The anomalous Lake Fundudzi is the pearl of South Africa, the water from which cannot be taken away

Lake Fundudzi is one of the few lakes in South Africa and, according to tourists, the most beautiful. It is located in the Republic of South Africa in the Limpopo province, near the Southspansberg mountain range. The dimensions of the lake are only 3 by 1 km, and the depth is 27 meters. But it is difficult to find a body of water on the African continent about which so many legends and traditions have been written. Funduji impresses not only lovers of beauty and folklore. For limnologists - scientists who study lakes, it is filled with mysteries and anomalies.

Lake Fundudzi is filled by two rivers - Godoni and Mutale. It has no drain, but never overflows. Science cannot yet explain due to what processes the water level in the reservoir remains constant at any time of the year. The lake was formed due to a landslide that blocked the flow of the Mutale River. By historical standards, this happened recently - “only” 10 thousand years ago.

There is a funny myth associated with the lake that appeared not so long ago. It says that in 1955, Professor Henry Burnside and guide Thacker visited the lake to explore it. They filled several flasks with water and sealed them hermetically. But the next morning they were empty. This happened several times and samples were never taken.

They say that the scientist and his companion, wanting to at least know the taste of the water, tried it. This curiosity cost them their lives. Of course, this is just a local story, invented to entertain tourists. Despite this, many guests of Funduji willingly believe this story and even take bottles of water with them, only to end up disappointed.

Lake Fundudzi is sacred to the Whatatzindi people, who are part of the Venda people. Local residents associate the lake with the sacred python - the god of fertility. The mythical reptile lived in the mountains near a lake and sometimes crawled to the shore at night to visit the surrounding villages. Under the cover of darkness, the python entered the houses of the women of the tribe to copulate with them.

The visits of the sacred reptile continued for centuries and the Vhatatsindi people knew no troubles. But one peasant woman was frightened by the huge snake and screamed. The monster became upset and dived into the lake. The python sank to the very bottom and never came out of the water. This caused a terrible drought that destroyed crops and cost many lives. The sacred animal had mercy on people only when its offender came to the water and threw herself into the abyss.

The python accepted the victim and the rains immediately began. After this, the whatatzindi annually sacrificed a girl by throwing her into the lake. Over time, this terrible custom changed. Now the villagers near Fundudzi simply organize a celebration with dancing near the water. They also pour beer into it, which is supposed to appease the deity. It is believed that this ritual is enough for the python to give people life-giving moisture.

Another legend tells about a leprous wanderer who was refused lodging for the night by the inhabitants of one village. When leaving, the traveler cursed the settlement and it sank to the bottom of the lake. The Whatatzindi tribe believe that if the weather is good, if you're lucky, you can see the cursed village living its life. Its inhabitants cultivate fields, graze livestock and go hunting. The elder of this village is the same Python god who loves women so much.

Until relatively recently, the picturesque lake was not one of the tourist attractions. It is located in a remote area that is difficult to reach even for an experienced traveler. Moreover, the residents of the surrounding villages were not too fond of idle guests hanging out with cameras along the banks of their shrine.

But in the last 10 years everything has changed. Tours are organized to Funduji and you can always meet guests on its banks. Some of the visitors behave strangely at first glance. They stand with their backs to the water, bend over, and look at the lake between their legs. According to local beliefs, everyone who approaches the lake for the first time should do this. Tourists, fascinated by folk flavor, happily follow this ritual, which is called ukodola.

Representatives of the tribe are now favorable to outsiders and offer them souvenirs. Although the older generation does not approve of tourists who are not always respectful of Funduji. But every year religious reverence becomes less and less noticeable. Local youth, who 50 years ago were afraid to approach the water, no longer believe in ancient legends.

The lake is under the protection of the South African authorities. But despite this, human activity is increasingly influencing the condition of the natural monument. The expansion of human settlements, the planting of trees on the slopes of nearby mountains, and trash left behind by tourists all affect water quality.

Activists who pushed for Funduji to be declared a national heritage site are unhappy with the conservation efforts. They believe that officials are not doing anything for the unique reservoir. Protected status is just another way for them to attract tourists and create new jobs.

Fortunately, the lake cannot be turned into a popular resort. Its waters are literally teeming with large crocodiles and swimming here is life-threatening. But the surrounding area of Fundudzi suffers more and more every year. Next to the lake is the Sacred Forest, where the Venda people have long buried their kings. Now pine trees have been planted along its perimeter, which are used for the production of cardboard.

Interference with the natural balance has led to changes in the ecosystem, which is now on the verge of extinction. Pine trees require enormous amounts of moisture to grow, drying out the soil. These days, the Sacred Forest is closed to the public. You can enter it only with special permission. Guests are given a tour along the only trail by local guides.

Mysterious lakes that baffle scientists exist in many countries around the world. For example, in Argentina they found a perfectly round and very deep lake with a floating island.