Lake Fundudzi
The Venda people believe the great python god, who determines the success of their crops every year, lives in Lake Fundudzi near Soutpansberg. It is believed to be home to a giant python god who demands an annual sacrifice of one virgin girl.
Nowadays the spirit is appeased by the domba ('python') dance performed by maidens at this sacred site. The surrounding Thathe Vondo Forest is dense with spirits of dead ancestors, who are supposed to arise at night as zombies and play their tribal drums beneath the water.
Visits to the lake can be granted only by its custodian, and newcomers must approach backwards and view the lake between their legs. It's one of South Africa's biggest natural lakes, and you'll need special permission to visit its shores; a challenge that makes it all the more enticing. Visitors, may only travel through the Venda Holy Forest leading to the lake by car as, according to Venda belief, hikers disturb the ancestral spirits.
Mapungubwe National Park
Mapungubwe National Park houses an ancient African Kingdom, rich in archaeological sites. It shows artefacts from a powerful tribe that resided in the area from 1200 to 1290 AD. From excavated items, such as a golden rhino, it shows that this ancient civilisation traded with China and India.
A visit to this World Heritage Site will include bountiful wildlife, extraordinary scenery and African heritage. The interpretation centre situated at the main gate, where you can see the golden rhino, offers heritage tours. Majestic vistas at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers, depicts the meeting of three countries.
The Nearest Museums and Church
The Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum outside Polokwane is a traditional North Sotho kraal. Men and women practise traditional skills such as making baskets, clay pots, furniture and utensils, and preparing hides. The Schoemansdal Voortrekker Town and Museum, west of Makhado (Louis Trichardt), is built on the site of an original Voortrekker village, and depicts their lifestyle between 1848 and 1852.
Zion City at Moria near Polokwane is the headquarters of the Zion Christian Church, which attracts more than a million pilgrims every Easter.