Madi a Thavha Lodge, which translates to water of the mountain in TshiVenda, named after the spring water from the surrounding mountains, is as close to an Eden paradise as one can imagine. This sanctuary, nestled in the magestic hills of Limpopo is the perfect refuge from the rat-race of big city life and is an elsewhere worthy of seeking out. The lodge offers visitors a choice between a Venda lifestyle and a cultural tour, both conducted by Musa, the resident guide.

The cultural tour takes us to the homes of some of Venda’s most acclaimed artists, many of whom have notable careers that have seen them exhibit both locally and internationally. The tour departs from the lodge and from here we visit Tshikota and the Indian area in Makhado. The Indian area with its vibrant businesses and shops, is where many TshiVenda and XiTsonga locals buy colourful fabrics for their traditional gear. From the Indian area we head out towards Elim. Elim, a small town founded by Swiss missionaries in 1878, is where we visit the home of a seasoned craftswoman Ma Elisa.

After a scenic drive through the picturesque hills and valleys of Makhado, past Dopeni (home of the famous artist Samsom Mudzunga) and Vuwani (the village of the world renowned Noria Mabaso) we arrive at the home and studio of the master wood carver Thomas Kubayi in Tshivhuyuni village. He is kind enough to give us insight into what inspires his work and opens up about the religious iconography and Venda mythology that features so prominently in his art.

Our next studio visit is at the workshop of David Murathi, whose homestead functions as his workspace, gallery and curio shop. His yard is dotted with sculptures, wooden fishes, towel racks, hooks and mirrors, all in various stages of production. In his gift shop, a selection of smaller artworks is made available for visitors who may not be able to collect his larger work. Further along the Mashamba road we come to the Mukondeni Pottery factory. The workshop specialises in traditional open-fired clay pots and decorative crafts. We witness firsthand the skill that goes into pot and even get a hands-on lesson of how to make our own clay pots.

The day ends at the family home of the late Jackson Hlungwani, a celebrated artist and well-known prophet. Hlungwane’s son continues to carve as his father did, but what catches our eyes is not the sculpture we find him busy with but a three-storey house he has designed and fashioned for himself from materials he has sourced from anywhere and everywhere.

Back at the lodge we visit the Dancing Fish art gallery, which takes its name from the strong presence of fish in Venda myths and beliefs. The fish symbol is easily spotted in the works of local sculptors like Thomas Kubayi, Albert Monyayi and the late and famous Jackson Hlungwani, all of whom are featured in Madi a Thavha’s collection. The tour is a colourful introduction to the stories, customs and beauty of Elim and Louis Trichardt, and the diversity of its people.