Accommodation: En-suite rooms in a luxury lodge
Activities: Hikes, 4x4 trails, game drives, night drives, guided walk, birding, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, Venda cultural interaction
Highlights: Award winning Eco lodge that incorporates Venda culture
The beautiful Morning Sun Nature Reserve in Limpopo is a natural heritage site and ideal for bush retreats in comfort. Tucked away in the malaria-free Soutpansberg Mountains, guests can see wildlife and explore this magnificent area which is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. The reserve makes an excellent stop en-route to the north and can be reached by car in 5 hours from Johannesburg or by flight to Polokwane airport.
Mashovhela is an eco-friendly lodge in South Africa, located on the Morning Sun Nature Reserve. This area is the home of the Venda people and has a fascinating history. Lodge guests can enjoy wonderful bush walks and 4x4 drives with a Venda guide, and discover the myths and legends surrounding the sacred forests and hidden lakes. The name of the lodge is taken from scenic Mashovhela rock pool, an ancient site and hallowed ground in Venda folk lore.
Mashovhela Lodge is built on an abandoned Venda settlement and the style and décor reflects the distinctive character of this culture. There are a number of terraces, a veranda and a boma (outdoor enclosure) where guests can relax in the dappled shade enjoying great food and refreshments. The Drumbeat restaurant serves international cuisine and exciting new flavours in an ethnic setting and the cocktail bar is fully licensed.
Mashovhela Lodge has been awarded a Gold Leaf for eco-tourism practices by the Wilderness Foundation Green Leaf Standard and is a winner of the South African Tourism Welcome Award for the best Lodge in South Africa for 2009/2010.