Forest Trails
Soutpansberg Mountain range intertwines with various state forests. The forests provide a range of mountain biking trails for visitors with permits to enjoy. Hangklip Forest offers circular and more contained trails, with five routes ranging from beginner level to moderate.
There is also a cross-country route for more experienced riders. The tracks will take you through beautiful indigenous forest and past a few picnic sites. Entabeni Forest has longer trails on offer, which includes a 3-day and 4-day route. The routes will take you through Bluegum tree plantations and sporadic patches of indigenous forest. The Kremetart Route is quite popular, and follows a steep route up the Soutpansberg Mountain.
Limpopo Cultural Tours
Makhado (Louis Trichardt) is situated at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountains and has a rich history and cultural heritage. The Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge embraces this and hosts cultural tours and workshops for visitors to the region.
The village tours provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the raw, natural side of South Africa. The Tsonga people who reside in Elim and welcoming to visitors who want to see how they live, work and celebrate their culture.
Creative workshops allows visitors to interact with local artists that live by their work and create unique indigenous art. There is also a textile and design studio at the Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge which shows visitors how some of the stunning curios and crafts are made, giving interesting insights into the artists’ work.
Hiking Trail
The Mabudashango Hiking Trail is arguably one of the most beautiful hikes in Limpopo. It is a 4-day trails and covers 53 km of serene landscapes and splendid views. The hike goes through various sacred sites, such as the forest of Magoebaskloof, which boasts with inidigenous vegetation and also houses the burial ground for Venda chiefs.
Another is Lake Fundudzi in Mabudashango National Park. The lake is extremely well protected by the Venda people, and they need to grant permission via the tourism office for people to visit it.
This even includes a few traditional rituals. The views across the lake are said to be spectacular. The lush forests and waterfalls make the hike quite mystical, and you’ll find tranquility in the sacredness of the surrounding areas.