Elim, Soutpansberg
Elim in the Limpopo, although not to be confused with Elim in the Cape Agulhas region of the Western Cape, is nonetheless also a mission station, which explains why there is often some uncertainty when the name of the little town arises.
The tiny village of Elim (meaning "place of God"), just south of Makhado (Louis Trichardt) may have idled in obscurity up until now, but since the creation of the Venda art route, which meanders through some incredibly beautiful rural parts of the Limpopo, including Elim, it has become a feature of visits to this part of the world.
Elim is famous for its hospital, where missionaries have worked for well over a century and today includes a small museum that commemorates the work of the Swiss doctors and missionaries in South Africa. It’s a wee village, with little other than a few guest houses, lodges and the odd store to entice one to visit.
The Venda art route includes on its itinerary local sculptors and artists of note – artists whose carvings and art work are displayed in galleries in many parts of the world - yet about whom many South Africans know little. The route also includes basket makers, bead workers, potters, crafters, drum-makers and fabric co-operatives, and the Elim hospital and the Rivoni Society for the Blind feature on this route.
The area around Elim offers plenty other opportunities and activities. You can visit the Mambedi Tea Estates, the Middle Letaba Dam, just south of Elim, the Levuvu Tree Park, just east of Makhado, or venture into the land of legend and visit the sacred sites of Phiphidi Falls and Guvhukuvhu Pool.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Took this route by accident following a temporary N1 closure. Magnificent views.
Munya Makota (GP)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Golgotha Boutique Hotel
Golgotha Boutique Hotel is a vintage-themed boutique hotel with a restaurant and spa set in the heart of Thohoyandou, Venda. Golgotha Boutique H...
Royal Hills Lodge and Spa
Royal Hills Lodge and Spa is the best place to enjoy luxury and comfort when you visit Thohoyandou. The Soutpansberg accommodation offers ultimat...
Leshiba Wilderness
This eco friendly Game and Nature Reserve offers accommodation on top of the Soutpansberg mountains in the Limpopo province, South Africa, in one...
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...
DamView Eco Lodge
Dam View Eco Lodge offers deluxe or king chalets, each with an en-suite bathroom. Each chalet has Wi-Fi, a tea / coffee station, bar fridge and a...
BlackBee Apartment
BlackBee Apartment can be found in the town of Louis Trichardt. With eclectic styling and charming decor your stay here will be comfortable and u...
Esther's Palace
Esther's Palace is a Thohoyandou guest house offering a relaxed, luxurious stay in the beautiful surroundings just 43 km from Thathe Vondo Forest...
Apricity Inn
Situated on the owners property in Louis Trichardt, Apricity Inn offers accommodation in two units that are ideal for guests looking for a comfor...
Noteworthy attractions
Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
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Mapungubwe National Park
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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
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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
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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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