Come and share the secret ...
set in the Albasini Conservancy overlooking the Dam with sweeping views
of the Soutpansberg one will find ShiLuvari Lakeside Lodge

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Should you be interested to include Shiluvari into your intended holiday after reading the information below, please do not hesitate to request a free and personalized travel advice and price estimate. As acknowledged incoming tour operator for Southern Africa LB Safaris will gladly assist you in fine-tuning your travel wishes!

Once the old farmhouse, the Lodge now boasts an intimate country restaurant, rustic bar and comfortable lounge area.

Well appointed thatched chalets, set aside from the main Lodge, have twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. In keeping with the idea of "getting away from it all" one will not find a telephone or television in the rooms to intrude upon the tranquillity.Phone, fax and television are available in the main Lodge.For the energetic, explore the 60 hectare property of natural bush following trails along the dam or into the bush.

While studying the abundance of birdlife, look out for duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck or kudu. Or simply laze next to the pool overlooking the dam. In the evening sip a sundowner and listen to the jackal, bush baby and night jars performing their nightly chorus.

Set against a backdrop of Mountains and Forests, Holy Lakes and sacred ruins, Shiluvari welcomes you to the Heart of Ancient Venda and promises to restore your natural rhythm.  On a natural peninsula in 30 HA of natural vegetation, Shiluvari's sweeping views of the Albasini Dam & Luonde Mountains are the perfect base from which to explore this "Land of Legend" 

The main Lodge, once the old farmhouse, houses the award winning Wood-Owl country restaurant, the Hog & Hound bar and fireplace, "Textures" art outlet,  wrap-around terrace for al-fresco dining, and reception area.On site facilities also include the Lakeside Swimming pool, as well as the motorized raft, "the Savannah for sunset cruises along the Luvuvhu River.

Shiluvari is situated along the banks of the Albasini Dam, and close to the bustling little Town of Elim, 23 km's East of Louis Trichardt.  This side of the Soutpansberg is both magical and mysterious and spans from the Western side of the Soutpansberg conservancy down through the lush green valleys of the sub-tropical Levubu Valley.  Shiluvari is set in the midst of a rich heritage of Venda & Shangaan culture, and showcases the Open Africa Ribolla Arts Route of which the world renown Venda "big five" artists can be found.  For the more adventurous you can visit these artists on a self-drive basis or make use of one of the accredited guides from the Ribolla Tourism association who will entrance you with tales of Python Gods, magic mountains and singing Drums!!

Aside from the natural splendor, Shiluvari is also situated in a birding " hotspot" and has the unique position of being home to both birds found in the montaine as well as riverine habitat.  Excellent birding on site includes 8 different heron species including the Black-crowned night Heron and white backed night Heron.  African finfoot and the Osprey (in summer months) are commonly seen on the Dam, buff spotted flufftailis heard.  Shiluvari's on site specialized birding guide offers trips into Afro-temperate Forest, Lowveld Riverine Forest and Miombo Woodland.

Arts & Crafts
The region is an extremely popular tourist spot, famous for its arts and crafts and Shiluvari has a strong link with the local cultural groups. Tourists will be shown the most extraordinary arts & crafts places around.

If you are looking for a function venue, from weddings and birthday parties to conferences and business breaks, our thatched function venue caters for up to 100 guests. For special entertainment, secure a booking on our newly built double-decker raft for sunset cruises along the Levubu River. Ideal for a booze cruise.

Main Lodge:
Reception and office, 20-seater air conditioned conference room, lounge, 46-seater restaurant, Ladies and Gents bathroom, 34-seater verandah, kitchen, laundry in-house.

Standard Rooms:
6 Standard rooms, tastefully decorated overlooking the water inlet. All with en-suite bathroom, tea / coffee facilities, mosquito nets and back patio.

Deluxe Chalets:
6 Unique self contained thatched units overlooking the Albasini Dam and Luonde Mountains. All units have their own mini kitchenette with fridge, lounge area and private lakeside verandah with braai area. Also outfitted with mosquito nets and overhead fans.

Dragonfly Suite:
A two bedroomed suite with mini kitchen, bathroom with shower and bath, private patio overlooking the Luonde Mountains and Albasini Dam, all decorated in Shiluvari's own Dragonfly theme.
Restaurant:

Shiluvari's on-site restaurant, well known for its delicious "afro-fusion" cuisine, is open for breakfast and dinner daily. The simplistic approach is evident in utilization of fresh, local ingredients, beautiful presentation and a fine balance of African flavour and European sophistication. Amongst the most popular dishes you will find Sweet potato and Avocado soup, Seared beef fillet crusted with African spices and butternut "chips", mango ice-cream and chocolate & chili sauce. All dietary requirements are catered for, including vegetarian, halaal, kosher and diabetic.

Activities:

For the more energetic, explore the 60- hectare property of natural bush following the trails along the Dam or into the Bush. Cycling and walking trails are also available. Whilst studying the abundance of bird life, look out for duiker, bushbuck, Waterbuck or kudu. Or simply laze next to the pool admiring the view. In the evening, sip a sundowner drink whilst enjoying a sunset cruise on our motorised raft, while keeping and eye out for the Hippo and Crocodile lazily basking on the side of our waters. Shiluvari is well located amongst many world-renowned artists in pottery,wood carvers and traditional textile manufacturers.The diversity of cultural heritage is among the richest in South Africa . We will arrange a visit for you to these artists and sculptors.

Additional facilities includes a 6m x 5 m swimming pool; 4 x constructed braai areas, each with seating of up to 16 guests; Cruises on the Lake with our own motorised raft; Table Tennis/Volleyball; Walking/cycling trails and we are in close proximity to major arts and crafts attractions.

Additional Facilities:

Shiluvari Mission statement:
To provide a first class hospitality venue for conference delegates, business travellers and tourists, with the aim of ensuring a valuable cultural exchange between local, regional, national and international people.

Additional Awards / Memberships Claimed By Establishment:

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA)

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