Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back
Limpopo
Arts
Attractions
Culture
History
What you need to know
People
Weekend Getaway
Cultural Discoveries
Multiple experiences
Meet South Africa

TThe Pedi Living Culture Route in South Africa’s Limpopo province lets you explore the history and traditions of the Pedi people. The ancestral kraal and traditional village will introduce you to local artists and crafters, while you get a grounding in Pedi mythology and folklore. 

Start your journey along the Pedi Living Culture Route near the Ledingwe Cultural Village beneath the statue of the great King Sekhukhune, standing sentinel before the timeless Tjate Valley. 

This is where the Pedi nation arose – a site rich in Iron Age history for modern archaeologists to exploreand the traditions and history of this people, their heritage and lifestyle, unfold as you journey on. For casual tourists, the sense of history is palpable; for those with an interest in archaeology, the thousands of pots, necklaces, tools and bones unearthed at sites in this region constitute a treasure trove. 

After a symbolic washing of hands at the great king’s statue, you can explore the provincial heritage site that is the Tjate Valley, where the history of the Pedi empire is related by qualified guides. They’ll tell you the epic tale of the great Battle of Sekhukhune in 1879; a titanic struggle between the Pedi, British and Swazis. It’s no surprise that this land was fought over: the graves of Pedi, Boer and British soldiers in various locations attest to that. 

The Ledingwe Cultural Village is next on the tour, presenting visitors with a snapshot in time: a glimpse into the traditional Pedi life of old. Here, under the great tree where the community traditionally thrashed out important decisions, you can sense the age-old sense of community.  

This village is also a place to be enthralled by the multicoloured imagery of Pedi artists and crafters, and to find souvenirs and gifts for the folks at home. 

The Sekhukhune district, set amid several nature reserves, has no shortage of natural attractions – visitors should definitely see the foot-shaped rock called Lenao la Modimo in Sepedi: or ‘Gods Footprint. Roossenekal is a village nearby with accommodation options – and also a wonderful place for botany enthusiasts to take in the spring display of rare yellow arum lilies. 

Did You Know?

TTravel tips & Planning  info 

Who to contact 

Limpopo Tourism Authority 
Tel: +27 (0)15 293 3600 
Email: info@golimpopo.com 

How to get here  

Roossenekal is about 3 hours’ drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, via the R555 and R577. From Johannesburg, you can get to the R555 by taking the N12 East through eMalahleni (formerly Witbank), and from Pretoria take the N4 East, which joins the N12 at eMalahleni. Continue along that road and follow the signs onto the R555 at Middelburg. Approximately 85km after Middelburg, look out for the turn-off to the R577, which will take you to Roossenekal. 

Best time to visit  

Spring (September to November) is best, as it coincides with the blooming of rare yellow arum lilies in the fields outside Roossenekal. 

Get around 

Self-drive is best for getting around Limpopo and taking in the sights at your own pace, while individual attractions along the Pedi Living Culture Route can be explored on foot. There are, however, also guided tours available. 

Things to do in the area  

Visit the surreal foot-shaped rock near Ledingwe Cultural village, known as God's Footprint. 

Tours to do 

Take a guided tour of the Ledingwe Cultural Village. There are also history tours relating to the South African War (formerly known as the Second Anglo-Boer War) on offer in the area.  

Length of stay 

Give yourself a day to fully explore the Pedi Living Culture Route. 

Where to stay  

There are a number of lodges and B&Bs in the pretty little village of Roossenekal. 

What to eat  

Traditional Pedi food at the Ledingwe Cultural Village.  

Best buys 

Colourful beaded cloth and other local crafts at the Ledingwe Cultural Village.  

Related links 

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy