Vhembe History & Culture

The region boasts one of the most varied natural, geological, archaeological and cultural systems in the world and a fascinating history dating back many centuries when the San roamed the veld and left us their artworks on rocks. These were the times when Arabs and Indians sailed their dhows down south and traded beads and ceramics for the gold and ivory of the ancient African kingdoms ensconced in their fortresses at Mapungubwe and Thulamela.

New cultural groups gradually moved in and the history of the VhaVenda and Shangaan became intertwined with that of the Voortrekkers to create a wonderful historical tapestry. Tales abound of the colourful characters who inhabited the area: Popi, who united the VhaVenda nation and later became known as Thohoyandou.

The renegade Coenraad de Buys whose descendants still live in Buysdorp; BveKenya Barnard, the master poacher of the perilous Ivory Trail; and Voortrekker leader Louis Trichardt, after whom the principal town was previously named.

Today the town is called Makhado, after the VhaVenda leader who ruled in the area for many years. The western section of the region is dominated by the rocky spine of the majestic Soutpansberg Range. Much of this unique wilderness area forms part of the Western Soutpansberg Conservancy established in 1997 to conserve the natural environment, including its cultural history and man-made activities.

Other historical treasures include San rock art at Mapungubwe, Little Muck and Kaoxa Bush Camp, as well as remnants of the first ferry (‘pont’) used by elephant hunters to cross the Limpopo.

The area boasts many historical sites ranging from the relics of the Stone Age people and their inimitable rock art, to the tracks of the Voortrekker wagons which carried European migrants into an unknown land.