Thohoyandou & Sibasa
Close to the ground.
GPS: S 25 05.366 E 030 27.228 pop. 20,000 | elevation 1,403 m/4,603 ft
Thohoyandou, Sibasa and the surrounding communities are home to the friendly and hospitable Venda people. They have a rich culture supported with legends passed down from generations past that continue to influence the way of life for many. If you make it to this area, spend some time befriending locals and inquiring about some regional history – you could start with the story of Lake Funduzi and the Modjadji Rain Queens.
Khoroni Casino
Khoroni Casino is a small touch of Las Vegas in the middle of northeastern South Africa and the main attraction in town. It has 140 slot machines, roulette and blackjack, a hotel, restaurant, and a couple late model BMWs and Mercedes parked in front.
Thohoyandou Art & Culture Center
Thohoyandou Art & Culture Center is a large art studio with local artists working on projects clustered throughout the grounds. The artists are happy to show you around and explain the projects they are working on. They also sell clay pottery, prints and woodcarvings of all sizes from both the art students on site as well as other local artists.
Matsindo/Mvusuludzo Mall
Matsindo/Mvusuludzo Mall is sometimes referred to as the Venda Mall. It is the block of shops that make up the center of Thohoyandou with a Spar, KFC, Roman's Pizza, Wimpy, FNB and ABSA ATMs and the minibus taxi rank across the street.
Sibasa Shopping Center
Sibasa Shopping Center is located about 1 km north of Thohoyandou and has a SuperSpar, Shoprite, post office, Nedbank and ABSA ATMs and a minibus taxi rank.
Acacia Parks
Acacia Parks has basic self-catering chalets with TV and AC, a swimming pool and campsites with electric outlets, water and braai facilities.
Bougainvilla Lodge
Bougainvilla Lodge is a B&B with standard rooms that have a TV, AC and a phone. The front of the lodge is softened with bougainvillea trees, from which the lodge takes its name. They can also arrange lunch and dinner with advanced notice.
Graceland Hotel
Graceland Hotel is a small, clean but characterless, gated community of about 20 white concrete houses with red clay roofs, located halfway between Thohoyandou and Sibasa. The en suite rooms all have TV and AC. They also serve up a breakfast (R55) and lunch (R95), feature a dinner buffet (R95) and offer discounts on weekends.
The Khoroni Casino Hotel
The Khoroni Casino Hotel has fully equipped hotel rooms with original artwork, TV, AC, phone and a safe for your casino winnings. In addition to the casino there is also a full restaurant, dilapidated tennis courts and mini-golf.
The Malingani Restaurant
The Malingani Restaurant is by far the best restaurant in town with fish any way you like it, steak, ribs and a couple vegetarian options. However the most popular meal is the buffet: breakfast R100, lunch R105, dinner R120.
Khoroni Casino
Khoroni Casino is the largest of Thohoyandou and Sibasa's watering holes. If you're staying in the area and looking for some mild nightlife, ask around and you'll likely be able to find a local to take you around without much trouble.