Houtbosdorp

The tiny forest village of Houtbosdorp in Limpopo is named for the forest plantations and indigenous forest in the Woodbush Forest Reserve that backs it. The village’s name literally means ‘Woodbush Town’, though it’s not anyhwere near big enough to be a town.

Houtbosdorp is the location of the Kurisa Moya chalets – a destination for travellers exploring the ‘Land of the Silver Mist’ which consists of the nearby Magoebaskloof and Haenertsberg area, which offers superb forest scenery, the many routes on the Magoebaskloof Hiking Trail, sightseeing, birding, pick-nicking and beautiful mountain stream waterfalls  such as the Debegeni Falls.

Kurisa Moya in Houtbosdorp is also a popular abseiling and birding destination, with beginner abseiling lessons offered on the Snelkop ’mountain’ at the Lodge. In addition, the annual Spring Festival in Houtbosdorp draws many visitors, showcasing local arts and crafts and featuring delicious local produce.

Getting there: Head north-east on the R71 from Haenertsberg and look out for signs for Masealama, Houtbosdorp or Woodbush Forest Reserve. You will turn right off the R71 and descend through the forests to a sharp right on to a tar road at the foot of the pass.