Best of Limpopo (ITT)

Kurisa Moya is an amazingly beautiful nature lodge in the Northern / Limpopo Province of South Africa. This haven is nestled in the Northern Drakensberg escarpment and overlooks the breathtaking Kudu's River Valley and is only 45 minutes from the city of Pietersburg / Polokwane and 20 minutes from the mountain village of Haenertsburg and the beautiful Magoebaskloof. This piece of paradise, truly embodies its Xitsonga name, Kurisa Moya, meaning Tranquil Spirit as it is a place where you can revive your soul.

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The Farmhouse Thora Boloka Cottage The Forest Lodge Cabin: Birdsong The Forest Lodge Cabin: Tree Tops The Dula

This spacious, comfortable off-the-grid Farmhouse in a mountain-forest setting, is made for socialising. Five en-suite bedrooms offer privacy perfect for a family or group of friends since it is booked out to one group only. Solar / Gas appliances.

Thora Boloka is a private hideaway with spectacular views over the valley and a million stars. Off-the-grid with solar and gas appliances, it is perfect for a couple or a family with a double bed downstairs and 4 single beds in the loft rooms upstairs.

High in the canopy of the indigenous forest, each self-contained, private Forest Lodge Cabin is perfect for a couple, with a deck, braai and fireplace. A child can stay in a single beds in the loft room. No kids under 8. (Solar lights and gas appliances)

High in the canopy of the indigenous forest, each self-contained, private Forest Lodge Cabin is perfect for a couple, with a private deck and fireplace. 2 Kids can stay in single beds in the loft room. No kids under 8. (Solar lights and gas appliances)

The Dula is a rustic, quirky, self-contained, off-the-grid cottage with spectacular views to the mountains and complete privacy from the world - perfect for a couple's hideaway. The Dula is only accessible by 4x4 high clearance vehicle.

Nahakwe Lodge has 19 stand alone, en-suite rooms, each sleeping two people. The chalets and rondawels provide a view into the vibrant local area. The central facilities include a large restaurant with lounge and pub, a craft shop, conference facility, pool and party lapa.

The lodge is situated just 90 minutes north of Polokwane towards the Kruger Park.

Nahakwe Lodge is ideally situated for tourists wishing to explore the Ribola Art Route, the artistic centre of Limpopo Province. It is also within an easy drive for visiting the salt harvesters at Baleni, the famous Modjadji Cycad reserve and the adventure-filled Magoebaskloof area. (ITT)

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Entrance to Restaurant Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Enjoy drinks on the deck under a giant maroela tree

Rondavel room Credit: Nahakwe Lodge With double bed and en-suite

Chalet bedroom Credit: Nahakwe Lodge With 2 x 3/4 beds

Chalet Credit: Nahakwe Lodge The beds out of which the lunar eclipse was watched and captured

Rondawel Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Relaxing at Nahakwe Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Lilac Twilight Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

The Dining Hall Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

The Walk Up Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Sunset from the Pool Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Nahakwe Lodge in summer Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Stand alone chalets in a natural environment

A Road at the Lodge Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Orange Dust Road Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Not quite The Wizard of Oz, but at least you won't find a faker at the end

Thomas Kubayi Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Internationally renowned carver, Thomas Kubayi, teaching a guest carving techniques

The Elders Credit: Nahakwe Lodge The chief's highly respected aunts - known as 'The Princesses' - who maintain the oral tradition of the community. Photographed at the opening of the Nahakwe Lodge

Playing Moruba Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Locals playing Moruba, a Mancala-type strategy game which they are more than happy to teach, on one of the biggest outdoor tables of its kind

Local Beadwork Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A beautiful headpiece locally made

Local Sewing Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A pattern being sewed by a local lady

Agnes Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A local beader, Agnes, inspecting her work

Lady in Orange Credit: Nahakwe Lodge One of the beautiful local ladies in a colourful head wrap

Local Crafter Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A local lady sewing her wares

Local Production Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

In Blue and Beads Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A few local ladies in beautiful attire

Potter at work Credit: Nahakwe Lodge A local lady working her clay into a pot

Local Ladies Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Taking a call while working Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Local Beadwork Credit: Nahakwe Lodge An example of the beautiful bead-work of the local people

Fabrics of the locals Credit: Nahakwe Lodge The colourful fabrics the local people use in their crafts

Local Wares Credit: Nahakwe Lodge The products of the local people

Displaying their wares Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Some ladies displaying their produced clothes

Local man shopping Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Thomas Kubayi Credit: Nahakwe Lodge Thomas displaying his wares

This way to your rooms Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Thomas Kubayi's sign Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

For when catering is done en masse Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Sundowners on the deck Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Thomas Kubayi with a guest Credit: Nahakwe Lodge He will happily show you the ropes, and carving tools, of wood carving

Three local children Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Blue, but still smiling Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

A local in bright clothes Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Bright clothes for bright ladies Credit: Nahakwe Lodge

Rondawel Chalet

Double bed, en-suite with bath, shower & toilet, TVs tea & coffee tray, outside veranda.

2 x ¾ beds, en-suite with bath, shower & toilet, TV, tea & coffee tray, outside veranda.

Property Facilities

24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Eco Friendly, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Detached Private Bathroom, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Paid), Pure Cotton Linen, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah

Available Services

Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Walks (Self Guided)

Activities Nearby

Adrenaline Activities, Art Galleries, Battlefield Tours, Big 5, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Tree-top Canopy Tours, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours

Elim Art Route Carving with Thomas Kubayi Moruba at Mamaila Bar Sewing and crafts Joining with the Community Modjadji Cycad Reserve Adventure tourism

Crafters and artists on the Elim Art routeare 30 minutes away. Meet and engage with artists of the calibre of Thomas Kubayi, the Twananani Co-Operative & Mukumbani Pottery Co-operative. They are inviting and lovely to meet and very happy to discuss their wares. For guests who don't have the time to visit artists at their homes/studios, the Nahakwe Lodge craft shop has a fascinating range of local art and craft available for sale.

Join Thomas Kubayi for a full day workshop in traditional carving techniques – 45 minutes from the Lodge. This world-renowned wood carver is generous with his knowledge and will teach even those who start with no carving skills.

The local Mamaila Bar Lounge is host to one of the biggest out-door moruba boards in use in Limpopo. Guests wanting to learn to play this mancala-type game can ask the Lodge to arrange a friendly local expert to coach them.

For those who are interested in sewing, Mamaila shops and sewing co-operative offer a remarkable opportunity to learn the techniques and colour-matches that make the traditional attire of the Sepedi, Bolubedu and Tsonga so famous. Hands-on lessons can be arranged, and shopping expeditions to purchase a range of local fabric become part of the experience.

Old traditions around dance, beadwork and cooking of speciality foods are all practiced in the local area. Nahakwe Lodge can arrange for guests to participate and learn from the community experts.

Explore the world-famous Modjadji Cycad Reserve, 80kms from the Lodge. Popularly known as the 'Garden of the Rain Queen' the Modjadji Cycad reserve is home to a unique range of indigenous cycads, some as tall as 13 metres. A network of paths through the cycad forest offers the visitor an extraordinary opportunity to see both the cycads, as well as excellent birdlife.

For those looking for adrenalin-pumping activities, Nahakwe is 100kms from the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours, and a range of other outdoor adventures in Magoebaskloof.

Nahakwe Restraunt

An à la carte on site for both guests as well as outside visitors. Available for group as well as individual catering

Baleni is an environment where nature, economy and spiritualism have a rich integration. With an economy strongly dependent on traditional salt-mining, visiting Baleni allows the responsible traveller the opportunity to see how modern people integrate ancient traditions and techniques into their 21st century lives.

Baleni Camp is situated near the banks of the Klein Letaba River, on land belonging to the Mahumani Traditional Authority. Staff from Baleni can take guests for a walk down to a geo-thermal hot spring – the only undeveloped hot spring in Southern Africa. Maintaining a water temperature of around 42 degrees, this spring is a sacred site for the local Tsonga community. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance of the spring, and educate you in the expected terminologies and behaviour for visitors.

During the winter months guests can watch local ladies making salt from the crystals that are deposited from the Soutini spring. This is an ancient skill and of important economic value to the people of the area. (Salt-making demonstrations can be arranged for a fee at any time of the year – please pre-book.) In addition, with prior arrangement, guests can do a trip into the local village to meet crafters and residents of the area. An additional optional activity (prior arrangement required) is dancing by the vibrant Mbhombhela Dancing Group who not only entertain, but will also spend time teaching you to dance with a Xibelani skirt. If you’ve enjoyed the vibe, you can even buy the traditional beads and clothing the dancers wear.

Baleni is a place to experience – not just observe! Baleni Cultural Camp has 5 stand-alone thatched rondavels, each with two ¾ beds, chairs and a bedside stand. Ablutions are communal, with flush toilets, shower and basins. There is no electricity, and paraffin or solar lanterns are provided for light at night. If planning to braai or make a fire, don’t forget to bring firewood. While it is safe to drink, some people don’t like the taste of the local water, so you are advised to bring your own bottled drinking water. This is a low-risk malaria area. Precautions are advised. (ITT)

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Hut at Baleni camp Huts sleep two people. Camp has communal ablutions.

Dining room Communal dining room in Baleni camp

Salt harvesters Mamma Maria making salt at Baleni

Mountain biking at Baleni Credit: Jacques Marais Cattle paths provide single track MTB routes around Baleni

Tsonga women at Baleni Members of the local Tsonga community

Learn the Xibelani skirt dances Watch, and participate in local dancing at Baleni

Parting the bush

Cabin covered by trees

Collected Salt

White Bellied Sunbird

Full Service Accommodation only

Traditional huts with 2 three quarter beds and mosquito nets. En-suite bathrooms. Linen provided. Communal dining and braai areas. Limited 12V solar electricity with USB charging facilities.

Traditional huts with 2 three quarter beds and mosquito nets. En-suite bathrooms. For self-catering guests, there is a communal kitchen (fridge, crockery & cutlery provided). Communal dining and braai areas. Limited electricity with 12V solar and USB charging facilities.

Property Facilities

Barbeque Facilities, Eco Friendly, Meal on Request

Room Facilities

Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Cycling, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)

Visiting the Salt Harvesters Visit Ka Mkhulu Sacred Spring Bird Watching Walking, Hiking and Biking

The main attraction at Baleni is the salt harvesters. These ladies make salt by hand in an ancient tradition that is economically important to the region. Visitors are given a demonstration on the techniques at each stage of the process and are invited to participate. The camp guides provide interpretation.

The camp guides take you down to visit their sacred springs and explain to you the significance of them. After washing away your bad luck you can visit Ka Mukhulu, another important geographical location

Like most of Limpopo, Baleni has a wide range of birds which you can view at your leisure

There are plenty of walks and hikes to do in and around Baleni. You are also welcome to take your bicycle for a spin, although there are no officially demarcated tracks.

On the banks of the Great Letaba River, about one hour north of Phalaborwa and inside the provincial reserve of Letaba Ranch, is a jewel called Mtomeni Safari Camp. Named after the Jackleberry trees that shade the safari tents, this is the perfect place to sit and watch the game accessing the water below the camp.

Visitors to Mtomeni Safari Camp have access to game drives, or guided walks in the morning and the evening. The reserve’s “No self-drive” policy means that guided game drives give guests an opportunity to see both the river areas along the Great Letaba, as well as the mopani veld of Letaba Ranch.
Unfenced from the Kruger National Park, Letaba Ranch is well known for its large herds of elephant and buffalo. The reserve is also a hot-spot for African Wild Dog sightings.

Given that the camp is unfenced and on the banks of the Great Letaba River, there is frequent animal activity in the camp at night. For this reason guests are escorted to and from their tents when coming to the communal dining and camp-fire area.

Mtomeni Safari Camp has 5 safari tents on wooden decks, each with two ¾ beds. Linen, bedding and towels are provided as part of the tariff. There is a simple en-suite with flush toilet, basin and a bucket shower.

The kitchen, dining and camp-fire facilities are communal and give adventure travellers an ideal opportunity to get to meet and interact with other like-minded travellers. They will share a gas hob and camp fire for cooking, as well as fridge and freezer for storage of food. The necessary pots, crockery & cutlery are also supplied. 

There is no electricity, and paraffin or solar lanterns are provided for light at night. If self-catering, guests have to bring firewood. While it is safe to drink, some people don’t like the taste of the local water, so it is advisable to bring bottled drinking water.

This is a malaria area, and precautions are advised. (ITT)

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Great Letaba River

Braai / fire area

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Outdoor dining

Game drives

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Game drives

Game drives

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Wildlife sightings

Safari tent

Safari tent

Letaba Ranch

Bathroom

View fromt tent

View from tent

Tent deck area

Camp area

Safari tent

Safari walks

Wildlife sightings

Safari walks

Wildlife sightings

Standard Safari Tents New Safari Tents

The Safari Tents are on wooden Decks. Each tent has two 3/4 beds. Linen, bedding and towels are provided. The en-suite is simple, with a flush toilet, a basin and shower.

The Safari Tents are on wooden Decks. Each tent has two 3/4 beds. Linen, bedding and towels are provided. The en-suite is simple, with a flush toilet, a basin and shower

Property Facilities

Eco Friendly, Secure Parking

Room Facilities

Balcony / Deck, En-Suite, Pure Cotton Linen, Shower

Activities on Site

Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours

Game Drives Guided Walks

The guides will take you on a drive through the region. They are very informed regarding the animal life in the area. If you like, on the drive the guides will let you get out and take you on a walk of some areas during the drive.

Early in the morning, our guides will take you on a walk to watch the early morning beauty of the animals and the region in general