DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
At the Valley of 1000 Hills, meet modern and olden day African tribal culture in the traditional and spectacular homeland of the Zulu. In this geographically wondrous part of the world shaped first by the windings of the great Mgeni River, then by the culture of the Zulu tribes and finally by the coming of European man, the hills still beat to the Zulu drum. As you journey into the valley you will learn how historically these tranquil rolling hills belie the blood-soaked drama that unfolded almost two centuries ago when the Zulu King Shaka, known to historians as the 'Black Napoleon’, subjugated the tribes that today make up the Kingdom of the Zulu.

Your visit to Phezulu creates the opportunity to discover at first hand the intricacies, ethnic customs and beliefs of the Zulu peoples. Here Zulu tales and history will be depicted in energetic, costumed song and dance by the renowned Gasa clan, which has been performing unique plays for over 40 years. Dances of courtship and betrothal, of the throwing of the sangoma’s (witch doctor) bones, of war and of birth, set to the mesmerizing beat of the Zulu drum, will take you into another world.

Afterwards explore the Zulu cultural village with its traditional beehive huts and fascinating glimpses into African tribal culture. Learn what the different coloured beads that adorn the skirts actually represent and how the women make bread and beer. You will also be introduced to Phezulu’s impressive reptile park, taking home vivid images of some of Africa’s most renowned snakes and learning about the indigenous crocodiles.
Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served during the course of the tour, and there will be time to browse through a wealth of ethnic home-crafts on sale in the well-stocked curio shop, ranging from pottery, Zulu fabric art, woodcarving, beadwork and curios.

Return via the national highway to the quayside in Durban.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
At the Valley of 1000 Hills, meet modern and olden day African tribal culture in the traditional and spectacular homeland of the Zulu. Journey into the Mgeni River valley to learn how these tranquil rolling hills belie a blood-soaked historical drama that unfolded almost two centuries ago. Zulu tales and history will be depicted in energetic, costumed song and dance, and a visit to the Zulu cultural village offers fascinating glimpses into African tribal culture.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00:00 – 01:00 Depart the quayside and drive via the national road to Phezulu Safari Park, stopping briefly at the Cowie’s Hill viewpoint en route
01:00 – 02:00 Enjoy a Zulu Cultural Show and visit the Zulu Village
02:00 – 02:30 Join a guided walking tour through the snake and crocodile enclosure
02:30 – 03:00 Tea, coffee and scones, free time at leisure to browse the curio shop
03:00 – 04:00 Drive back to the quayside in Durban by coach

Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Flat, comfortable walking shoes and sun hats are strongly recommended
- There are paved pathways and some uneven, sandy terrain, where the show will be held. The ground can be muddy after heavy rainfall
- There is a wooden boardwalk, with a few steps, through the snake and crocodile enclosure
- This tour is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties

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