Elim & Surroundings

This tour takes visitors to Elim and surrounding villages, the home to various artists and crafters. We advise to make use of the services of a local tour guide, since many places are not that easy to find and the guide provides easy access to artists' workshops and homesteads in the villages.

The tour starts at Elim market to get a feel of the local atmosphere. The next stop is at Twananani Textiles; a group of 12 women who are inspired by traditional Tsonga patterns and symbols, create a wide range of home decoration and fashion products. They also run a crèche, and guests will be invited to sing with the children.The drive continues to Tshivhuyuni, the village where Thomas Kubayi runs his woodcarving workshop and music studio: Vutsila Art Centre. This is a nice spot for a break, to enjoy the beautiful landscape and a pick-nick lunch. Afterwards, follow the road to Mukondeni Pottery Village; here, famous Venda pots are showcased along the road. Further along the road one finds the Mukondeni Pottery factory. It is here where women show how they make the pots and how the traditional firing process works. This is the main route of the tour, but it can be expanded by additional loops, places and activities, depending on the interest of the visitor.

For more information: http://www.madiathavha.com/activities/art-craft-and-culture-tours/elim-arts-craft-and-culture-tour.