Schoemansdal, Soutpansberg
The little town of Schoemansdal, 12 kilometres west of Makhado off the R522 en route to Vivo, began as one of the most important trading centres in the then Northern Transvaal in the time of largely renegade and shady dealings in ivory, horns, skins, salt and wood.
The town, established by the first Voortrekkers to the area, was deserted after only thirty years due to a particularly ferocious attack by Venda warriors. When the Republic regained control of the area, Schoemansdal was disregarded and a settlement created at Makhado. As a result, Schoemansdal is the only Voortrekker settlement in South Africa that did not evolve into a modern town.
Instead, the site of the historic village has been converted into an outdoor museum - restored in part as a national monument that portrays the history of the early pioneers that founded the town that was to act as a frontier. It includes a number of old dwellings and buildings in a recreation of a range of aspects of settler life - definitely worth a visit because of the humble reality it portrays. Settler life takes on a new reality when depicted in this way.
Other things to do in the area include the Hanglip (formerly known as Hangklip) Forest picnic site - great for bird and tree watching as all the trees in the montane forest are marked, and the Indigenous Tree Sanctuary in Louis Trichardt at the intersection of the N1 and Trichardt Street.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
The greatest experience I've ever had, beautiful nature that is well looked after and wonderful services from the workers. I'd recommend this to every one, this place is just awesome.
Thanya Elliot (Limpopo Louis Trichardt)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
DamView Eco Lodge
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La'mamie Guesthouse
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SleepOver Punda Maria Gate
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Masili Guesthouse
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The Ultimate Lodge
Ideal for travellers en-route to Kruger National Park, The Ultimate Lodge offers warm and comfortable accommodation with friendly service in a sp...
Zvakanaka Farm
Zvakanaka Farm is located on the south-facing slopes of the eastern Soutpansberg and is just 11kms from Makhado. The farm offers beauty, tranquil...
Chinaka Game Lodge
Chinaka Game Lodge offers accommodation in a secluded, private and affordable game lodge set in the heart of the Bushveld in the Limpopo Province...
De Akker Gastehuis
De Akker Gastehuis offers accommodation in Louis Trichardt, a town in the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Ne...
Lalapanzi Hotel
Located in the beautiful Bandelierkop, surrounded by trees, cattle and bush, Lalapanzi is an old English-style hotel that has been welcoming gues...
Noteworthy attractions
Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
The rather heady mix of assorted sour bushveld, riverine woodland that lines the almost always arid watercourses, and vast plains of thornveld se...
Mapungubwe National Park
Set right up against the northern border of South Africa, uniting Botswana and Zimbabwe, lies Mapungubwe National Park - an extensive savannah la...
Soutpansberg Conservancy
The Soutpansberg Conservancy, consisting of 90 000 hectares, was formed to protect an incredibly sensitive and beautiful part of the world. Drive...
Lake Fundudzi
The enchanted body of water known as Lake Fundudzi is a sacred lake of the Venda people that lies in the heart of the Soutpansberg and is one of ...
Blouberg Nature Reserve
Situated west of Makhado, just off route 521, the Blouberg Nature Reserve lies in relative obscurity in the midst of rural village and farming co...
Langjan Nature Reserve
Lying just north east of Blouberg Nature Reserve, on the R521 to Alldays, west of Makhado, the Langjan Nature Reserve is typified by gorgeous red...
Nwanedi Game Reserve
Lying west of the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Nwanedi Game Reserve is particularly scenic situated as it is in the foothills of...
Louis Trichardt Golf Club
The Louis Trichardt Golf Club takes its name after the town it has been built in and is widely known as one of the very best South African nine-h...
Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve
In what can only be described as the far northern reaches of South Africa lies the 36 000 hectare Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in the Limpopo V...
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