TOURIST INFORMATION
Zoutpansberg Information & Resource Centre
Tel 015 516 0040
Website www.tourismsoutpansberg.co.za
Ribolla Tourism Association
Tel 015 556 4262
Louis Trichardt was proclaimed a township in 1899, but had to be rebuilt after it was destroyed by the Venda during the South African War of 1899-1902. It finally became a municipality in 1934. The town, in a hilly and luxuriant region, is located at the foot of the densely forested Soutpansberg mountain range.
Louis Trichardt is situated at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountains which rise up 700 m above the surrounding plains The Soutpansberg Mountains stretch 130km from vivo in the West and Thohoyandou in the east. The silhouette of Hanglip cliff above the town is 1719 meters high can be seen from far when approaching Louis Trichardt on the N1. Less than 10 minutes drive up the mountain from the centre of town are a wide variety of hotels and lodges which sport panoramic views over the town or through the valleys and gorges, Which offer hiking trails, serene seclusion, unspoilt fishing spots, 4 x 4 routes, tranquil chalets near waterfalls, Or Venda village cultural experiences with cultural dances and African cuisine. Many of the lodges have conference facilities striving to meet their visitor?s needs.
Towards the South East is a rich area of arts and culture with the ladies of the Mashamba village hand make clay pots, they love to show their produce and line them up outside their huts. In the same area is traditional Venda drum makers and wood carvers whose inspiration comes from their ancestral beliefs and legends. Traditional ceremonial beaded necklaces and bracelets are made for the Domba dance performed by young Venda girls before womanhood.
To the West are the natural saltpans from which the mountain range gets its name ?Soutpansberg?- ?Saltpans Mountain?. Salt a vital commodity through time attracted both man and animal, shown by rock art paintings in the caves above the pans. Guided tours to the pans, as well as the rock art paintings are available.
The Northern slopes are rich in Game Lodges offering game viewing and hunting, with the option of tented camps, self-catering chalets and 4 star accommodations. The Climate is ideal for the ?Big Five? and it is possible to get close to these lovely animals in their natural habitat.
The Soutpansberg it is said to have the highest concentration of Leopard in the world. The semi arid climate has mopane woodland and an abundance Gigantic Baobab trees One being the Sagole Big tree of which is said to be 3500 years old and has a girth of 43meters. With the Sagole Hot Mineral Pools, which are also a stone throw away from The Tshipese Hot Mineral Pools and spa.
To the East and North East firstly is the Fruit basket of the North with the rich farmland producing tropical fruits such as Avocado, Litchi, Mango, guava, granadilla and pawpaw as well as Macadamia and peacan nuts. Further East is the cultural melting pot of the vha-venda people as well as the sacred phiphidi waterfalls; Thathe Vondo dam, The Sacred Lake Fundudzi and numerous other waterfalls can be visited
LouisTrichardt has rich and varied vegetation. A paradise for fauna and flora enthusiasts. With over 500 tree species, including the tallest yellowwood trees outside the Knysna forests as well as Modjadji cycads.
Bird watchers flock to the area for the 380 bird species have been identified in the area one of which being the illusive Narina Trogan and Knysna Lourie.
