# Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

> Source: https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/makhado/

Local municipality · Vhembe District 

# Makhado

Makhado is a local municipality of South Africa in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. It had an estimated **507,313 people** in 2020 on 7,605 km² (about 67 per km²). 120 named villages and localities are recorded here, and 591 mapped services such as hospitals, banks and schools.

- 507,313people (2020)
- 7,605km²
- 591mapped services
- 879 mtypical elevation

## How many people live in Makhado?

Makhado had an estimated **507,313 people** in 2020 — 38.3% of Vhembe District, 16th of 190 local municipalities. There are 1,169 women for every 1,000 men (close to the Vhembe District figure of 1,175). Spread over 7,605 km², that is about **67 people per km²**, 64th of 190 local municipalities.

34.3% of people are children under 15 and 7.8% are 65 or older; the median age is about 23 years (it is 23 across Vhembe District). For every 100 people of working age (15–64) there are 73 children and older people.

0–4 ****56,002**

5–9 ****58,163**

10–14 ****59,759**

15–19 ****54,189**

20–24 ****39,010**

25–29 ****34,254**

30–34 ****37,836**

35–39 ****33,069**

40–44 ****26,170**

45–49 ****21,644**

50–54 ****18,154**

55–59 ****16,013**

60–64 ****13,353**

65–69 ****12,648**

70–74 ****10,178**

75–79 ****8,443**

80+ ****8,428**

Source: [Statistics South Africa 2016 Community Survey Population via OCHA HDX, population 2020 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-zaf).

## Where is Makhado?

Makhado lies in [Vhembe District](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/), [Limpopo Province](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/), [South Africa](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/). It borders 6 other local municipalities: [Blouberg](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/capricorn/blouberg/), [Collins Chabane](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/collins-chabane/), [Greater Letaba](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/mopani/greater-letaba/), [Molemole](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/capricorn/molemole/), [Musina](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/musina/) and [Thulamela](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/thulamela/). By area it is the 43rd largest of 213 local municipalities in South Africa. It covers 29.7% of [Vhembe District](https://wherepedia.org/south-africa/limpopo/vhembe/). The centre of Makhado is about 344 km in a straight line from Pretoria, the capital. It is about 70 km from Thohoyandou, the main town of Vhembe District. The centre point is at 23.0197° S, 29.8043° E. Local names: LIM344 .

Source: [South African Municipal Demarcation Board via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-zaf).

## Things to see in and around Makhado

OpenStreetMap lists 29 named sights in Makhado: 26 nature reserves; 1 memorial; 1 viewpoint; 1 attraction.

- Ben Lavin · nature reserve
- Ben Lavin Natuurreservaat · nature reserve
- Bergtop Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Chapudi Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Cooksley Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- EWT Medike Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Ekland Game Ranch · nature reserve
- Entabeni Forest Reserve · nature reserve
- Goro Game Reserve · nature reserve
- Happy Rest Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Johanna F Uys Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Kliprivier Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- LJ steyn & Nieuw Geneve Nature Reserves · nature reserve
- Lala ya Tau Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Lang Jan Natuurreservaat · nature reserve
- Langjan Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Luvhondo Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Manombe Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Mollevel and Bergsig Nature Reserves · nature reserve
- Njelele Natuurreservaat · nature reserve
- Nshelele Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Ratombo Forest Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Renfrew Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Roodewal Forest Reserve · nature reserve
- So-Ja Private Reserve · nature reserve
- Studholme Nature Reserve · nature reserve
- Beacon Hill · viewpoint
- Art · attraction
- Hendrik Verwoerd · memorial

Source: [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

Named attractions, museums, viewpoints, historic sites and natural features mapped in OpenStreetMap. Places of worship are not listed.

## Know before you go: Makhado

- Time zoneUTC+2, no daylight saving · Africa/Johannesburg
- CurrencyRand (ZAR)
- Country calling code+27
- LanguagesZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana
- Plug typesType C, D · 230 V
- Driving sideLeft
- Postcode format4 digits (####)

### Nearest airports

- Polokwane International Airport (PTG) · Polokwane98 km
- Hendrik Van Eck Airport (PHW) · Phalaborwa171 km

### Nearest railway station

Schoemansdal (Makhado), about 4.7 km from the centre.

### Daylight

Days are longest in Dec (about 13.5 hours, sunrise around 05:09) and shortest in Jun (about 10.7 hours, sunrise around 06:38, sunset around 17:22).

Source: [GeoNames country and time-zone files (CC BY 4.0)](https://www.geonames.org/); [Wikidata (CC0) — plug types, mains voltage, driving side; retrieved 2026-11-03](https://www.wikidata.org/); [OurAirports (public domain)](https://ourairports.com/data/).

Airports with scheduled passenger flights; straight-line distances. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of each month in local standard time. Check entry and visa rules with official government sources before travelling.

## Villages and localities in Makhado

Open gazetteers list **120 villages, towns and localities** in Makhado. The largest with a recorded population: Louis Trichardt (86,854), Nthabalala (5,969), Ha-Mavhunga (2,124), Tshituni (2,039) and Louis Trichardt Airforce Base (1,345). Settlements here lie between about 597 m and 1,421 m above sea level (median 879 m).

- Abrasive
- Bandelierkop
- Beaconsfield
- Blouhak
- Bokisi
- Bungeni
- Buysdorp
- Chavani
- Chavani 3
- Chiefs Kraal
- Culvet
- De Droom
- Dzanani
- Dzarani
- Elim
- Elsteg
- Fort Edward
- Fripp
- Ga-Madulathoka
- Ga-Mathule
- Ga-Molema
- Garside
- Gertrudsburg
- Gordon
- Ha-Funyufunyu
- Ha-Madodonga
- Ha-Magau
- Ha-Mamuhoyi
- Ha-Manavhela
- Ha-Mantsha
- Ha-Mavhunga
- Ha-Mubua
- Ha-Rabali
- Ha-Ramahantsha
- Happy Rest
- Harmony
- Houtrivier
- Knunda
- Kranskraal
- Kutama’s Location
- Levubu
- Levubu-Nedersetting
- Lincoln York
- Louis Trichardt
- Louis Trichardt Airforce Base
- Louraine
- Lovemore
- Lushof
- Luvhalani
- Luvhola
- Mabedengwa
- Mabvuka Jazz
- Madabani
- Madaheni
- Madombidzha
- Maebani
- Manyii
- Mapani
- Mara
- Maranikhwe
- Mashapa
- Matitivhala
- Matsa
- Matshavhawe
- Mauluma
- Mawoni
- Mbhokota Village
- Mbokota
- Midoroni
- Moebani
- Molemaslokasie
- Muduluni
- Mulangaphuma
- Muraleni
- Musekwa
- Muungadi
- Natalie
- Nebo
- Ninlo
- Njhakanjhaka
- Nthabalala
- Nzhelele
- Oporto
- Ratombo
- Ravele
- Rembander
- Rietvlei
- Riverplaats
- Rivierplaats
- Schoemansdal
- Sending
- Senthimula’s Location
- Senwabarwana
- Seville
- Shewasaulu
- Shirley
- Sinthumule
- Stone Edge
- Studholme
- Toekoms
- Tshakhuma
- Tshikhwani
- Tshikuwi
- Tshikwarani
- Tshino
- Tshiozwi
- Tshirolwe
- Tshishiru
- Tshiswenda
- Tshitavha
- Tshituni
- Tshitwi
- Tskani
- Uitkyk
- Uitsig
- Valdezia
- Vetfontein
- Waterpoort
- Weltevrede
- Wyllie’s Poort

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/); [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

## Landscape and landmarks of Makhado

Named natural and historic features inside Makhado, from the GeoNames gazetteer.

### Water

8 rivers and streams; 2 reservoirs and tanks.

- Albasinidam
- Dorprivier
- Houtrivier
- Leroba
- Lutanandwa River
- Mudzwiriti
- Mufongodi
- Muhovharivier
- Mutshedzi
- Nzhelele

### Hills and mountains

68 mountains; 41 hills; 4 mountain passes; 2 peaks.

- Hanglip · 1,685 m
- Crewe · 1,681 m
- Letsume · 1,672 m
- Madichuene · 1,606 m
- Matanda · 1,574 m
- Lamiludzi · 1,556 m
- Tholoekop · 1,537 m
- Tomvi · 1,510 m
- Dande · 1,509 m
- Maangani · 1,507 m
- Tshamilora · 1,490 m
- Tswime · 1,462 m
- McConkey · 1,445 m
- Ndevhe · 1,433 m
- Ha-Mandiwana · 1,425 m
- Balalia · 1,422 m
- Luonde · 1,422 m
- Tshiendeulu · 1,421 m
- Tswende · 1,387 m
- Mukula · 1,386 m
- Spoma · 1,383 m
- Magweni · 1,373 m
- Donwa · 1,367 m
- Aasvoëlkop · 1,365 m

…and 91 more.

### Forests and nature

6 forests; 1 nature reserve.

- Entabeni Staatsbos
- Goedehoop Forest Reserve
- Hanglip Bosreservaat
- Klein-Australiëbosreservaat
- Langjan Natuur Reservatt
- Roodewal-Bosreservaat
- Timbadola Forest Reserve

### History

2 ruins.

- Die Machemma Ruines
- Dzana Ruins

### Getting around

3 airfields; 3 railway stations; 1 airport.

- Bandelierkop
- Mara
- Renfrew
- Rewlatch
- Thohoyandou Airport
- Thornhill
- Waterpoort

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/).

Places of worship are not listed. Elevations are from the GeoNames terrain model and are approximate.

## Weather in Makhado and the best time to visit

Using the climate of Vhembe District, the warmest month is Dec (average 25 °C) and the coolest is Jul (16 °C), after allowing for this place being about 230 m higher than the climate reference point (about 6.5 °C per 1,000 m). About 585 mm of rain falls in a year; the wettest month is Jan (113 mm) and the driest Aug (6 mm). The most comfortable months for a visit are **January to December**.

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Month Average °C Rain mm 

Jan 24 113 

Feb 24 93 

Mar 23 68 

Apr 21 38 

May 19 9 

Jun 16 7 

Jul 16 11 

Aug 18 6 

Sep 21 15 

Oct 23 37 

Nov 24 75 

Dec 25 113 

Source: [NASA POWER climatology, retrieved 2026-10-29](https://power.larc.nasa.gov/).

## Nearest hospital, bank and fuel from Makhado

Need Nearest mapped Distance 

Hospital Crestcare Zoutpansberg Hospital · Makhado 9.8 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.04018&mlon=29.89703#map=17/-23.04018/29.89703) 

Bank Nedbank MAKHADO · Makhado 8.1 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.07325&mlon=29.85838#map=17/-23.07325/29.85838) 

ATM Capitec Bank ATM · Makhado 11 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.05643&mlon=29.89989#map=17/-23.05643/29.89989) 

Petrol pump Astron Energy · Makhado 11 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.05658&mlon=29.89975#map=17/-23.05658/29.89975) 

Hotel Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge · Makhado 2.4 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.01562&mlon=29.82684#map=17/-23.01562/29.82684) 

Mall Madombidzha Mall - Shopping Centre · Makhado 11 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.11552&mlon=29.80633#map=17/-23.11552/29.80633) 

School Mukundi Little Star & After Care Centre · Makhado 0.6 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.01770&mlon=29.79840#map=17/-23.01770/29.79840) 

College Unisa Louis Trichardt · Makhado 11 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.04119&mlon=29.90706#map=17/-23.04119/29.90706) 

Police station SAPS Tshilwavhusiku Police Station · Makhado 11 km [Map](https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=-23.09635&mlon=29.74185#map=17/-23.09635/29.74185) 

Source: [Overture Maps places (CDLA-Permissive-2.0) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)](https://overturemaps.org/).

Straight-line distance from the centre of the division, within 40 km.

## Hospitals, banks and other services in Makhado

Places mapped inside Makhado in open map data, by type.

- Hospitals21
- Banks34
- ATMs17
- Petrol pumps29
- Hotels53
- Shopping malls12
- Schools320
- Colleges and universities8
- Pharmacies7
- Restaurants82
- Police stations6
- Dental clinics2

Source: [Overture Maps places (CDLA-Permissive-2.0) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)](https://overturemaps.org/).

Coverage depends on what has been mapped; contact details are not shown.

## Other local municipalities in Vhembe District

- Collins Chabane
- Musina
- Thulamela

## Quick answers

- Where is Makhado?In Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- What is the population of Makhado?507,313 (2020 estimate)
- What is the median age in Makhado?About 23 years (2020 estimate)
- What is the population density of Makhado?About 67 people per km²
- What borders Makhado?Blouberg, Collins Chabane, Greater Letaba, Molemole, Musina and Thulamela
- What is there to see in Makhado?Art, Beacon Hill, Ben Lavin, Ben Lavin Natuurreservaat
- What time zone is Makhado in?UTC+2
- What currency is used in Makhado?Rand (ZAR)
- What language is spoken in Makhado?Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans (main languages nationally)
- How many villages are in Makhado?120 named settlements (GeoNames, OpenStreetMap)
- What is the elevation of Makhado?Settlements lie between 597 m and 1,421 m
- How many reservoirs and tanks are in Makhado?2 named in GeoNames
- What is the highest point in Makhado?Hanglip (1,685 m, GeoNames elevation model)
- What is the best time to visit Makhado?January to December
- Where is the nearest hospital to Makhado?Crestcare Zoutpansberg Hospital, about 9.8 km from the centre
- Where is the nearest bank to Makhado?Nedbank MAKHADO, about 8.1 km from the centre
- Where is the nearest ATM to Makhado?Capitec Bank ATM, about 11 km from the centre
- Where is the nearest petrol pump to Makhado?Astron Energy, about 11 km from the centre
- How many hospitals are in Makhado?21 mapped
- How many banks are in Makhado?34 mapped
- How many ATMs are in Makhado?17 mapped
- How many petrol pumps are in Makhado?29 mapped
- What is the P-code of Makhado?ZA9344 (OCHA common operational dataset)