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)

Situated on the southern cliffs of Blouberg mountain is the largest breeding colony of endangered Cape Vulture in Southern Africa. The colony has approximately 700 breeding pairs. Cape Griffon is endemic to Southern Africa and numbers are declining throughout their range due to poisoning and the muti trade. Janine and Peter Snyman have dedicated their lives to protecting this colony. They are involved in a number of activities ranging from raptor rehabilitation to environmental education in the local community. When they are able to, they monitor the breeding cliffs. This they have done annually for over 10 years. They run an environmental centre and a reptile-breeding project on site. Over the last few years a Ruppell´s Vulture, which is normally a rare visitor to Southern Africa, has been breeding in the Blouberg Colony. Janine will guide field trips to the vulture colony and during breeding season there is a chance of seeing the Ruppell´s Vulture. Booking is essential and a fee is charged. As they run a Non Profit Organisation all donations are welcome. A visit to the project is highly recommended. Access is through Blouberg Nature Reserve.

Golwe Picnic and Campsite is a large shady site situated in a secluded valley in Venda off the Masisi Road. The site is rural and tranquil, an ideal place to get-away to. Bird watching is good in and around the campsite. At dawn one can hear African Broadbill around the campsite. Other special birds are Pink-throated Twinspot, Scaly-throated Honeyguide and Crowned Hornbill. Marked circular trails lead from the campsite up the valley and to a waterfall. The campsite offers a convenient base from which to visit Mpaphuli Cycad Reserve, Makhuya Park and the Gundani Brachystegia Woodland. We recommend booking Christopher Nethonzhe, who is the local site guide (Birdlife SA accredited) to guide you along the trails. Golwe is owned and run by members of the Vhurivhuri community. All proceeds go towards the development of the community and supporting unemployed people in the village. The campsite has ablution facilities with hot/cold water and flushing toilets, braai stands, picnic tables and 4 camp sites. Firewood is available to buy. The area is multifunctional and can accommodate people who want to have open-air meetings and parties. The site is accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles and caravans. How to get there: From the south - Turn off the R524 towards Thohoyandou. Drive through Thohoyandou to Sibasa and straight on to the T-junction indicating Donald Fraser Hospital (left) and Masisi (right). Go right towards Masisi. Continue towards Masisi for another 37 km. (At time of writing the last 25km of this road which is gravel was to be tarred) Turn right off the road towards Lambani/ Gunda and follow the signboards to the site for another 1,8 km. From the north - Turn off the R525 at Masisi towards Tshikondeni Mine. Do not take the left turn to the mine but continue straight on towards Sibasa/Thohoyandou for another +/- 25km. The site is sign posted off this road to your right. Contact details: Booking is not required, but notice of your arrival is appreciated, so that preparations can be made. Christopher Nethonzhe: 076 302 9383 (Community Representative) Ernest: 076 196 3691 (Community Representative) Rates/Entry Fee: R5 per adult entry. R5 per vehicle. R30 per adult camping. Day visitors welcome.

Situated on the southern cliffs of Blouberg mountain is the largest breeding colony of endangered Cape Vulture in Southern Africa. The colony has approximately 700 breeding pairs. Cape Griffon is endemic to Southern Africa and numbers are declining throughout their range due to poisoning and the muti trade. Janine and Peter Snyman have dedicated their lives to protecting this colony. They are involved in a number of activities ranging from raptor rehabilitation to environmental education in the local community. When they are able to, they monitor the breeding cliffs. This they have done annually for over 10 years. They run an environmental centre and a reptile-breeding project on site. Over the last few years a Ruppell´s Vulture, which is normally a rare visitor to Southern Africa, has been breeding in the Blouberg Colony. Janine will guide field trips to the vulture colony and during breeding season there is a chance of seeing the Ruppell´s Vulture. Booking is essential and a fee is charged. As they run a Non Profit Organisation all donations are welcome. A visit to the project is highly recommended. Access is through Blouberg Nature Reserve.