The Leshiba Wilderness is a hidden gem in the Soutpansberg mountains, in the remote northern Limpopo.
Accommodation
The Venda Lodge was built on the ruins of an ancient traditional village. The renowned Venda artist, Noria Mabasa, played a major role in the project. The lodge is made of 5 en-suite luxury huts in African style. Moreover, there are also 2 luxury suites (Mwedzi and Duvha), with a private plunge pool and patio, wenjoying a great view on the plain below. The two suites are also available in self-catering, although to miss the delicious cuisine of the lodge would be a real pity.
Guests can have the Hamasha bush camp as a self-catering accommodation; a 8 bed house, set in a valley overlooked by high cliffs and mountains. This is an ideal solution for those willing to explore this wilderness mostly on foot, along a well marked network of hiking trails.
Wildlife
The reserve is home to many species of plains game, like kudu, waterbuck, gnu, zebra, impala, mountain reedbuck, giraffe and zebra. On the night drive, you can look for the African wild cat, brown hyena, civet, genet, pangolin and aardvark. Should you be very lucky, you might even see the elusive leopard, In the Soutpansberg live all 5 South African primates: the lesser and the greater bushbaby, the baboon, the vervet monkey and the samango.
Birding is excellent with over 250 species, including Cape Vulture, crowned and Verreaux Eagle and the beautiful Purple Crested Turaco.
Activities
Guided walks will let you know more about the trees, the plants and the tracks.
Horse-back riding, for experienced riders only.
The clear sky of the Soutpansberg mountains is ideal for stargazing. With the local astronomy guide Kos Coronaios, you can book a night sky safari. Know more about stars, galaxies, constellations. You can see quite a few of these wonders by the naked eye from the top of the mountain at Leshiba Wilderness.
If you bring along your own mountain bike, you can enjoy spectacular trails, some designed by men, other by animals.
Last but not least, the view and the relaxed atmosphere well match with Spa treatments. Guests can choose from a wide range of therapies and body massages.
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