Guide to Zulu cultural villages in Zululandth, Zululand

No first-time visitor should leave Zululand without at least experiencing the
incredible performance and high-energy of Zulu dancing and the best location
to enjoy this spectacle is in one of the two well-established cultural villages
in the Eshowe and Melmoth area.

Each village has its own different flavour but all offer an excellent insight into Zulu customs and traditions which have developed over centuries and which still play a vital role in today's society whether it is rural or urban.
Over the years the villages have done much to break down the cultural barriers which existed in such a historically divided society as South Africa but in recent times the villages - all of which have the most beautiful natural settings - have become popular 'exotic' venues for large functions such as conferences, corporate team-building and weddings.
They also offer special educational programmes for school groups where the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment.
Visitors are given an introduction to the layout of homesteads, hut-building techniques, social structure, traditional medicine, beer making, the significance of crafts such as pottery and beadwork as well as a chance to enjoy a traditional Zulu meal and have a lot of fun in the process.

A traditional warrior displays the craft of engaging the enemy from close quarters.

SHAKALAND

Shakaland - the largest of the two Zulu cultural villages - was originally built as the film set for the hit television epic 'Shaka Zulu' in the 1980's and is now part of the Protea Hotel group.It is situated in the picturesque Nkwaleni Valley outside Eshowe.

Day visitors
With its spectacular setting overlooking Phobane Lake, Shakaland is also popular with day visitors who wish to take in a meal and one of the two daily cultural programmes on offer. Starting times the Nandi Experience are 11h00 and 12h30 and include a spectacular display of Zulu dancing in the Great Hut in the heart of the village.
Programmes for overnight guests
The Shaka Experience is for overnight guests and begins at 16h00 daily. The atmosphere is particularly memorable as the dancing troupe comes down to the restaurant after supper to escort the visitors in darkness up to the Great Hut for the evening's performance.
School groups
Up to 70 school children can be accommodated in the Siyafunda Centre and special programmes have been devised to introduce Zulu culture and traditions to the youth of South Africa.

Contact details
Reservations and enquiries:
res@shakaland.com
Tel: 035 460 0912 or 035 460 0824
Website: www.shakaland.com

• Shakaland offers 3-star luxury accommodation in traditional Zulu beehive huts and traditional cuisine in its popular restaurant, Shisa Nyama.

Zulu maiden dressed in tradtional beadwork

The cultural tour through the village includes a presentation of domestic traditional Zulu life. This is followed by dancing in The Great Hut.

SIMUNYE ZULU LODGE

Simunye's entertainment area on the banks of the Mfule river

Above left: The Mfuli Bar and dining area is set on the banks of a gentle flowing river. Above right: Simple Zulu style in a guest bathroom.

Set deep in the picturesque Mfule River valley outside Melmoth, Simunye Zulu Lodge is far off the beaten track and gives visitors an authentic experience by overnighting as guests of the Biyela clan who have inhabited this area for centuries.
Due to the inaccessibility of the area, guests are met at a central point and from there transported to Simunye Zulu Lodge either on horseback or ox-wagon or 4x4 safari vehicle. It is essential that guests arrive at the departure point well before the time arranged as communications with the village can be problematic should guests be delayed enroute.

Cultural programmes
Guests are introduced to the village in the early evening and get to taste Zulu beer and traditionally-cooked meat before being entertained by the village youth who perform Zulu dances and sing traditional Zulu songs.
The programme continues the next morning with a more indepth look into Zulu traditions and customs.

Accommodation
Guests have a choice of different accommodation options. Read more >>

Contact details
Reservations and enquiries: info@simunyelodge.co.za
Tel: 035 450 0101/3
Website: www.simunyelodge.co.za

Guests are met at the village gateway
Simunye guide Eric Biyela welcomes guests at the entrance to the village.

The village youth put on a fine display of traditional dancing before giving the guests a chance to join in. Guests (right) taste freshly brewed traditional Zulu beer from a calabash drinking vessel.

ZULU CULTURAL VILLAGES