Zululand Cultural Tours
Cultural Tours around Zululand
eMakhosini Valley Meander
The eMakhosini is the valley from which the earliest Zulu Kings were born and died and it was from this valley that mighty Shaka created the great Zulu people. This is truly the heart of Zululand. Guided by us you can wander around the eMakhosini Valley the valley of the Zulu kings. Feel the touch of the spirit of the great King Shaka's forefathers as you view their graves and feel the spirit of sadness as you stand beside Dinizulu's grave the last of the seven Zulu Kings to be buried there.
Spend time in the Ondini Cultural Museum‚ which stands on the great King Cetshwayo's capital which was destroyed by the British in 1879.
Visit Dingaan's capital Mgungundlovu‚ which he destroyed while fleeing from the avenging Voortrekkers in 1838. This site has like Cetshwayo's Ondini been painstakingly reconstructed.
Stand at the spring up on the Mtonjaneni Heights where Dingaan sent his maidens to fetch water for himself. Meet with royal descendants of the Kings who still farm in this valley keeping a watchful eye over their forefather's graves. Hear from them as they recite their proud heritage and live closely in touch with their ancestor's spirits.
End the day as you are driven in our open vehicle to the Ophathe Game Reserve to enjoy an evening braai in the bush.
Cultural Museum
Experience the rich cultural heritage of the KwaZulu Natal region, from the earliest
inhabitants to the great Zulu nation. The museum focuses on the Nguni-
Zulu Dancing
Overnight at the uMuzi Ondini and experience the rhythm of Africa to the sound and rhythm of Zulu dancing.
Zulu Reed Dance in September
A once in a life time experience as thousands of Zulu maidens pay respect to their King.
Not far from the uMuzi is the Nyokeni Royal Residence where you can attend this annual event introduced by the current King which takes place in September / October. The main purpose of the Zulu Reed Dance is to afford His Majesty the opportunity to address the young girls of the nation on behaviour becoming of Zulu people in an effort to sustain traditional values.
By taking part in the ceremony, the young girls affirm their loyalty to the king. Reeds cut and carried by the maidens as part of the ceremony are used to construct or repair the residence.
WEEKEND REED DANCE PACKAGE: Suitable for visitors from all regions
FRIDAY:
(Arrive on Friday)
TIME
DESCRIPTION
18h00
Supper
SATURDAY:
07h00 -
Breakfast
08h30 -
Leave for Nyokeni Palace
18h00
Return to uMuzi
SUNDAY:
08h00 -
Breakfast
09h30 -
KwaZulu Cultural Museum and Open Air Museum, video, craft and bookshop
12h30 -
Lunch at uMuzi
TRANSPORT:
Supplied -
GENERAL:
Normally held on the 2nd Weekend of September but can be changed.
The Zulu Reed Dance
Young girls taking part in the ceremony
Visits to Zulu Royalty
Visit His Royal Highness Prince Jacob Zulu, a descendant of Prince Dabulamanzi of Rorke's Drift fame , at his tavern near Ulundi. Experience the atmosphere of a rural community as they live today. Take this opportunity to discuss with him aspects and issues that interest you about Zulu culture.
Zulu Wedding
If you are lucky enough to be in the valley at the time of a Zulu wedding, arrangements can be made for you to attend.
Zulu Tapestry
The Legislative Assembly building can be visited by arrangement. The historical tapestry series and the statue of King Shaka are of particular interest.
Shembe Church Service
Arrangements can be made to attend this modern African church service held in the open.
Cultural Activities Competition
The Department of Education and Cultural organizes an annual competition lasting three (3) days amongst the youth, which is held at the Ondini Museum in September usually prior to the Reed Dance. Come and see the best of the Zulu youth competing against each other just two minutes walk from the uMuzi Bushcamp.
Tapestry of the Kings
Zulu Tapestry
TINTA'S FOUR (4) DAY ZULULAND EXPLORER
(1 DECEMBER -
HIGHLIGHTS
Marine Mammal experience in the St Lucia World Heritage Park
Big 5 Game viewing in Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve
Zulu Cultural exploring the eMakhosini (Valley of the Zulu Kings)
ITINERY
Day 1
Tinta Safaris will collect you from your Hotel and travel up through the rolling hills of Zululand to St Lucia World Heritage Site, where we will be on time to settle into our accommodation and enjoy sundowners on the edge of the lake. The evening is spent around a Traditional South African Braai.
Day 2 (1 December -
After a leisurely breakfast it is down to the beach, to enjoy two hour's of Deep Sea Marine Mammal watching with the crew of Advantage, which guarantee you "the most fun you will have with your cloths on." On returning to shore, we will visit the Crocodile farm. After lunch there will be time to rest or explore St Lucia Village while waiting to go on a sunset Hippo & Croc Tour with Advantage Cruiser where you spend two hours viewing Hippo, Crocodile's, Fish eagle and viewing African sunset.
Day 2 (1 June -
After a leisurely breakfast it is down to the beach, to enjoy two hour's of Whale watching with the crew of Advantage, which guarantee you "the most fun you will have with your cloths on." On returning to shore, we will visit the Crocodile farm. After lunch there will be time to rest or explore St Lucia Village while waiting to go on a sunset Hippo & Croc Tour with Advantage Cruiser where you spend two hours viewing Hippo, Crocodile's, Fish eagle and viewing African sunset.
Day 3
After an early breakfast we leave for the famous Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve in search of the Big Five. This Game Reserve is the oldest Game Reserve in Africa and famous for it's program to save the White Rhino from extinction. After the day's viewing we head for the uMuzi Bushcamp a camp built in traditional Zulu fashion where we spend the evening in the Isibayo "cattle enclosure" enjoying a traditional Zulu Braai.
Day 4
An Open Vehicle Drive through the eMakhosini Valley while your guide brings you in close touch with the spirit of the Zulu people who grew as a nation from this valley, under the hand of Shaka. Visit some of the site of the seven Zulu Kings who were buried in this valley. Explore the Homestead of Dingaan and the site of the last battle between the British Forces and King Cetshwayo in 1879 before returning to Durban where you will arrive by approximately 19h00
Price : T.B.A.
TINTA'S SIX (6) DAY ZULULAND EXPLORER (1st JUNE -
HIGHLIGHTS
Whale Watching in the St Lucia World Heritage Park
Big 5 Game viewing in Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve
Zulu Cultural exploring the eMakhosini (Valley of the Zulu Kings)
Zulu Dancing
Battle Fields of Isandlawana / Rorkes Drift and Ulundi
ITINERY
Day 1
Tinta Safaris will collect you from your Hotel and travel up through the rolling hills of Zululand to St Lucia World Heritage Site, where we will be on time to settle into our accommodation and enjoy sundowners on the edge of the lake. The evening is spent around a Traditional South African Braai.
Day 2 (1 December -
After a leisurely breakfast it is down to the beach, to enjoy two hour's of Deep Sea Marine Mammal watching with the crew of Advantage, which guarantee you "the most fun you will have with your cloths on." On returning to shore, we will visit the Crocodile farm. After lunch there will be time to rest or explore St Lucia Village while waiting to go on a sunset Hippo & Croc Tour with Advantage Cruiser where you spend two hours viewing Hippo, Crocodile's, Fish eagle and viewing African sunset.
Day 2 (1 June -
After a leisurely breakfast it is down to the beach, to enjoy two hour's of Whale watching with the crew of Advantage, which guarantee you "the most fun you will have with your cloths on." On returning to shore, we will visit the Crocodile farm. After lunch there will be time to rest or explore St Lucia Village while waiting to go on a sunset Hippo & Croc Tour with Advantage Cruiser where you spend two hours viewing Hippo, Crocodile's, Fish eagle and viewing African sunset.
Day 3
A day filled with beach fun and sun at Cape Vidal / Mission Rocks. One can snorkel in the rock pools on this beautiful beach, or simply soak up the sun.
Day 4
After an early breakfast we leave for the famous Hluhluwe / Imfolozi Game Reserve in search of the Big Five. This Game Reserve is the oldest Game Reserve in Africa and famous for it's program to save the White Rhino from extinction. After the day's viewing we head for the uMuzi Bushcamp a camp built in traditional Zulu fashion where we spend the evening in the Isibayo "cattle enclosure" enjoying traditional Zulu Dancing and Braai.
Day 5
An Open Vehicle Drive through the eMakhosini Valley while your guide brings you in close touch with the spirit of the Zulu people who grew as a nation from this valley, under the hand of Shaka. Visit some of the site of the seven Zulu Kings who were buried in this valley. Explore the Homestead of Dingaan and the site of the last battle between the British Forces and King Cetshwayo in 1879. Spending the evening having an Open Vehicle Night Drive followed by a Bush Braai in the Opathe Game Reserve.
Day 6
Visit the battlefields of Isandlawana and Rorkes Drift where the British Forces under Lord Chelmsford met with those of the Zulu King Cetshwayo, before returning to Durban where you should be back at your hotel by approximately 19h00.
Price: T.B.A.
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