Golwe Picnic and Campsite is a large shady site situated in a secluded valley in Venda off the Masisi Road. At dawn one can hear African Broadbill around the campsite. Other special birds are Pink-throated Twinspot, Scaly-throated Honeyguide and Crowned Hornbill.
Marked circular trails lead from the campsite up the valley and to a waterfall. The campsite offers a convenient base from which to visit Mpaphuli Cycad Reserve, Makhuya Park and the Gundani Brachystegia Woodland. We recommend booking Christopher Nethonzhe, who is the local site guide (BirdLife-SA accredited) to guide you along the trails.
Golwe is owned and run by members of the Vhurivhuri Community. All proceeds go towards the development of the community and supporting unemployed people in the village.
The campsite has ablution facilities with hot water and flushing toilets, braai stands, picnic tables and four camp sites. Firewood is available to buy. Traditional catering can be arranged prior to the visit. The area is multifunctional and can accommodate people who want to have open air meetings and parties. The site is accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles and 4×4 caravans.
Directions
From the south
Turn off the R524 towards Thohoyandou. Drive through Thohoyandou to Sibasa and straight on to the T-junction indicating Donald Fraser Hospital (left) and Masisi (right). Go right towards Masisi. Continue towards Masisi for another 37 km. Turn off the road towards Lambani/Gunda and follow the signboards to the site for another 1.8 km.
From the north
Turn off the R525 at Masis towards the Tshikondeni Mine. Do not take the left turn to the mine but continue straight on towards Sibasa/Thohoyandou for another approximate 25 km. The site is sign posted off this road to your right.
From Punda Maria
Driving towards Punda Maria, turn left at the cross road towards Minga and Lambani (right goes to Mpahophe and Makuleke). Follow the tar road for about 3 km, turn left to cross the Levuvhu river (through a gate). Carry on straight (where the road changes to a dirt road) for about 4 km and turn right at Lambani/ Gunda road. Follow the road (passing a sign to Deanwe, left, after about 1 km) and ignore the small, unsigned roads turning off to both directions. After about 8 km Lambani turns off left, but carry on straight towards Gunda and Vhurivhuri for about another 10 km after which there is a sign to Golew that turns of left. Golwe is about 25 km from the tar road to Punda Maria of which about 20 km is dirt road accessible to a slow driving 2×4 vehicle.
Contact Information
Christopher Nethonzhe
Community Representative
Cel: +27 (0)76 302 9383
Ernest
Community Representative
Cel: +27 (0)76 196 3691
Additional Information
Booking are not required, but notice of your arrival is appreciated.
Entry fee: R5 per adult (day visit); R5 per vehicle; R30 per adult (camping)