Pedi Living Culture Route

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A Pedi woman with traditional beadwork.

© Limpopo Tourism Authority

The Pedi Living Culture Route begins at the foot of the statue of the great kgoshi (king) Sekhukhune, who stands guard over the ancient Tjate Valley near the Ledingwe Cultural Village.

This is the birthplace of the Pedi people and as you follow the route you will find out about their history and heritage, their traditions and lifestyle.

Once you have had the symbolic hand washing at the statue of the king, you will continue your journey into the Tjate Valley, where trained guides bring to life the story of the Pedi empire. Walk past the graves of fallen Pedi, Boer and British soldiers, and feel the whisper of history as you hear of the great Battle of Sekhukhune that took place between the Pedi, British and Swazi's in 1879.

The tour then takes you through the Ledingwe Cultural Village where you can see how Pedi life was once lived. You will walk under the great tree where community decisions were traditionally made. And you can meet the village's artists and crafters, renowned for their colourful imagery.

The Tjate Valley is also one of the richest archaeological Iron Age sites in the country. The ancestors have left their clues. To date over 870 pots have been reconstructed from excavations at Tjate, and bones, tools and necklaces have been unearthed.

The Sekhukhune district is surrounded by nature reserves and natural attractions, such as the foot shaped rock they call God's Footprint. The nearby village of Roossenekal is a good place to stay, famed for its showing of rare yellow arum lilies in spring.