Set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, ancient ruins and sacred lakes, Shiluvari welcomes you to the warm heart of ancient Venda. Situated on the banks of the Albasini Dam overlooking the Luonde Mountains Shiluvari is the ideal place from which to explore this “Land of Legendâ€�. Excellent birding on-site includes 8 different heron species including Black-crowned Night Heron and White-backed Night-Heron. African Finfoot and Osprey (summer months) are commonly seen on the dam, Buff-spotted Flufftail is heard and occasionally Grey-headed Kingfisher and Honey Buzzard are seen. Shiluvari specialises in birding and offers guided trips into Afro-temperate Forest, Lowveld Riverine Forest and Miombo Woodland. On these outings specials are Arnot´s Chat, Bat Hawk and Pel´s Fishing-Owl. Shiluvari´s cool, thatched chalets overlook the Dam and mountains, and can be booked on a B&B or DBB basis and focuses on the special requirements of the birding fraternity, namely: flexible catering arrangements and organising local qualified birding guides. Rates: RRR (c)

Set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, ancient ruins and sacred lakes, Shiluvari welcomes you to the warm heart of ancient Venda. Situated on the banks of the Albasini Dam overlooking the Luonde Mountains Shiluvari is the ideal place from which to explore this “Land of Legendâ€�. Excellent birding on-site includes 8 different heron species including Black-crowned Night Heron and White-backed Night-Heron. African Finfoot and Osprey (summer months) are commonly seen on the dam, Buff-spotted Flufftail is heard and occasionally Grey-headed Kingfisher and Honey Buzzard are seen. Shiluvari specialises in birding and offers guided trips into Afro-temperate Forest, Lowveld Riverine Forest and Miombo Woodland. On these outings specials are Arnot´s Chat, Bat Hawk and Pel´s Fishing-Owl. Shiluvari´s cool, thatched chalets overlook the Dam and mountains, and can be booked on a B&B or DBB basis and focuses on the special requirements of the birding fraternity, namely: flexible catering arrangements and organising local qualified birding guides. Rates: RRR (c)

This tree has been recorded as the largest Baobab tree in the world. This is the best place to see Mottled Spinetail in the late evening and early morning. It is on communal land with relatively poor roads. If you do plan to wait for the birds, make sure you are confident to drive back in the dark to your accommodation. The closest places to stay are Gundani Mutsiwa Campsite and Popallin Ranch. If arranged in advance, staff from Popallin can take you to the tree. There has been some effort made by the authorities to formalise access to the tree by building a good gravel road to the site and by putting a fence around the tree. The signage to the tree has improved over the last few years. To get there from the R525 follow signs to Sagole Spa (Tshipise). The tree is west of Sagole Spa (Tshipise) and is marked off the ´Mutele B - Folovhodwe´ road with a signboard reading ´Big Tree´. If you get lost, just ask for directions. From Gundani Mutsiwa Campsite go north towards Muswodi. When you reach a T-junction turn right towards Sagole Spa (Tshipise) and continue until you see the signboard to the ´Big Tree´. There are usually hordes of children selling Baobab Pods, buy a few as it is a poor area and then ask them to leave you in peace.

The dam is on the southern side of the R522 about 26 km from Makhado (Louis Trichardt). The water in the dam is seasonal as is the birdlife. The western end of the dam is not as good as the eastern end for birds unless you have a scope. Birds that have been seen here are, amongst many others, Comb Duck, African Black Duck, White-faced Duck, Little Grebe (Dabchick), Great Crested Grebe, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, White-fronted Plover, Kittlitz´s Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt and on occasion Greater Flamingo. In the surrounding dry acacia veldt look out for White-bellied Sunbird, Marico Flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Long-billed Crombec, Crimson-breasted Shrike, a variety of seed eaters and lots more. On the old fields below the dam wall you might find some interesting larks and cisticolas. Take the Vivo road from Makhado (Louis Trichardt). The dam is visible from the road 24 km out of Makhado on the left hand side. When you see the dam stop next to the road just before the railing to get a view of the reed beds below. Be careful here as the road is quite narrow. Once you have established what condition the dam is in, drive on till you see a BP Garage and General Dealer on the right; almost opposite this turn left down a straight gravel track. When you get to the fork in the track park your car under the tree and walk onto the dam wall with your scope. Remember: if you open a gate, close it behind you again. No prior arrangements or entry fee is necessary.

The dam is on the southern side of the R522 about 26 km from Makhado (Louis Trichardt). The water in the dam is seasonal as is the birdlife. The western end of the dam is not as good as the eastern end for birds unless you have a scope. Birds that have been seen here are, amongst many others, Comb Duck, African Black Duck, White-faced Duck, Little Grebe (Dabchick), Great Crested Grebe, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, White-fronted Plover, Kittlitz´s Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt and on occasion Greater Flamingo. In the surrounding dry acacia veldt look out for White-bellied Sunbird, Marico Flycatcher, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Long-billed Crombec, Crimson-breasted Shrike, a variety of seed eaters and lots more. On the old fields below the dam wall you might find some interesting larks and cisticolas. Take the Vivo road from Makhado (Louis Trichardt). The dam is visible from the road 24 km out of Makhado on the left hand side. When you see the dam stop next to the road just before the railing to get a view of the reed beds below. Be careful here as the road is quite narrow. Once you have established what condition the dam is in, drive on till you see a BP Garage and General Dealer on the right; almost opposite this turn left down a straight gravel track. When you get to the fork in the track park your car under the tree and walk onto the dam wall with your scope. Remember: if you open a gate, close it behind you again. No prior arrangements or entry fee is necessary.