Madi a Thavha

Madi a Thavha embroidered wall hanging.

© Bridget Hilton-Barber

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The name Madi a Thava means 'water from the mountains' and this charming guesthouse and art gallery offers accommodation and inspiration in the foothills of Limpopo's Soutpansberg Mountains.

Madi a Thavha is involved in promoting local arts and crafts, and you can browse through their workshop, view a permanent exhibition of local talent, or head out into the mountains to visit local Tsonga and Venda artists in the area.

Madi a Thavha has pleasant rooms, good food and warm African hospitality. The farmhouse has a spacious lounge and dining room, an open plan kitchen, verandahs, a craft shop and swimming pool. The decor makes use of local arts and crafts, reflecting the artistic traditions of the Soutpansberg.

Madi a Thavha also has a small business, called Madi a Thavha Design, that employs local women to produce a range of homeware and accessories made from Venda fabrics and decorated with traditional Tsonga beading and embroidery techniques.

There's also a permanent exhibition of Venda and Tsonga arts and crafts that include colourful beadwork and embroidery, wooden carvings and jewellery. Madi a Thavha uses Fair Trade principles in the production and marketing of all their products.

Once there, you can also head out along the Artists Route, a guided tour that takes you to the studios and workshops of sculptors and crafters, and also to some of the natural attractions in the area.

Inspired by myth and legend, the Venda and Tsonga artists and crafters in the north of Limpopo are famed for their woodcarving, pottery and textiles. Acclaimed artists include Jackson Hlungwane, Noria Mbasa, Thomas Kubayi, Phineas Masuvhlele, Sarah Munyai and Rebecca Matibe.