~ Louis Trichardt ~ Limpopo Province ~ South Africa ~

Location

Set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, holy lakes and sacred ruins, Shiluvari is the ideal base from which to explore this fascinating rich and diverse "Land of Legend" On the banks of the Albasini Dam, overlooking the Luonde mountain range, Shiluvari's cool, thatched chalets are beautifully situated - choose between thatched cottages overlooking the Dam and mountains, or rooms overlooking the water inlet and bushveld on the other side.

Shiluvari is set in the heart of Ancient Venda, and is in close proximity to many arts and crafts routes, the Kruger National Park (Punda Maria Gate), as well as central to the N1 highway heading North.

Facilities

6 thatched cottages - all overlook the Albasini Dam and Luonde Mountains. All cottages come equipped with attached kitchenette and lounge area, private verandah with barbeque area, overhead fans and mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities, fridge and en-suite bathroom with shower or bath, or both.

6 standard rooms - all overlook the water inlet and bushveld on the other side of the Dam. All standard rooms come with en-suite bathroom with bath or shower, mosquito nets, tea/coffee facilities and outdoor verandah.

1 Family suite - the Mukhondeni Suite - a beautifully decorated thatched cottage with 2 bedrooms and upper mezzanine level. This suite can easily sleep 2 couples, as well as maximum 6 children on the upper level. The suite is decorated with local vibrant Venda fabric and artifacts and faces both sides of the Dam - the master bedroom overlooking the Albasini Dam and mountains and the second bedroom overlooking the water inlet at the back.

En-suite bathroom as separate bath and shower as well as a beautiful outside shower. Privacy is complete with a private verandah area with barbeque facilities. Also with mosquito netting, overhead fans and kitchenette with fridge, microwave/tea/coffee facilities.

Activities

	Day trips to the Kruger National Park, entering via the Punda Maria gate.
	Day trips to the closer Ben Lavin Nature reserve, where half and full day mountain bike trails are available.
	Hiking trails in the Soutpansberg and Hangklip mountains.
	Birding: Shiluvari is a bird watchers paradise, and is home to both the montaine and riverine bird species. Shiluvari has recorded over 140 bird species on it's property and includes the African finfoot, the green backed night Heron, Osprey, and all Kingfisher species.
	Arts and crafts route: Shiluvari is situated in the heart of the rich and diverse Venda and Shangaan culture, famous for their multi talented arts and crafts. Take one of the artists route and see local potters, wood carvers, textile weavers and bead makers all in their own villages. Guided half or full day tours to the artists are also available.
	Venda Legends route: Take a journey to the ancient spirits, and appease the python God….The heart of Venda takes a look at the secrets of Lake Fundudzi and the Holy Forests, where legend has it t he Giant python God of fertility dwells that demands the sacrifice of a maiden each year. The Thathe Vondo Forest is a beautiful indigenous forest that incorporates the sacred burial ground of the chiefs of the Thathe Clan, while the scenic Phiphidi Falls are believed to be the home of the water spirits that foster good relations with the ancestral spirits. …Stop at the Tshakuma fruit market along the way and stock up on the abundance of tropical fruit from the Levubu valley. Guided full of half day tours can also be arranged.
	Baobab meander: The Baobab is the undisputed King of the savannah trees of Africa and occurs mainly north of the Soutpansberg mountains and in the extreme North of the Kruger Park. The Giant tree is surrounded by Legend, one of which explains the root like branches by saying that the Gods, in a frivolous mood, planted the trees upside down, exposing the roots!! A winding road leads down the northern slopes of the mountain range through dramatic countryside. Aloes, mopane and giant baobab trees occur along the route to the hot mineral pools, game farms and citrus farms of Tshipise. The BIG TREE, the largest Baobab in the country with a girth of 43 m can be found near the Sagole Spa and the scenic Nwanedi national park. The park is situated 75 km's north of Thoyoyandou on the R525.
	The Messina Nature Reserve, established to preserve the Baobabs of the area, over a hundred mature specimens of the fascinating tree can be seen. The strikingly beautiful reserve also contains the world's oldest datable rock, a piece of granite gneiss 3852 million years old, and provides sanctuary to many game and bird species.
	Sunset cruises: Shiluvari has it's own motorised raft, the "Savannah" which is used for sunset cruises along the Levubu river. Sip a gin and tonic, whilst keeping an eye out for the resident Hippo or croc…..Snacks and drinks are served aboard.

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