Soutpansberg

Going to the Soutpansberg means going the rewarding extra mile! When travelling along the N1(the great North) through the Limpopo Province towards Louis Trichardt (Makhado) a hazy mountain range - the Soutpansberg rises out of the bushveld plain. Its name originated from a saltpan on the northern slopes. Entering the mountain the environment changes dramatically. In contrast to the dry bushveld one is suddenly surrounded by moist forests, cliffs and steep rocky slopes. Moisture-laden southeasterly winds form clouds which shroud the steep southern slopes providing one of the most unique and biologically diverse environments in the world. The Soutpansberg has the highest diversity of trees in South Africa and many species of plants and several animals are endemic to the this relatively small area. Reaching the top of the mountain the Soutpansberg offers spectacular views which let one feel being in dreamland. One is suddenly "close to heaven". Besides being surrounded by a great variety of wildlife and birds one gets in touch with an ancient world. Rock art of San origin in many places remind us how early inhabitants sheltered in the mountain`s caves marvelling the beauty of the Soutpansberg. Until today the Venda people are spiritually strongly connected to the magic mountain. Relaxing in beautiful lodges surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the "forgotten Mountain" make it so easy to fall in love with the Soutpansberg. Go the extra mile! Liesel Wright - on the Soutpansberg

In the beginning it was a journey that started in 1835. This beautiful, perfect place, with the most awesome people, fauna and flora, art and culture, fresh brisk mountain air, cold tasty fountain waters, and stars so close at night, you feel you can touch them and become part of the milky way to nowhere. Wake up in the mist slowly fading awing as the next day breaks. Yes we have got it all, almost 200 years later, nature at its best the way it was created in the beginning of time. Explore the history; the great trek with Louis Trichardt, the venda leaders and hanglip, schoemansdal, buysdorp since 1820. Makhado and Mphefu salt pans, where the name come from, the Soutpansberg is part of the vhembe biosphere reserve named biosphere reserve by unesco since 2009. The reserve includes the Blouberg range, the Kruger National Park, the Makgabeng Plateau, the Makuleke Wetlands and Mapungupwe Cultural Landscape. The short on the geography is the mountain, intersected by 2: Waterpoort (sandriver) west and Wylliespoort, which allows N1 road traffic to pass from Louis-Trichardt to Beitbridge and the Kruger National Park on a beautiful scenic journey. There is so much more visit us and we will tell it all.