Shakaland - the largest of the three 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.
Luxury accommodation
It offers a choice of several cultural experiences every day as well as luxury accommodation in traditional Zulu beehive thatched huts and traditional cuisine in its popular restaurant, Shisa Nyama.
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 are 11h00 and 12h30 and include a spectacular display of Zulu dancing in the Great Hut in the heart of the village.
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
Email reservations: res@shakaland.com
Tel: 035 460 0912
Website: www.shakaland.com

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.

Accommodation
Guests have a choice of several accommodation options. The original Pioneer Camp is nestled in the cliff face on a bend in the Mfule River and comprises a Hobbitt-like warren of charming en-suite bedrooms hued from whatever natural resources were at hand.
The bar and diningroom overlook the gentle flowing Mfule river.
More recent accommodation has been built closer to the traditional village and guests can be housed in either beehive huts, rondawels or lodges.
All rooms are electrified and have en suite bathrooms with piped hot water.

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.

Conference centre
A conference centre known as Kwa Lukhozi, the Eagle's Nest, has been built higher up the cliff face and is popular for corporate team building exercises and leadership development programmes.
Here the ambience is primal, informal, tranquil and timeless - the ideal atmosphere for focusing on office issues and sources of conflict and then resolving them in a relaxed manner. Functions can also be tailor-made to suit the specific needs of the programme.
The 'exotic' tranquillity of the setting is also being used more and more as a wedding venue.

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.

Simunye guide Eric Biyela welcomes guests at the entrance to the village.

Guests taste freshly brewed traditional Zulu beer from a calabash drinking vessel.