Mashovhela Lodge

Accoommodation in the Soutpansberg Mountains and natural heritage site.

Description

Tucked away in a steep valley, surrounded by impressive rocky outcrops, on the site of an abandoned Venda setllement, lies our small lodge which gets its name from the sacred Mashovhela rock pool, "Place where the drums beat"

Our ten cozy rooms, restaurant, cocktail bar, conference venue, boma, swimming pool, arts and crafts shop where all built to minimize the ecological footprint and are run on a sustainable energy program.  The chalets, decorated by Ingrid Hahn, have a unique ethnic feel, whilst offering complete comfort and privacy. Children are accommodated in our family friendly units.

The call of bush babies, the hooting of Giant Eagle Owls and chirping of cicadas and frogs will break the silence of the night whilst you stretch out on our luxurious "king size" or twin beds.

From your own private veranda surrounded by "magube" walls you can enjoy a cocktail under the African sun, whilst watching the Black Eagles returning to their nest.

Facilities

Our excellent service and warm atmosphere is culturally inspired by the Venda people and will make the dining experiences a special occasion to remember.

The restaurant, terrace, boma and even the bush, as well as the fully licensed bar guarantees not only variations in food, fine South African wines, cocktails or a drink of your choice, but a different setting for various occasions.

Beautiful year round weather allows you the opportunity to breakfast in the bush at one of many archaeological sites, shadowed by a magnificent old, Baobab tree.

An individualized lunch is planned according to the day's activities.

The memorable dinners start as the sun sets and the drums call you to our African boma to join in a Venda dance to honour the chef for the creative and delicious meal to be served under the star filled sky.

Mashovhela Lodge is setting new standards for Eco-Tourism with its Green and Responsible Tourism policies, strict environmental and conservation policies, alternative energy usage and community development projects

Attractions

• Nature Hikes and Walking Safaris: Explore and investigate the diverse fauna and flora of this magnificently beautiful natural heritage site on foot. Marked trails take you across scenic valleys, along sparkling streams and through various indigenous forests.
• Mountain Biking: Leisurely cycle along our trails, which offer amazing scenery and the chance sighting of the rare Sharpe's Grysbok or one of the antelopes home to the reserve.
• Guided Walks and Drives: Let our resident Venda guide bring the bush alive whilst sharing knowledge on the natural wonders of the bush and the use thereof to man.
• Venda Drumming: Be revitalised through drumming sessions inspired by our Venda staff.
• Venda Dancing: As our local community treats you with their traditional dancing, singing and drumming, they invite you to join them.
• Venda Tours: Take a day tour to experience the lifestyle of the Venda people and explore mystical forests and hidden lakes in Venda, not generally visited by tourists.
• Venda Arts and Crafts tours: Visit local arts and crafts expressing their cultural and traditional heritage.
• Track Leopards: Help researchers track leopards at the Leopard Research Station on a neighbouring farm.
• Wild Dog Tracking: Track down this endangered animal at Venetia Mine Nature Reserve
• Mapungubwe National Park: Spend a day at this world heritage site and discover archaeological wonders.
• Northern Kruger National Park: View Africa's big 5 and take in Thulamela archaeological site where gold was smelted around 1300 AD.
• Musina Nature Reserve: Famous for its high number of Baobab trees.
• Nwanedi Nature Reserve: This beautiful reserve surrounding the Nwanedi Dam is well stocked with game and boasts an impressive waterfall.
• Tshipise Hot Springs: Relax in the hot waters that bubble out of the earth's crust. Dzata Ruins and Museum of the Drum: Site of the VhaVenda royal village dating back to 1400 AD
• Big Tree at Sagole Spa: The world's oldest and largest Baobab tree, estimated at 3000 years and with a circumference of 43 meters.
• Tshimbubfe: Archaeological site containing iron furnaces dating back to 1250 AD
• Blouberg Nature Reserve: The largest colony of Cape Vultures

Rates

Please note: Rates serve as a guideline only and are subject to change without notice.

Tariffs include accommodation; breakfast, lunch & dinner; teas & coffee and 14% Vat.
Unless otherwise arranged tariffs exclude guided activities, all beverages and gratuities.

BED & BREAKFAST:

Tariffs include accommodation; breakfast, teas & coffee and 14% Vat. Unless otherwise arranged tariffs exclude guided activities, all beverages and gratuities.

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