Elim (Soutpansberg)

The Soutpansberg town of Elim is located just south-east of Louis Trichardt. Elim is one of the towns on the Venda Art Route, but its best known for its hospital, which is over hundred years old. Founded by missionaries, the Elim hospital includes a small museum celebrating the work of the Swiss missionaries and doctors who helped establish the hospital and its sterling reputation.

Elim has grown remarkably of late – transforming from a tiny mission station town to a commercial and residential centre, though it still retains a very rural character, with a predominance of Venda culture. There are several excellent accommodation establishments, shops and amenities in Elim, including the recently opened Elim Mall. Look for Venda arts, crafts, fabrics and pottery in particular.

There are many attractions within an hour to an hour and a half from Elim. The area around Elim is heavily forested with both indogenous forest and plantation and there are some very worthwhile attractions and activities offered in this environment, including some excellent hiking trails, mountain biking, cycling and birding.

The town of Louis Trichardt is a half hour drive away and there you will find the Hanglip Forest Reserve and the Hanglip Hiking Trail. The Ben Lavin Nature Reserve is right next to Elim, and the Entabeni State Forest is only half hour drive away.

Getting there: Elim is a half hour drive on the R578 dirt road from Louis Trichardt.