Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
From fairness comes happiness
Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge
Albasini Dam, Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The vibrant Venda cloth you’ll see at Shiluvari has become fashionable all over the world.
In 2003, Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge in Limpopo province became one of the very first tourism destinations in the world to be awarded the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) South Africa certificate. It has maintained this status ever since.
Yet at first glance, Shiluvari is not an ostentatiously ‘green’ destination. Instead it looks very much like a comfortable country lodge, set in scenic surrounds, close to the lovely Albasini Dam - a short drive from the little town of Elim. And so it is. It is also a very popular base from which to explore the world-famous Ribolla Venda Art Route.
It’s only when you start talking to staff, examining the décor and noticing the care for environment that you’ll begin to understand the reasons by Shiluvari’s prestigious certification.
FTTSA guarantees visitors that FTTSA destinations pay fair wages, offer fair working conditions, and run a fair operation that respects cultures, human rights and the environment.
Shiluvari staff are not only well paid, but exude a contented sense of ownership in the business. They are offered training opportunities and a chance to rise in their careers, and so they have flourished along with the lodge.
The Girardin family, who owns Shiluvari, has focused on uplifting the lodge's employees, but has also helped many of the local sculptors, just setting out, get a little more established. Local sculptors were commissioned for the many sculptures and wooden carved objects you’ll find around the lodge. In fact, many famous artists had their start here.
But it’s not only about the spectacular art. The cupboards in the rooms, for example, were made by the Rivoni Society of the Blind. Much of the fabric is locally painted or decorated. And many plants dotted about the gardens and lodge grow happily in locally made Mashamba Venda pots with their characteristic red clay and silvery graphite trim.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge
Tel: +27 (0)15 556 3406
Fax: +27 (0)15 556 3413
Email: info@shiluvari.com
How to get here
Polokwane has the closest airport (and Polokwane is about 3 hours' drive from Johannesburg, on the N1). From Polokwane head north towards Makhado (which used to be called Louis Trichardt). Just before the town, you'll find a turnoff right onto the R578. After about 17km, you'll get to a 4-way stop in the little town of Elim. Turn left and carry on for just over 4km, and you'll see the sign to Shiluvari on your left.
Around the area
You could go on a birding trail with a guide, visit the Ben Lavin Nature Reserve nearby, take a hiking trail, go and visit a few baobab trees, and see Lake Fundudzi and the sacred Thathe Vondo Forest.
Tours to do
You could go on the Ribolla Venda Arts Route, an initiative of the Open Africa non-profit organisation that encourages people to support local people and initiatives. A guide will take you to the local sculptors, carvers, drum-makers, textile weavers, potters and beaders. Book the tour from Shiluvari. You could also drive it yourself, picking out the places you're most interested in (see the Open Africa website for more about this).
Length of stay
Shiluvari is perfectly placed to explore a number of exciting attractions, so 3 days would be ideal.
What to eat
The chef at Shiluvari knows her stuff, and is a great fan of Jamie Oliver.
What's happening
Shiluvari has excellent spa facilities.