Immerse yourself in Zulu culture
The Zulus ruled much of present-day KwaZulu-Natal as one of Africa's most violent empires from 1816 until 1897. Despite their tremendous fighting ability, the British overcame them in the 1870s, and their kingdom was absorbed into the South African Union. The Zulu royal family is still alive, governing (but not ruling) in KwaZulu-Natal, and their culture is robust.
A Zulu cultural trip, where one of the tour guides will drive you to a local hamlet and expose you to a traditional Zulu house, is highly recommended. Discover the interesting ways in which civilization evolved in reaction to this one-of-a-kind setting. You will be shown the instruments used in food production, the building style, as well as the sleeping arrangements and cultural practices relating to interpersonal dynamics. Inquire about traditional means of exhibiting 'hlonipha' (respect), which are sometimes diametrically opposed to Western techniques of displaying respect. Learning about the value of decency and honour will provide insight into your relationships with the kind people from this wonderful region of the globe.
Shakaland, a restored Zulu homestead, allows visitors to immerse themselves in Zulu culture. Some believe Shakaland to be a Zulu Disneyland, although its traditional activities, such as dancing, visiting with a witch doctor, sipping handmade beer, and seeing spears and shields being built by hand, provide a reasonably realistic opportunity to experience - and even join in - the culture. Visitors may stay in deluxe beehive huts overnight. In the province's northwest, you may also visit the Battlefields Region, where the Zulus fought 63 engagements against a succession of invading troops. These fights are commemorated by monuments and museums like as Blood River and Isandlwana.
