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Face to Face with the Zulu people
With
Tekweni Ecotours
Departing from
Durban
,
South Africa
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Prices from around $52
This tour starts off at 9:00am and is for a full day returning to Durban at approximately 6:00pm. The day is as flexible as the people we meet. As the day unfolds we are heading west towards the well-known area of the Valley of a 1000 Hills. A scenic view of the Krantzkloof gorge and the passing of Hillcrest town will lead us onto our first stop.
At this point it is an opportunity to fill up with refreshments and visit the toilet while the rest of the group takes in the spectacular view of the Valley of 1000 Hills. The guide will present many opportunities for photographs of these majestic valleys.
Eventually starting our descent we head down towards the valley area where we will meet up with one of the local community guides. The guide will explain to you the history and the Zulu culture of the village and explain how you have contributed and created employment by taking the tour.
Guests are encouraged to ask as many questions as possible and to be interactive as the people we meet are equally interested in wanting to know more about western culture. It is not our ecotourism policy to pre-arrange spectacles for tourists and therefore a real day, in the life of a 21st century Zulu Village, unfolds before you. The level of participation by you could make this one of the best experiences ever and as there are over 900 “umuzi”{households}, there is much to see and do. On occasions one might take part in a traditional Zulu dancing get together, visit a “Sangoma” {spiritual healer}, or join an “Inyanga” {medicinal healer}, while preparing “muti” {medicines}. The Village children are always eager to share their experiences with guests. Daily life involves tending livestock, gathering water for the houses and tending crops. Guests are to note that Zulu custom is the order of the day, overseen by the elders and is revered by all. The aim of the tour is to afford guests the opportunity to talk directly to the people and experience Zulu culture in a way that very few will. The questions are yours to ask and the day is yours to learn.
The focus of the tour is the people, but not to lose sight of where we are, The Valley of a 1000 Hills is spectacular. Large gorges and literally thousands of hills dotted with traditional Zulu villages makes for a beautiful sundowner photograph as the Umgeni river winds it’s way through the valleys. There is opportunity to have a quick swim so don’t forget your costume and towel as you charge off on one of the bum slides.
In accordance with ecotourism practices each group is hosted in a different “umuzi”, where a family will prepare us a traditional meal which is usually vegetarian and will allow the opportunity of tasting Zulu beer “uTshwala” or “amahewu” to quench our thirst. The warmth and hospitality of the people is ever present and throughout the day new people are met and great experiences had.
At the end of the tour you will have experienced Zulu culture the way it is and not the way your average tourist sees it. GUESTS CAN EXTEND TO OVERNIGHT OPTION
Included: Services of Tekweni guideServices of an English speaking community guideYour contribution towards a community development project
Not Included: A guest may extend this option to an overnight once on tour by informing your Tekweni guideCameras are acceptable but the guide may request certain scenes not be photographed. Please respect this.During the tour you are exposed to traditional Zulu culture
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Tekweni Ecotours
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| Tour Category:
Culture
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| Fitness Required: n/a |
| You should bring: | | Good walking shoesA camera and plenty of filmA sun hat and suntan lotionA swimming costume and towelSpending money for personal items such as water or curios etc |
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| Company :
Tekweni Ecotours
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| Days: 1 |
| Departs :
Durban
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