The name Ellisras (Now known as Lephalale) origins from a combination of the surnames of Patric Ellis and Piet Erasmus who settled in the 1930's on the farm Waterkloof 502 LQ. Since the opening of the main route between Vaalwater and Stockpoort during 1929 a railway bus stop developed on the farm.

 

The central function of the newly established nodes became more evident and other facilities such as schools, churches and shops were established on the farm. Subdivision of the farm started and due to the specific locality of the river, all newly created portions have a river frontage which had a definite influence on the urban form / shape of Ellisras today.

On 6 December 2000 a new Municipal Council came into being, namely the Lephalale Municipality. This new Municipality is the result of an amalgamation of the previous two municipalities, namely Ellisras / Marapong Transitional Local Council and Ellisras / Tswelopele Transitional Local Council.

Lephalale, formally Ellisras, "Heartbeat of the Bushveld" is known as a peaceful and tranquil town in the heart of the Limpopo bushveld where tourists will find excellent accommodation facilities ranging from luxurious game lodges and hotels to guesthouses and tented camps in rustic settings.

Ellisras is situated at the spur of the Waterberg Mountains in the north-west of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The town lies approximately 60km from the Botswana border on the Mogol River, a tributary of the Limpopo River. Well tarred roads, a tarred airstrip and a daily bus service to Pretoria (Tshwane - about 280 km) make this close-to-earth town easily accessible.

Ellisras is richly blessed with indigenous bush and wildlife, and is therefore sought after as a hunting area, offering many amenities catering for trophy as well as biltong hunting. The area around Ellisras offers wonderful game viewing experiences, including the Big 5. Farm holidays and sports-tourism (particularly golf), are very popular in Ellisras. Activities offered include Waterberg Biosphere visits, eco-tourism, hunting safaris, bird watching (263 species), hiking trails, the Fish Eagle fishing route, rock art viewing, traditional art and crafts, traditional dancing, mountain biking, conferences, team building, food tourism and 18 hole golfing. Annual events include the D'Nyala Bushveld 4x4 Marathon and a cycling race in May and the Bushveld Festival in July.

 

HOW FAR TO:

 

Potgietersrus / Mokopane 180 km
Nylstroom / Modimolle 150 km
Thabazimbi 120 km
Stockpoort Border Post 70 km
Groblersbrug / Martinsdrift Border Post 84 km