DumaZulu Traditional Village
For local and international visitors, a trip to the DumaZulu Traditional Village can be a very rewarding experience. It is located near Hluhluwe, and can easily be reached from Durban and Johannesburg. Its name means Thundering Zulu and it has been declared an authentic traditional village through the opening of this attraction by King Goodwill Zwelithini. There is no better site in South Africa where the Zulu tribe and various other local tribes can be explored. It is an interactive attraction that is fun, educational and colorful.
The authentic atmosphere of the DumaZulu Traditional Village begins with its warm colors of orange, brown and red, enhanced by the round huts that surround the cattle kraal, a traditional way of setting up a Zulu village. Each of these huts represent a different South African tribe, including Venda, Swazi, Ndebele, Xhosa, Tsonga and Zulu. There is also a permanent Zulu tribe that lives in the village, consisting of approximately fifty individuals, each with their own skills and talents. Visitors will meet a traditional Sangoma (Healer), dancers, a potter, basket weavers, shield makers, and many others.
In and around the village there is much to do and see, with activities at DumaZulu Traditional Village including cultural shows, game drives, a curio shop and a fascinating Crocodile and Snake Park. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a traditional lunch or even stay a few nights in the comfortable self-catering units that are located on the property. If staying over, there are numerous wildlife attractions for guests to explore, such as the Tembe Elephant Park, Sodwana Bay, Lubombo Mountains, Isimangaliso Wetland Park and the Umfolozi Game Reserve. A qualified village guide will be on hand for visitors. These guides enrich the experience by explaining the Zulu culture, their history and way of life, as well as translating the dances to visitors, so that they gain insight into the meaning of these festive affairs. Graham Stewart, a well known Zulu specialist and anthropologist, manages the attraction and often regales visitors with intriguing stories and facts that few might be aware of. Discovering the DumaZulu Traditional Village and its surrounding attractions is a recommended activity, as it combines the cultures of South Africa with the breathtaking beauty of the landscapes and its people.
