Arts and crafts and traditional stories about the great people of the VhaVenda are the main reasons why people will want to visit Venda, in Limpopo.
The Limpopo province, often regarded as the country's best kept secret, is coming into its own.
The recently launched Ribolla Open Africa Route promises to bring the work of some of South Africa's most talented artists, sculptors and craftsmen into the limelight.
The new route, known among locals as the Venda art route, meanders through beautiful rural areas, taking in the workshops and galleries of sculptors and artists such as Noria Mabasa, Jackson Hlungwani, Phineas Masivhelele, Sarah Munyai, Churchill Mazivandila and David Murathi.
Their carvings and artwork adorn galleries, offices and homes in many parts of the world - yet few South Africans know of them.
The Ribollo route has the support of local communities and will undoubtedly place the region firmly on the map of mainstream tourism.
It includes basket makers such as David Khoza, textile manufacturers from Twananani, weavers from Pfananani, beadworkers from Khomisani and Tintswalo and potters from Mukondeni as well as crafters, drum-makers and fabric co-operatives.
In fact, even Elim, the famous hospital where missionaries have worked for more than a century, along with guest houses, lodges and the local Rivoni Society for the Blind, contribute to the new tourism route.
The Mukondeni Pottery Village, for instance, was started by Munyai, now aged 83, who has taught women how to make clay pots. These are decorated in the traditional style of the Venda and Tsonga people.
There is no reason to say, "But where do we stay in Limpopo?" There is plenty of accommodation, ranging from farms and guest houses, to mountain lodges and even a lakeside lodge.
In fact, Shiluvari in Limpopo was recently certified as one of five Fair Trade in Tourism products in the country - an award which recognises businesses committed to fair trade principles.
The Ribolla route stretches from Louis Trichardt, now Makhado, in the west to Elim and Giyani, before turning northwards towards Thohoyandou and back.
While the arts and crafts are destined to be the main drawcard, once visitors have experienced this land of legends, they will want to return.
Who, for instance, could resist the story of the sacred Lake Fundudzi where, legend has it, a maiden was sacrificed to a great white python in the hope he would command rain for the region? The sacrifice became an integral part of Venda tradition and though young women are certainly not fed to pythons, they do the famous Domba (python) dance at their initiation.
Hear scared tales, see ancient royal VhaVenda ruins
Visitors who take the time to stay over at the Luvhola Cultural Village are offered a five-hour traditional feast at which they can learn about the cultural styles of villages.
On story-telling evenings they are told sacred tales about Lake Fundudzi, the Holy Forest, the Tshatshingo potholes, the iron furnace, the Lemba custom and much more. Traditional food is served at the fireplace.
The list of things to do and see is long, but here are some of the attractions along the Ribolla route:
- Dzata ruins and the museum of the drum: this is the site of the VhaVenda royal village dating back to AD1400.
- Lwamondo Hill: a troop of sacred baboons keep watch over this place. In the old days it was their task to warn the Lwamondo of intruders. The baboons are protected to this day.
- Nwanedi National Park.
- Phiphidi Falls and Guvhukuvhu Pool are sacred spots.
- Sagole Spa and village: the hot springs attract visitors. Tshikovha, a local herbalist and diviner of international repute, can be consulted by arrangement. This is also where the biggest baobab is found.
- Thathe Vondwe Forest: the Thathe tea estate, Mahovhohovho falls, Mukumbani Dam and Lake Fundudzi lie within the forest.
- Tshakuma Village: here visitors are given a close look at rich African culture, with Venda sculptors and craftspeople offering their wares.
- Tshatshingo Potholes
- Tshimbufe: this is an archaeological site containing iron furnaces dating to AD1250. Visits can be organised through a guide.
- Ben Lavin Nature Reserve: it contains fascinating archaeological sites, more than 160 tree species and 50 mammal species. A good place for mountain biking, hiking, birding and game drives.
- Elim Hospital: there is a small museum commemorating the work of the Swiss doctors and missionaries in South Africa.
The primary contact for the route is Aldrin Ndalani at the Ribolla Tourism Association based at Elim Hospital. Call 015 556 4262 or e-mail: [email protected]. Visit the website: www.limpopotourism.org.za or www.parks-sa.co.za
Guides are available at reasonable rates. The Ribolla Open Africa Route is near two other routes, Hlanganani and Vuyani Kaya. Another route is now being prepared.
- This article was originally published on page 22 of The Sunday Tribune on July 11, 2004