Culture in Limpopo Province

To experience culture in Limpopo one doesn't have to travel very far, and there are so many places it is just too much to mention. So here are a few.

Dzata Ruins

Dzata Ruins is between Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Thohoyandou. Thohoyandou was the former capital of the Republic of Venda, is the proud heart of the VhaVenda. Its name means in TshiVenda head of the elephant. Dzata dates back to 1400 and is the remnants of a VhaVenda royal village. It is believed that King Dambanyika and later Thohoyandou ruled over the village which was occupied for about 60 years. The stones found in the ruins resemble those found at the Zimbabwe ruins.

Ribolla open Africa Route

The route showcases some of the province's crafters including Noria Mabasa, Jackson Hlungwane, Phineas Masuvhelele and Sarah Munyai. Traditional dancers, storytellers and singers are also included in the route and you can even stay over in traditional accommodation

Ancestral home of Modjadji

Modjadji was the rain queen of Limpopo. It is believed that she fled from Zimbabwe after falling pregnant with her half brothers child and then settled in Limpopo to practice her rainmaking skills. She passed her reign to her successor who was trained in rainmaking rituals. A cycad forest is located just above the royal enclosure of Modjadji which has been declared a nature reserve. The previous queen died in 2005.

Vhatsonga Cultural Village

The Vhasonga Cultural Village is owned and operated by the Tsonga community and is located in the middle of Elim. You can experience storytelling, music, dance and even some traditional food of the Tsonga culture. It is also possible to visit a traditional healer.

Giyani

Various traditional crafts - pottery, woodcarving, beadwork and traditional dressmaking in particular - are on view and for sale in and around Giyani.

Mapuve Pottery is a fine example of natural vhaTsonga art. These clay pots are traditionally used as beer pots (jomela) and as pots to store and cool liquids (makhuwani). The pots have a commercial value and are usually bought for interior decorating purposes in homes throughout South Africa. Several women currently work full-time to make these pots. Mapuve Pottery is situated on the way to Nkuri Village.

The Hanyanyani Community Project, which consists of women doing beadwork, making grass mats and wood carvings and they are situated approximately 30 km before Giyani.You can also explore Baleni Camp on the same road, which forms part of the African Ivory Route. Baleni Camp is situated in a remote and tranquil mopani forest on the banks of the Klein Letaba River at Sautini, which means the place of salt. Baleni provides a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of the local VaTsonga community, including their salt-mining activities. If you want to stay over it will be in traditional huts.

Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum

This museum is located in a village reconstructed in the style used by the Northern Sotho people about 250 years ago. You can view the architecture of the Sotho people and also buy some crafts from the villagers. Look at demonstrations for fire making, Maize grinding, beer making and handcraft that is done by the locals daily.

Find accommodation in the Limpopo province in Polokwane /Pietersburg, Makhado /Louis Trichardt and many other towns on www.stay-southafrica.co.za.