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The Secretive Modjadji
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It started during the 16th century when a young princess fled southwards from Zimbabwe with a few followers. With her she carried the rain-making secrets of the ruling family. They eventualy settled in the warm fertile valley of Molotsi - close to which is today the town of Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province.
She withdrew from public view and called herself Modjadji. From here she started her rain-making spells.
People started to believe that she was immortal. Her small group was never inviolated as even the savage Zulu and Swazi warriors regarded her with awe.
The mystique remains to this day and the current successor (Princess Mmakobo Modjadji grand daughter of Modjadji V) still lives in her capital adjacent to the original kraal.
The land of Modjadji, the Rain Queen, is an impressive setting of ancient baobab trees, untouched bushveld, breathtaking mountain ranges, and an abundance of wild creatures, flora and birdlife to compliment this treasure chest of enchanting legends, myths and culture.
The 530-ha Modjadji Nature Reserve contains one of the most fascinating population of plants seen in Southern Africa. Once the main diet of the prehistoric mammal-like reptiles that lived here, the Modjadji cycad (Encephalartos transvenosus) forms a unique natural forest which can be viewed in its prehistoric state thanks to its strict protection by succeeding generations of modjadji ('rain queens'), the hereditary rulers in the area.
In fact, here the visitor has the privilege of experiencing the 'Alice in Wonderland' atmosphere of the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. These protected plant species not only grow in profusion in the area, but are giants in the genus of 29 species, with specimens up 10 13 m high, and bearing cones that may weigh up to 34 kg. December to February sees many of these strange plants in seed.
The setting is superb. When mist does not obscure the view, the visitor gazes over the cycad forest to the lowveld and the Kruger National Park. Approximately 12 km of well-constructed walks drop from the cycad forest to the acacia and grassveld below where large game such as blue wildebeest, waterbuck, nyala, impala and bushbuck, and over 170 species of birds live.
The lands of the Modjadji tribe surround the reserve. Permits must be obtained at the entrance to the reserve. Facilities include an information centre, kiosk, picnic and braai sites.
Where to Find
The Nature Reserve and kraal can be reached about 14 km north of Tzaneen in Limpopo on the road ( R36) to Soekmekaar.
Duiwelskloof Tourism Bureau:
Phone number: 015 -309 -9246
Fax number: 015 -309 -9419
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Comments |
This is very interesting and I wonder what is the secret behind all this.
Posted by: Rakgathe Pamela |
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