Central Drakensberg | Northern Drakensberg | Southern Drakensberg | Accommodation Reservations | Drakensberg Tours |  Drakensberg Hiking Trails | Contact Us |  Sitemap

Zulu Cultural Villages - South Africa

A visit to a Zulu Cultural Village in South Africa is the easiest way to gain an insight to the Zulu traditions and way of life. The Zulu Village was always circular and built on sloping ground. The main hut of the headman stood at the highest point, with those of his wives hierarchically positioned at both sides. An inner circle housed the wealth of the village - the kraal that kept the cattle and grain. It was a revered area where the spirits of the ancestors were thought to linger.

The Zulu homestead was also circular. The foundations were laid by the men of the village who would gather to enjoy brewed beer and bonhomie while they built. Their job was to fix saplings to the ground then bend and tie them together to form the basic beehive shape. Then it was left to the women to cover the frame with matting woven from thatching grass and bind it with a web of grass ropes.

The right hand side of the hut belonged to the man and the left hand side to the woman. The area at the back that was used to store cooking utensils and valuables, was believed to belong to the spirits.

The survival of traditional homestead structures or 'imizi' have come under increasing pressure. Availability of land for these homesteads has become increasingly scarce. Bricks of mortar have replaced the traditional uhlongwa grass thatched beehive huts which require much maintenance. There are however a number of fine examples of these villages that have been established as living museums for tourists:

Part of King Dingane's Capital has also been reconstructed at uMgungunglovu. There is also a recontruction of part of King Cetshwayo's capital at Ondini.

The Zulu traditional village is a must visit - either for a few hours or as an overnight stop. Guests are greeted with traditional Zulu hospitality and etiquette. Service invariably comes with a big smile from a people who relish showing off their heritage.

Invariably, guests will be entertained by dancing and singing - two communal activities in which Zulu men and women love to participate. It is customery that only the unmarried girls and young men dance, alternating in seperate groups. While the girls dance, the young men will provide accompaniment by singing and clapping and vice versa.

Commercial Zulu Cultural Villages in South Africa

Dumazulu Traditional Village & Lodge

Located near Hluhulwe in KwaZulu NatalSATSA and FEDHASA. 1 swimming pool, 1 bar, 1 boma. 3 Cultural shows per day, where a Zulu guide accompanies each visiting group. 23 bedrooms sleeping 2-4 persons each.Convenient location makes it a popular base from which to visit the nearby attractions and Game Parks to spot the `Big Five`. Enquire

Ecabazini Zulu Cultural Homestead

Located 30 minutes from Pietermaritzburg on the shores of the Albert Falls Dam. Authentic Zulu living homestead situated on a scenic part of the Albert Falls Dam - offering on in depth & personal look into all aspects of Zulu culture - traditional crops, medicinal plants, cattle, traditional food, dancing and accommodation. Accommodation: seven rooms and seven double rooms.  Enquire

Shakaland 

Take a step back in time and enter the world of Shaka, King of the Zulu at his Great Kraal overlooking the Umhlatuze Lake. Stay in first-class accommodation, which consist of traditional beehive huts with all the mod cons, including en-suite bathrooms. 

Experience the essence of Africa: pulsating tribal rhythms, assegai-wielding warriors and the mysterious rituals of the Sangoma interpreting messages from the spirits. This is the magic of Shakaland, one of South Africa’s most unique tourist attractions, tucked away in the indigenous setting of aloes and mimosa trees overlooking Umhlatuze lake. Originally created for the film sets of Shaka Zulu and John Ross, Shakaland is an unusual cross-cultural center and living museum where Zulu folk pursue the custom and traditions of their forefathers. Enquire

Isithumba Village

Isithumba is a Zulu village in the beautiful area called Valley of 1000 Hills not far from Durban, but a whole different world. Enquire

Simunye

Tucked away in the magnificent Mfule River Valley, in the sheltering embrace of a high cliff, lays Simunye. Here, one can experience the fascinating cross-cultural influences that have emerged since Zulu and Western culture first interacted, back in the pioneer days.

On arrival at the old trading store guests receive a short overview of the history of the area and proceed either by horse, ox-wagon, and donkey cart, on foot (or by 4x4 on request) on a 1-hour trail accompanied by a guide.

Feel the pulse of yesteryear as you journey to the secluded lodge at sunset. After sundowners and dinner, sit spellbound round the fire as Zulu legends unfold and the rhythmic drumbeat of Africa fills the night.
Accommodation has a real pioneer feel to it. Each room is uniquely crafted ... Zulus build by instinct, with no plans and comprise six rock rooms in the pioneer settlement, 5 lodge rooms and 5 contemporary Zulu huts in the Zulu muzi. Enquire

Drakensberg Boys Choir School | Hiking Maps of the Drakensberg | Drakensberg and Natal Midlands Weddings | Drakensberg day walks and walking trails | Fauna and flora of the Drakensberg - A treasure chest | Links to Drakensberg Tourism Partners |