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Lake Fundudzi

Lake Fundudzi

Scientists say that this is one of very few lakes in the world to have been formed by a landslide, but Lake Fundudzi is far more than that, it is also believed to be sacred to the Vhatatsindi, the People of the Pool. The people of Venda will point out to you that three rivers flow into the lake and despite this the river never overflows. Ancestral beliefs tell of a python god who lives in the mountain on a rock and a white crocodile who guards the spirits who inhabit the lake. The spirits are also said to throw objects out the water at night that were thrown in during the day, and that their mood is often displayed by the depth and colour of the lakes water. For decades, Chief Ntsandeni Netshiava, his father, and grandfather before him, were the only people who could give permission to strangers to approach the lake, and today you still have to obtain a permit from the tourism office before visiting it. If you are granted permission to visit the lake there are two very important rituals that must be performed in order to please the spirits and the Venda people. The first is a salute known as the ukodola in which you turn your back to the lake, and bend down to look at it upside down through spread legs when you first see it and the second is to walk down to the lake and throw a few of your hairs into the lapping wavelets. In order to fully appreciate the lake it is recommended that you stay with local people and listen to their stories. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls and mountains and there is a wonderful viewpoint that overlooks it and the Sacred Forest. One of the best was to experience the lake is to hike the Mabudashango Hiking Trail.
Swimming in the lake is out of the question because of numerous large crocodiles!
The climate here is mostly sub-tropical, so it is hot in summer and pleasant in winter which makes it a viable stop all year around.

For more information please contact:
Ribolla Tourism Association
Tel: +27-72-2354543
Or email: khosahd@yahoo.com

Directions:
Take the R523. Look out for Lake Fundudzi between Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt (Makhado).

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