Morning Sun Nature Reserve

About Morning Sun Nature Reserve

Morning Sun Nature Reserve lies in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Limpopo, a natural heritage site that forms part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Region.

Did you know? In the west of the Vhembe Region lie the craggy peaks that form the jagged spine of the Soutpansberg or ‘salt pan mountain', which attributes its name to the giant salt pan on the west side of this range that has been a source of salt for centuries.

The Vhembe Biosphere Region includes the northern part of the Kruger National Park, the Mapungubwe National Park and World heritage site, serveral provincial nature reserves, the Soutpansberg and Blouberg and the Makgabeng Plateau with over 1000 rock art sites.

Morning Sun Nature Reserve also forms part of the anticipated Golden Horse Shoe Nature Conservation and Peace park complex. Only five hours from Johannesburg, Morning Sun makes a good stop en-route north to Zimbabwe or Botswana. It distinguishes itself by combining a bush holiday with a cultural experience.

In the reserve is the second most sacred site for local Venda people, Mashovhela rock pool or 'the place where the drum can be heard'. Because the emphasis is on the natural beauty of the area you can walk freely through the reserve to experience the serene scenery, indigenous forests, waterfalls, rivers and rock pools, and to study the diversity of plants, trees, birds and a large variety of antelope.

At the same time, a guide will share his knowledge of both the ecosystem and stories of the local Venda people. There are also scenic drives, Venda dancing, hiking trails that include a night out under the stars at the Hammock Camp, birding, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling and night sky safaris.

Natural landmarks of the area include the Tshipise Hot Springs, the Tshatshingo Potholes, Lake Funduzi, Thathe Vondo Forest and the Big Tree at Sagole Spa.