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- Louis Trichardt - Northern Province
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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
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Day trips to the Kruger National Park, entering via the Punda
Maria gate. |
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Day trips to the closer Ben Lavin Nature reserve, where half and full day
mountain bike trails are available. |
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Hiking trails in the Soutpansberg and Hangklip mountains. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Contact Details
Tel/Fax: + 27 (0) 39 975 1466
Email:abemeyer@roamingafrica.com
ROAMING AFRICA OFFERS YOU AN
ALL AFRICA EXPERIENCE !
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