Ribolla Open Africa Route

Limpopo is renowned for its arts, crafts and design. Some of the province’s most acclaimed crafters, better described as artists, include Noria Mabaso, Jackson Hlungwane, Phineas Masivhelele and Sarah Munyai, just to mention a few who are resident along the Ribolla Route. There are traditional dancers, storytellers, gardeners, and singers to be seen on this route, in traditional Shangaan and Venda villages where visitors can stay overnight at rondavels or in luxury accommodation such as Shiluvari Lake Lodge. Here one can experience the culture and traditional way of life of the people of this region and the history of Louis Trichardt.

The Ribolla Route is in the crown of the rainbow nation, where the Drakensberg mountain range ends. Ribolla is the name of a mountain in the area. Limpopo province is a region of extraordinary myths and legends, of great and ancient kingdoms. This is where the queen Modjadji makes rain, where young women dance like pythons, where rhinos are made of gold, where clay pottery is made and where the best wood sculptures are found.

Throughout this Land of Legends people will welcome you in the traditionally hospitable African manner. You will sense compelling links with the past in the traditions and dances. This is the essence of Limpopo.

Establishment of the route:

The Transnet Foundation has for a long time been interested in assisting with development in the Louis Trichardt District Municipality area and in particular supporting the artistic talents of many of its inhabitants. Recognising that these people are not only talented but also hard-working and dedicated, the Transnet Foundation believes that this route will widen the exposure of their own strengths.

Route Location:

Ribolla Route is situated 23ºS and 30ºE, in the northernmost parts of South Africa in Limpopo (previously known as Northern Province). It is situated along the route to the Kruger National Park, which is one of Africa’s finest parks, and stretches from the northern parts of the Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) area along the N1 route towards Musina, formerly known as Messina, on the border of Zimbabwe, before joining the R524 and R523 to the Punda Maria Gate at Kruger National Park. Here the Ribolla Route joins the Hlanganani Route in the eastern part of Limpopo.

The route covers the four primary areas of Venda, Elim, Louis Trichardt and Giyani. This includes villages such as Njhaka-Njhaka, Mbokota, Mukondeni, Vuwani, Tshakhuma, Bungeni, Tsianda, Makulana, Mashamba, Makuyini, Mpheni, Shirley, Tshivhase and Thohoyandou, Giyani and Elim, while Louis Trichardt is the main town in the region. The route is about four hours’ drive from Gauteng and one hour from Polokwane (Pietersburg).

A brief history of Venda:

This far north-eastern corner of Limpopo became the home of migrant groups of people seeking peace and sanctuary. In this 'pleasant land', Venda, they found high mountains, peaceful valleys, an abundance of clear water and some of the finest indigenous forests in Southern Africa. In the silence of these forests many legends were born, telling of the spirits of the water and the sacred guardians of hidden lakes and ancient burial places.

The VhaVenda culture is steeped in the spirit world and finds expression in their dances, woodcarvings, pottery and the decoration of their buildings. The Venda people are regarded as among the finest artists in Africa and their original works are collected worldwide.

The best-known Venda dance is the domba, which is performed during initiation ceremonies. The domba drum is a prized possession, intricately carved in wood. Generations of carvers have kept this craft alive, and an open-air workshop near Mutale is worth a visit.

Thohoyandou is the former capital of what was the nominally independent 'homeland' of Venda and the proud heart of the VhaVenda people. The name means 'head of the elephant' in tshiVenda. The town is the commercial, administrative and legislative centre for the district. It is a bustling centre of commerce, well served with shopping complexes, an interesting museum and an international standard hotel and casino.

Thohoyandou is situated in the southern part of Venda, on the main road between Louis Trichardt and the Kruger National Park. This is the lush agricultural centre of Venda, with its banana plantations, acres of sub-tropical fruit, tobacco and maize lands. Coffee and tea plantations grace the higher slopes. It is a well-populated area, dotted with tidy villages. Each home expresses the character of its owner, low encircling walls being delightfully decorated with traditional motifs.

Visit the sacred lake Fundudzi, which lies at the heart of VhaVenda mysticism.

The Thathe Vondo Forest, with its giant hardwoods, tumbling streams with canopies of trees ferns and creepers, is an impenetrable and mysterious place. It contains the Sacred Forest, where one may not walk for fear of angering the ancestral spirits. Even the VhaVenda common folk are forbidden here, as it hides the burial place of the chiefs of the Thathe clan.

Activities and Attractions:

Big Tree:

The largest baobab in the country, over 3 000 years old, with a girth of 43m, is found near the Sagole Spa 35km from Nwanedi Nature Reserve in the Venda region.

Dzata Ruins and Museum of the Drum:

Site of the VhaVenda royal village dating back to 1400 AD. The history of the Venda is depicted and the ruins with their dry-stone walls can be explored. On the R523 between Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt.

Kokwane Prehistoric Footprints:

Near Louis Trichardt north of the Soutpansberg on the R523.

Levubu Tree Park:

A scenic park in the garden of the Dutch Reformed Church in Levubu near Thohoyandou.

Lwamondo Hill:

A photogenic hill, named after a clan whose stronghold it still is. A troop of sacred baboons still keeps watch over this place. Their task was to warn the Lwamondo of any intruders by barking fiercely. A shower of rocks and arrows would then disperse the enemy. The baboons are protected to this day. Between Tshakuma and Shayandima on the R524 road.

Makuya Park:

Adjacent to the Kruger National Park between the Mutale and Levubu rivers near Tshikondeni coal mine, east of Masisi.

Mphaphuli Cycad Reserve:

A nature reserve and hiking route on the Mutale Road near the Makonde Village, east of Thohoyandou.

Nwanedi National Park:

In the wooded foothiils of the Soutpansberg, where the Nwanedi River and its tributary, the Luphephe River, meet, twin dams have been built. These form the hub of a resort area with comfortable accommodation. The park is extensive, 11 170ha, and well stocked with game. About 20km east of Tshipise on the R525 road, 75km north of Thohoyandou.

Pafuru Picnic Spot:

One of the best birding spots in South Africa in the northern Kruger National Park is the Pafuru picnic spot, where visitors can see a wide variety of bird species.

Phiphidi Falls and Guvhukuvhu Pool:

Visitors are urged to respect the fact that locals consider this tranquil place a sacred site. On the R523 road between Sibasa and the tea plantation.

Sagole Spa and Village:

The village of Sagole, in the north of Venda, flourishes as the natural hot spring attracts visitors to the area. Tshikovha, a local herbalist and diviner of international repute, can be visited by arrangement. This is also the area where the biggest boabab tree is found.

Thathe Vondo Forest:

A magnificent forest on the R523 road between Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt. The forest contains the Thathe Vondo tea estate, the Sacred Forest, Mahovhohovho Falls, Mukumbani Dam and Lake Fundudzi.

Thulamela:

An archaeological site where Africans smelted gold around 1300AD, in the northern region of what is now the Kruger National Park.

Tshakuma Village:

A place to see the rich African culture, with Venda sculptors and crafters plying their trade.

Tshatshingo Potholes:

On the Thohoyandou/Mutale Road turn left to the potholes at Khubve Village.

Tshimbubfe:

A crucial archaeological site containing iron furnaces dating back to 1250AD. Visits can be organised through the guide.

Brief history of Louis Trichardt

Louis Trichardt is an important commercial, industrial and residential centre in the northern region, a true 'gateway to Africa'. Situated at the foot of the densely forested Soutspansberg range near the Zimbabwean border and the Kruger National Park, in a fertile, rapidly growing agricultural area, LouisTrichardt has become one of Limpopo’s premier business and tourist destinations.

LouisTrichardt lies 100km north of Polokwane and 100km south of the Beit Bridge border post that separates South Africa from Zimbabwe. The N1 passes through Louis Trichardt and forms part of the Maputo sub-corridor. It has a population of 120 000 and 600 000 people live within a 50km radius.

The town Louis Trichardt was named after the Voortrekker leader Louis Trichardt. There is a memorial commemorating this brave man, who wanted to move as far away as possible from British rule and was part of the Great Trek in 1838. After an arduous trip Trichardt and his wife died of malaria.

The Church of the Covenant was built after the battle between the early settlers and the Venda people. Fort Hendrina was a mobile fort used during the Anglo-Boer War. Schoemansdal Open Air Museum portrays the way of life of those early pioneers.

Several routes around LouisTrichardt take in the interesting characteristics of the area, such as the fruit route, where one can visit the farms where a variety of fruit and nuts are produced. The arts and craft route in the Elim area takes in sisal mats, candles, silk-screen prints, batik articles, traditional Venda pots and woodcarvings. It is also possible to see the way of life of the Tsonga/Shangaan people.

A wide variety of hiking, horse and mountain bike trails, guided or unguided, can be undertaken, such as the Soutpansberg Hiking Trail (two days circular, 21km); Ben Lavin Nature Reserve (18km of walking trails); Greater Kuduland (guided and unguided game walks) and Medike Mountain Reserve (scenic mountain and riverine trails). 4x4 routes are extremely popular.

Elim

Elim is an area situated next to the hospital of the same name. This is a small town that caters for most of the villages around the area. The residential area apparently developed as a result of the establishment of the hospital in the region.  

Attractions and Activities in the Elim Region:

Albasini Dam:

Named after Joao Albasini and built on his farm, 25km from LouisTrichardt on the Levubu Road, or 12km from Elim on the Levubu/Vuwani Road. Boating and angling can be done here.

Elim Hospital:

A small museum in the Elim Hospital commemorating the work of Swiss doctors and missionaries in South Africa. Famous for their research on glaucoma. Turn left off the N1 onto the R578 road towards Giyani via Elim, south of Louis Trichardt. Entrance is to the left at 4-way stop at Elim.

Grave of Joao Albasini:

A gravesite commemorated annually by the local Shangaan for a man who became their chief and the Portuguese Vice-Consul in the early 1800's. Opposite picnic spot at dam wall.

Lemana College of Education:

A newly proclaimed national monument near Elim Hospital was established in 1908 as one of the first institutions of higher education in the area.

Mambedi Tea Estates:

These beautiful estates can be viewed by appointment. On the Elim/Levubu/Vuwani road between Elim and Levubu.
Tel. +27 015 556 3135

Mashamba Potters:

Traditional Venda pottery on the R578 road at the Riverplaats turn-off after crossing the mountain. Left to Mashamba Post Office.

Tsonga Textiles:

Some of the most creative local textile designs are on offer here. Cross the four-way stop at Elim, on the R578, continue up the mountain, turn left at the Shirley farm road.

Lake Fundudzi and Domba Dance:

Useful Links

http://www.limpopotourism.org.za

http://www.parks-sa.co.za

http://www.southafrica.net

http://www.vhembe.gov.za

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