Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province (Northern Transvaal) South Africa is a quaint and interesting typical Boer Town lying at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountain range.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the name change of Louis Trichardt to be called Makhado and for a short period of time this was the case until an appeal in 2007 when the town reverted to its original name. In February 2010 a further attempt was made to change the name to Makhado but an appeal against this has once again been made. For the time being the name Louis Trichardt remains.
The area around Louis Trichardt is a very fertile region and is the land of Bananas, Mangoes, Litchis, Tea, Coffee and Nuts, the surrounding terrain is rocky and hot and is renowned for the Indigo Mountains which shadow it, as well as for the famous Giant Baobab which is believed to be more than 6000 years old and is about 47 meters in circumference and approximately 22 meters tall. The tree can be seen at a nearby farm called Sunland and the tree itself houses a pub inside it.
Aside from the landmark Giant Baobab tree, there are many interesting attractions around Louis Trichardt, including the Makapan Valley World Heritage Site which features the complete record of Homonid occupation and the Mogalakwena Craft Village created to promote traditional Arts and Crafts and boost employment opportunities, both well worth a visit when in the area.
Also in the immediate area visitors will find a number of Game reserves and not to be forgotten area of the Soutpansberg Mountain range which is 130 km long with its famous Salt Pan found on the Western Slopes. The highest point of this mountain range is called Lajuma where bird watchers can delight in viewing the many species of birds including Eagles, Falcons as well as the rare Red-throated Twinspot, Knysna Lourie and the Naringa Togon. It is known that in these mountains the largest population of leopards in the world can be found.
Accommodation in Guest Houses, Lodges, Hotels and Self Catering establishments are available in the area.