About Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
The rather heady mix of assorted sour bushveld, riverine woodland that lines the almost always arid watercourses, and vast plains of thornveld set against the rolling foothills of the Soutpansberg, make the Ben Lavin Nature Reserve, close to Louis Trichardt, a rather exceptional place to visit.
Did you know? The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve is of archaeological interest and has a series of ruins that date back to 1250 AD.
The 25 square kilometer Ben Lavin Nature Reserve is crisscrossed with a 45 kilometre network of roads and four hiking trails that range from a quick three kilometre to a more substantial eight kilometre walk.
Waterholes are the site of strategically placed bird hides and no fewer than three mountain bike trails add an even more interesting dimension - there is no dangerous wildlife in the reserve, so coming face-to-face with an elephant is highly unlikely.
The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve is the site of over 20 mammals and some 230 types of bird, including the melba finches, common and blue waxbills, marico flycatchers, whitewinged widows, black cuckooshrikes and puffbacked shrikes.
There are also night drives and braai facilities.
Need to Know
WhereBen Lavin Nature Reserve, Makhado (previously known as Louis Trichardt), Soutpansberg, Limpopo, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Soutpansberg Accommodation, Limpopo
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inGame & Nature Reserves in Limpopo
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Soutpansberg
Schimper View Boutique Guest House
Schimper View Boutique Guest House offers luxury accommodation in Louis Trichardt. Located in the upmarket area of Louis Trichardt, this property...
Apricity Inn
Situated on the owners property in Louis Trichardt, Apricity Inn offers accommodation in two units that are ideal for guests looking for a comfor...
139 On Munnik Guest House
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Soutpansberg mountain range, 139 on Munnik Guest House is a luxurious property offering upmarket accommodatio...
Leshiba Wilderness
This eco friendly Game and Nature Reserve offers accommodation on top of the Soutpansberg mountains in the Limpopo province, South Africa, in one...
Forest Hills Lodge
Forest Hills Lodge is situated in Louis Trichardt, 135km from the Punda-Maria gate at Kruger National Park. This Louis Trichardt accommodation is...
Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge
Madi a Thavha, meaning "water from the mountains", is set in a beautiful and quiet valley of the lush Soutpansberg mountain area of Limpopo, only...
BlackBee Apartment
BlackBee Apartment can be found in the town of Louis Trichardt. With eclectic styling and charming decor your stay here will be comfortable and u...
Platjan Lodge
Platjan Lodge enjoys a prime location on the serene banks of the Limpopo River, just steps away from the Botswana border and the Platjan border c...
Fern Cottage
Fern Cottage is a cosy self-catering cabin in the beautiful Soutpansberg mountain range in Limpopo. The holiday home is air conditioned and can a...
Things to do in the area
Visit Madi a Thavha Design
Madi a Thavha design is a project to create employment for women living in the rural areas around Madi a Thavha mountain farm. We have developed ...
Mabudashango Hiking Trail
Without doubt one of the most beautiful hikes in Limpopo, this hiking trail is four days worth of walking, and is 53 kilometres long. It crosses ...
Zoutpansberg Skirmishes Route
The beautiful Soutpansberg or Zoutpansberg, meaning Salt Pan Mountain, is a range of gorgeous mountains in the Limpopo Valley, named after the sa...
Lajuma Research Centre
Lajuma research centre is situated high in the Soutpansberg range and is one of the few places in South Africa where you can find handprints. Som...
Dancing Fish Gallery
The Dancing Fish Gallery is an outstanding place to visit and you can expect to see a collection of art in different forms inspired by various cu...
Mashovhela Rock Pool
Mashovhela is a sacred site in the Venda culture, still sometimes used by traditional witch doctors in rain-making ceremonies. Mashovela is also ...
Entabeni Hiking Trail
Start: Entabeni Hut, 40 km east of Louis Trichardt in the SoutpansbergFinish: Entabeni HutDuration: 2 days, 32 kmFitness: moderate to difficultOu...
Hanglip Hiking Trail
Start: Hanglip Forest Reserve, near Louis TrichardtFinish: Hanglip Forest Reserve, near Louis TrichardtDuration: 20.5 km two-day trailFitness: mo...
Limpopo Cultural Tours
Get a healthy dose of Limpopo-culture in one go!Makhado (Louis Trichardt) enjoys its prime position at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountain Rang...
Noteworthy attractions
Mapungubwe National Park
Set right up against the northern border of South Africa, uniting Botswana and Zimbabwe, lies Mapungubwe National Park - an extensive savannah la...
Soutpansberg Conservancy
The Soutpansberg Conservancy, consisting of 90 000 hectares, was formed to protect an incredibly sensitive and beautiful part of the world. Drive...
Lake Fundudzi
The enchanted body of water known as Lake Fundudzi is a sacred lake of the Venda people that lies in the heart of the Soutpansberg and is one of ...
Blouberg Nature Reserve
Situated west of Makhado, just off route 521, the Blouberg Nature Reserve lies in relative obscurity in the midst of rural village and farming co...
Langjan Nature Reserve
Lying just north east of Blouberg Nature Reserve, on the R521 to Alldays, west of Makhado, the Langjan Nature Reserve is typified by gorgeous red...
Nwanedi Game Reserve
Lying west of the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, Nwanedi Game Reserve is particularly scenic situated as it is in the foothills of...
Louis Trichardt Golf Club
The Louis Trichardt Golf Club takes its name after the town it has been built in and is widely known as one of the very best South African nine-h...
Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve
In what can only be described as the far northern reaches of South Africa lies the 36 000 hectare Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in the Limpopo V...
Thathe Vondo Forest
Regarded as the most majestic and beautiful forest in the Limpopo region, Thathe Vondo is also regarded as sacred by the local Venda people. Folk...
Accommodation near Ben Lavin Nature Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Limpopo Accommodation / Vhembe Accommodation / Soutpansberg Accommodation