Zulu Cultural Villages
Zululand

Zulu warrior with speer and shield The Zulus are known to be one of the proudest peoples in southern Africa. They draw high self-esteem from their history which to them is proof of their courage and fighting spirit in confrontation with other tribes and the colonial powers. They are proud of their rites and traditions, their dancing and singing, their team spirit and - last, but not least - they are proud of their king.

In the Zulu Cultural Villages - most of them situated in southern Zululand between Eshowe and Empangeni - visitors have the chance to catch a glimpse of the Zulus' traditional way of life as it used to be practiced for centuries.

A good example is the Kwabhekithunga Zulu Cultural Village which exists for many years already. Kwabhekithunga is a self-help project originally started by a farmer's family. In the traditional Zulu settlement - called "Umuzi" - lives Chief Mbhangcuza Fakude with his extended family. The skilfully woven rondavels stand around the cattle kraal in a circle and are surrounded by a protective fence made from sticks and stones.

The visitor programme is quite full. The costums and habits of the Zulus are explained in detail. Zulu warriors demonstrate stickfighting and spear-throwing. Zulu dance groups move to the drums and the rhythmic chanting of the clan. There are demonstrations of the various crafts like the forging of spearheads, weaving of baskets or the brewing of the sourly Zulu beer. By the Sangoma - a healer and fortune teller - one can have one's future predicted from a heap of tiny animal bones. As the crowning finale comes the traditional Zulu feast with several courses, celebrated in a round-hut.

The Cultural Villages in Zululand are open-air museums with shows for tourists. What is presented there, does not have much in common with the life in the Zulu villages of today. The real way of life in Zululand is less spectacular and picturesque. There is poverty and unemploymment and an ever increasing number of HIV infections. The income from tourism - including the sale of arts&crafts products and tickets for the Zulu shows - are, however, an important source of income and benefit the local Zulu communities.

Further information and accommodation: INFO

Left: Typical Zulu warrior with a shield from cow hide and short spear.Right: Topless Zulu girls are part of most shows.

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Zulu Cultural Villages Zululand

Zulu Cultural Villages
Zululand