Museum of the Drum and Dzata Ruins

About Museum of the Drum and Dzata Ruins

Can you hear the drum beat; can you feel the earth spin?

Venture off the beaten track 50km north-east of Louis Trichardt on the R523 between Thohoyandou and Makhado and you’ll find the Museum of the Drum and Dzata ruins.

The rural peacefulness of the place makes it hard to believe that this was once a thriving community. This significant archaeological site is the remains of the royal kraal of the Venda kings and dates back six thousand years to 1400.

Here you can learn about the rich art culture of the Venda and their famous domba dance at the Museum of the Drum. The building houses a replica of the enormous holy drum, reputed to have magical powers that incapacitate enemies.

Entrance to the Museum of the Drum and Dzata ruins is free.