Zvakanaka Farm

About the Accommodation

Zvakanaka Farm is an idyllic getaway in the Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo. It is 11km north of Louis Trichardt just off the N1. It is also an ideal stop-over for Kruger National Park (Pafuri and Punda Maria gates), Mapungubwe National Park, Zimbabwe via Beit Bridge, Mozambique via Pafuri and Botswana via Pontdrift and Platjan. Zvakanaka Farm offers a range of accommodations: Igababa Cabin, Madala’s Cottage, Fook Farmhouse Garden Flat, Kubla’s Caravan and Zvakanaka Camp Site.

Zvakanaka farm is 54 hectares in area and the three main vegetation types are grassland, wetland and semi-deciduous scrub-forest. There are numerous hiking trails cut on the farm and, depending on how much energy you want to exert, you can either take gentle strolls or more serious walks to the very top of the mountain where there are stunning views in all directions.

Igababa Cabin, Madala’s Cottage, Fook Garden Flat are self-contained homes all fully equipped for self-catering. All guests need to bring is their food and drink. Kubla’s caravan is also fully equipped for self-catering. All facilities are fully electrified and have braai stands and pit fires.

Igababa Cabin: Sleeps 2. En-suite toilet, basin and shower, outside double bath, small wallow pool. Very secluded.

Madala’s Cottage: Sleeps 2 or up to 4. Double bedroom, en-suite indoor shower and outdoor shower and double bath. Two single beds in small bedroom with access to own bathroom with toilet, basin and shower.

Fook Farmhouse Flat: Sleeps 2. En-suite, shower, basin and toilet.

Kubla’s Caravan: Sleeps 2. Adjacent unit with scullery, gas-heated shower and toilet and basin

Zvakanaka Campsite: 5 secluded sites, electrified.

About the birdwatching

The birdlife on the Farm is plentiful and varied – the cliffs, grasslands, forest and the wetland ensure a wide range of species. Many of our guests express their delight in the chorus of bird calls during their time on the Farm – particularly at dusk and dawn.

Zvakanaka Farm falls within Pentad 2255_2955 of the SABP2 project (The South African Bird Atlas Project 2). The link reflects 209 bird species in the Pentad; the list for our Farm is in excess of 133 birds. Birds not listed in the Pentad, but seen by more than one birder, are: Garden Warbler, Olive-Tree Warbler, Pink-throated Twinspot, Yellow-throated Longclaw.

When you book with us, please indicate if you are a birder or not and we will email the most up-to-date bird list for the Pentad, with the species seen on the Farm ticked.

On the walking trails cut on the Farm, keep a look out for Olive Bush-Shrike, Narina Trogon, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Cape Rock Thrush, Eastern Nicator, Green Twinspot, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, White-starred Robin-Chat, Chorister Robin-Chat, Bearded Scrub Robin, Blue-Mantled Crested flycatcher, Crowned Eagle and Verreaux’s Eagle, Black Sparrowhawk amongst many others.

We have an excellent bird guide in the area (not resident on the Farm). He is well-known and can help you see many elusive species: notably the Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Bat Hawk, African Broadbill, Orange Ground Thrush, Magpie Mannikin amongst others. Contact Samson Mulaudzi at www.birdingsoutpansberg-venda.co.za.

Contact details:

Zvakanaka Farm
Louis Trichardt, Limpopo

Gail and Al Maytham
Cell: +27(0) 84 400 4595
E-mail: gail@zka.co.za
Web: www.zka.co.za