Louis Trichardt is a town situated at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It is in a fertile region where litchis, bananas, mangoes and nuts are produced.
History
Like many other towns in South Africa, Louis Tichardt had its origins in Voortrekker settlement of the area. Two groups of Trekkers reached the Soutpansberg mountain range in 1836, one under the leadership of Louis Trichardt and another under Hans van Rensburg. Van Rensburg decided to take his group further east, towards Lourenco Marques (today Maputo) in what is now Mozambique, but his entire party was killed en route.
Trichardt and his group stayed near the mountain, camping near what eventually became the town of Louis Trichardt. They planted crops and started exploring the area northwards in an attempt to locate Van Rensburg and his group. After a year of staying in the area, they decided to head for Lourenco Marques, a journey that took them 7 months to complete, killing more than half the group (including Trichardt himself) en route.
Other Trekkers soon settled in the area, clashing with the Venda people living in the area. The town of Louis Trichardt was finally founded in February 1899.
Activities around Louis Trichardt
Arts and Crafts
The town and surrounds are renowned for its multi-cultural population and the highly creative arts and craft they produce. This includes handcrafted paper, pottery, batiks and textiles.
Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
A reserve offering something for any visitor, including beautiful views and fascinating archeological sites dating to 1250 AD. There are 160 tree species, 250 bird species, 50 species of animal and several mountain biking trails.
Dams
Those in the area include Albasini and Middle Letaba dams, offering a relaxing day by the water. The overflow of the Twin Dams of the Nwanedi Reserve offers scenic beauty and excellent fishing.
Fort Hendrina
A collapsible fort used in the 1880s as protection for artillery men and mounted police.
Hanklip Picnic Site and Forest
A superb birdwatching site with many trails through scenic wooded countryside boasting trees of worldwide dendrological interest.
Langjan Nature Reserve
Given its red sand dunes and Kalahari veld, this reserve was proclaimed to provide sanctuary for the last remaining herd of gemsbok in the province.
Medike
The site, in the Sand River Gorge, of a series of fascinating San rock artwork including murals and etching.
Memorial Gardens
North of the Civic center are these lovingly manicured gardens commemorating victims of various local and international conflicts.
Scenic Drives
Including the Bluegumspoort Drive on the Soutpansberg and the Witvlag Drive from the town to Piesangshoek.
Schoemansdal Museum
15km west of town, commemorating the pioneering history of the area and the country as a whole. The nearby cemetry includes the grave of the Voortekker leader Andries Potgieter.
Tsonga Textiles
Some of the most creative local textiles designs are on offer here.
Woodcarvings
The town is known for its enthusiastic woodcarving population and many fine examples can be purchased.