Mabasa and Thomas Kubayi, and is full board. Leshiba Luvhondo Bush Camp suits groups, with rondavels, an equipped kitchen and an outdoor boma. Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge, west of Louis Trichardt, has guest rooms and self-catering suites, a shared pool and an art gallery.
Can I hike in the Soutpansberg?
Leshiba has a network of marked trails for staying guests; there are no day visitors. From Buysdorp, community guides lead the 8 km Moutoon Trail through a forested kloof. Arrange a guide at least a day ahead.
Do I need a high-clearance vehicle for Leshiba?
A high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle is recommended for Venda Art Lodge and Luvhondo Bush Camp, and there is no self-driving on the reserve.

Journeys that pass here

  • The Heritage Route

    Follow the story of the Limpopo Valley's early kingdoms, its rock art and the living culture of the north.

  • On foot

    Walking camps in the far north of Kruger, mountain trails in the Soutpansberg and guided bush walks.

  • A longer stay in one place

    Choose one base and let the area come to you: day trips, guides, art studios and time by the river.

Where next

Nearby regions