Nature Reserves
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Musina(Messina) Spot rare antelope and marvel at bizarre trees
Previously named Messina Baobab Forest Reserve for the highest density of baobab trees in South Africa, Musina Nature Reserve is also home to the rare sable antelope.
Other wildlife you are likely to see is giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland and other antelope. Drive the two-hour circular route or get on your mountain bike and check out the best baobab trees south of the Limpopo.
So can you unravel the mystery of the curious upside down tree? Much folklore about their secret power flourishes in the region. This amazing ‘tree of life’ provides for many creatures that eat the leaves and fruit, make homes in the bark, rest in the branches, and sip the nectar from the flowers.
Nature Reserves
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Vivo Home to 500 breeding pairs of endangered Cape Vultures, the far flung Blouberg Nature Reserve is a dream destination for twitchers and nature lovers.
Catch all the action from a hide at the ‘Vulture Restaurant’. Best visited during winter months, you will be able to see Lappet-faced Vulture, Hooded Vulture, White-headed Vulture and White-backed Vulture. An exciting rare visitor to southern Africa, Ruppell’s Vulture, is breeding in the Blouberg Colony.
Other raptors you might spot are the melanistic Gabar Goshawk, Eagle-Owl, brown snake-eagle, tawny eagle and a variety of owls. With a bird list of well over 225 recorded species it’s easy to tick off over 100 birds in a day.
Best loved are the resident flock of comical Crested Guineafowl. Other birds to look out for are Southern White-faced Scops-Owl, Greater Painted Snipe, Grey Tit-Flycacther, Red-backed Shrike, Crimson-Breasted Shrike and Kalahari Scrub-Robin.
The scenic landscape of Blouberg Nature Reserve covers a variety of habitats. Dry bushveld savannah interspersed with giant baobabs and mashatu trees, wetland and a small Sycamore fig forest. There are some wonderful hiking trails and opportunities to sight giraffe, zebra and various antelope on the plains.
Opening hours are 06:00 – 19:00
+27 (0)15 563 0702 or 083 251 9071
Nature Reserves
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Musina(Messina) Home to the elusive wild dog and four of the Big Five, Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve is an exciting addition to Mapungubwe National Park, the site of southern Africa’s first kingdom.
Here you can experience quintessential Africa in this World Heritage Site, just 80km from Musina in the Limpopo Valley.
Best loved for its wildlife, Venetia is known for amazing wildlife encounters including lion, elephant, black and white rhino and of course rare wild dogs. Radio tracking trips for wild dogs and lion are on offer and greatly increase the likelihood of seeing these favourite animals.
Characterised by ancient baobabs and rugged sandstone cliffs, the reserve harbours over 400 bird species. Trained guides point out the specials which include the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Meyer’s Parrot, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Three-banded courser, Meves’s Starling, Tropical Boubou and Senegal Coucal.
Besides radio tracking of wild dog or lion and bird watching trips with experts, the reserve offers a 4x4 eco route and guided walks to view Bushman paintings and fascinating archaeological sites. And a visit to Mapungubwe wouldn’t be complete without sundowners overlooking the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers!
Popular Attractions
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Soutpansberg Mashovhela, also traditionally known as “the place where the drums can be heard”, is the second most sacred place in Venda folklore. This sacred site is still used occasionally by sangomas in rain-making ceremonies. A few years ago the sangomas beat their drums - shortly after which Venda had the heaviest rains and most devastating floods in living memory.!According to Venda lore, the legendary and powerful King Thohoiyanda had a mystical drum, Ngoma Lungundo ('drum of the dead'). As his enemies approached this drum was beaten and his foes just dropped dead.One night, King Thohoiyanda and the sacred drum mysteriously disappeared from his royal kraal. Neither were ever seen again. It is believed he disappeared into the Western Soutpansberg, where Mashovhela Lodge is situated.Tradition has it that it is this sacred drum that can sometimes be heard in the echoes from the rock cliffs of Mashovhela Pool.Come and listen for the drum beating at Mashovhela.
Things to do near
Soutpansberg
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Four By Four Trails
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Clanwilliam (35 km from Soutpansberg) Biedouw 4x4 is located in the Cedarberg mountain area with the closest town, Clanwilliam, 54km away. The Biedouw 4x4 trail is 30 km in length and takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trail has a difficulty grading of 3 to 4 and a high clearance, low range 4x4 vehicle is needed.
The self-drive Beidouw 4x4 trail is best experienced during the months of August to September when the flowers are in bloom. The trail runs over a variation of sand and rock with steep ascents and descents. The waterfall and rock pools are a great pit stop for yourself and the whole family.
Please contact for further information.
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (42.5 km from Soutpansberg) The easy ramble to the striking Window Rocks, also called “Vensterklippe” in Afrikaans, is highly rewarding. Leave your car in the parking area for Stadsaal Caves and take the path signposted "Lot’s Wife".
Collect a map and permit from Dwarsrivier Farm or Algeria Forest Station (Cape Nature HQ for the Cederberg Wilderness). Follow the map to the start of the walk.
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (42.9 km from Soutpansberg) Collect a map and permit from Dwarsrivier Farm or Algeria Forest Station (Cape Nature HQ for the Cederberg Wilderness). Follow the map to the start of the walk.
The easily recognizable footpath is marked with cairns pointing the way to the 5-storey Maltese Cross. The out-and-return route starts with a mild uphill climb and then an easy downhill return along the same route. The entire trail offers superb views of the Cederberg Mountain range.
Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 7 km
Popular Attractions
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Wupperthal (44.3 km from Soutpansberg) Visit the oldest working shoe factory in South Africa. The factory produces 'veldskoene' (field shoes), traditional 100% leather shoes made and worn by the early settlers.
The factory was founded in 1836 by Johann Gottlieb Leipoldt, grandfather of the famous South African poet C. Louis Leipoldt. The town of Wupperthal is situated in the remote Tra-Tra valley near the Cederberg Wilderness Area in the Western Cape province of South Africa. To get to Wupperthal travel on the gravel road from Clanwilliam, via the Pakhuis Pass.
Galleries and Museums
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Clanwilliam (54.3 km from Soutpansberg) Bushman’s Cave ‘Bergteater’, or Mountain Theatre, is an open-air theatre set at the foot of the Cedarberg Mountains. This unique and life-long memorable experience is only 35 km from Clanwilliam on the Oude Muur Farm. Many a well-known artist has performed here with the Cedraberg Mountain cliff as their backdrop – Ollie Viljoen, Emo Adams, Romanz, Steve Hofmeyer and many more! For more program information go to Bushman’s Cave Bergteatre. The GPS coordinates of this theatre are unknown and so the closest town has been selected. Please contact for directions.
Four By Four Trails
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Clanwilliam (54.3 km from Soutpansberg) Bushman’s Cave has four 4x4 routes against and trough the Cedarberg Mountain. The farm is located 35 km from Clanwilliam but the GPS coordinates are unknown so please contact the establishment for more information. The trails have a grading between 2 and 5 and all experience levels are welcome. The trails total 30 km and take about 2 hours to complete.
Popular Attractions
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Clanwilliam (57.1 km from Soutpansberg) Clanwilliam is quite possibly one of the best venues for small-mouth bass fishing in South Africa.
Located in the Cedarberg Mountain Range about 250 km away from Cape Town, it's best used as an overnight fishing venue. Fish varieties include bluegill sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, plus the occasional clanwilliam yellowfish.
A freshwater licence is required which you can acquire at a post office.
Wine Estates
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Wellington (57.4 km from Soutpansberg) De Compagnie Wine Estate is situated in the Val du Charron, five km outside of Wellington. The farm is 27 hectares and lies in the narrow valley between the cliffs of the Hawekwa Mountains and Groenberg.
Visitors can enjoy not only the fantastic wine of the De Compagnie estate, but also its rich cultural environment. The owners of the the farm, Riana Scheepers and Johann Loubser, host cultural evenings with music and poetry in the historic cellar. Riana is also an award winning Afrikaans author and offers a creative writing course at De Compagnie.
There is a selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Privaatkeur wines to select from, as well as pot-still brandy.
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (61.2 km from Soutpansberg) Venture up a short, moderately steep trail from Algeria Forest Station up to Middelberg Waterfall. Start walking up the clearly signposted path at the end of the Algeria campsite. Take the path that forks to the left when you’re almost at the waterfall.
The waterfall offers stunning mountain and valley views. Make use of the small pool for a swim or picnic at a secluded rocky overhang.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (63 km from Soutpansberg) Seasoned hikers should only attempt the spectacular hike to the Wolfberg Arch via the Wolfberg Cracks.
Purchase permits and a map from the office at Dwarsrivier or Algeria Forest Station (Cape Nature HQ for the Cederberg Wilderness). The route starts 1.2 km from Sanddrif. Park your vehicle under the oak trees and head up the path to Wolfberg Cracks.
Once you reach the summit of Wolfberg Mountain, look for a path leading to Wolfberg Arch. Cairns mark sections of the path that are unclear. For a real wilderness experience, plan to camp out under the stars.
Duration: Cracks – 3.5 hours return, Cracks & Arch – 9 hours return
Difficulty: Tough
Four By Four Trails
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Vanrhynsdorp (66.8 km from Soutpansberg) This route is in the Maskam Mountain with stunning views of the valley.
The route itself is very challenging; you'll need skills and a real 4 x 4 vehicle to enjoy this ride. There are also braai facilities high up in the mountain. This is a very enjoyable and adventurous family outing.
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (67.2 km from Soutpansberg) Malgat, also called Hippo Pool, is a large natural pool downstream from Sanddrif. Backed by cliffs, the 50 x 30 m pool is a popular swimming spot in summer.
Permits for day visitors are obtainable from the Dwarsrivier office. (No day visitors over long weekends and school holidays).
Duration: 1.5 hours return
Difficulty: Easy
Shops
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Vanrhynsdorp (68.7 km from Soutpansberg) Situated off the N7, north of Vanrhynsdorp, the Knersvlakte Spens Nursery and Farm shop extends a warm welcome to travellers.
Here you can purchase indigenous succulents endemic to the Knersvlakte region from the nursery. The farm shop is loaded with traditional fare; shelves are well stocked with jams, preserves, springbok biltong, sticky sweet fudge, home bakes, and more.
The tearoom serves freshly brewed coffee and light treats. Open 7 days a week.
Mountain Biking Trails
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Cederberg (69 km from Soutpansberg) Grab a permit and map at Dwarsrivier for the 7.5 km Wolfberg Mountain Bike Trail. Remember to take lots of water, sunblock and a puncture kit.
Distance: 7.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Trail
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Cederberg (71.3 km from Soutpansberg) From Dwarsrivier, take the road towards Ceres until you see a Nature Conservation sign indicating the Stadsaal Caves. Permits can be purchased at the gate.
Walking to the Stadsaal Caves and rock art sites is really just a doddle from the parking area. From here, stroll to a string of open caves and see beautiful Bushman paintings depicting an era when elephants occurred in the Cederberg.
Duration: 30 minutes or an entire day can be spent exploring the area
Difficulty: Easy