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SSouth African cultural villages either celebrate the ethnic diversity of the country or focus on the traditions of a specific group. At these cultural villages of South Africa you will get a greater understanding of its people through tours, singing and dancing, storytelling and a traditional meal at fireside.
South African cultural villages allow the visitor to step back in time to see how the people of this land once lived. Found mainly in the east of the country, most offer the additional benefit of overnight accommodation to really get the feel of the country.
Some of the cultural villages of South Africa celebrate the ethnic diversity of the country, while others focus on the traditions of 1 group. What they all do is enrich the travel experience for the visitor by broadening their knowledge and understanding.
FFor visitors to Johannesburg the Lesedi Cultural Village is a must. Nestling in the hills an hour out of the city, guests are welcomed at an Ndebele village from where they are taken on a tour followed by an audio-visual history of South Africa. Also included is a traditional buffet with singing, dancing and storytelling.
A multicultural South African cultural village can be found near Sun City in the North West province. While this village does not offer accommodation, highlights include guided tours of Tswana, Zulu, Pedi, Xhosa, Ndebele, Venda and Shangaan villages, as well as cultural performances.
However, many prefer villages that focus on a specific culture as these allow a greater depth of understanding. These range from small, intimate homesteads to large themed villages. In a beautiful setting is the Basotho Cultural Village near the Golden Gate National Park in the Free State.
Extremely popular for the colour of their homes and traditional dress are the Ndebele villages at Botshabelo near Middleburg in Mpumalanga and the Mapoch Cultural Village outside Pretoria.
Then there are a range of Zulu cultural villages in southern KwaZulu-Natal, especially Shakaland that offers luxury accommodation in a traditional homestead.
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Lesedi Cultural Village
Tel: +27 (0)87 940 9933
Email: enquiries@lesedi.com
Matsamo Cultural Village
Tel: +27 (0)13 781 0578
Email: info@matsamo.co.za
Gaabo Motho Cultural Village
Tel: +27 (0)12 706 0004
Email: info@gaabomotho.com
Sudwala Cultural Village
Tel: +27 (0)13 733 3073
Email: info@sudwala.com
Things to do
We recommend you set aside a full day for this activity and a weekend if you plan on staying overnight. Take a tour, immerse yourself in the culture and be wowed by traditional performances.
What to pack
Be prepared for outdoor activities. Take a good hat, sunblock, walking shoes, sunglasses.
Where to stay
Most villages offer overnight accommodation
What to eat
You must try the cultural specialties at each village
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