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 reviewexcellent

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

Noteworthy attractions

Find accommodation in Schoemansdal

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Limpopo Accommodation / Vhembe Accommodation / Soutpansberg Accommodation / Schoemansdal Accommodation

Schoemansdal as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Schoemansdal property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Destinations
Destination Schoemansdal
  • By type in Schoemansdal
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.