Phezulu Cultural Center

"PHEZULU SAFARI PARK is an exciting tourism venue, situated in Botha’s Hill, only 35 km’s from central Durban. This picturesque park has magnificent views of the world-famous Valley of a 1000 Hills. 

At Phezulu village, the world famous Gasa clan has over the last 30 years, allowed visitors to Phezulu the opportunity to savour the taste and feel the rhythm of Africa. Visitors are taken into traditional beehive shaped thatched huts, where the various artifacts, beliefs and rituals are explained, giving foreigners an insight into the fascinating Zulu culture. The Zulu dancing show is impressive with the dancers in their traditional garb, showing off their skills with grace, agility and humour- a truly unforgettable experience! Take park in Zulu spear and shield making."

This was one of the highlight from our trip to Durban.  Phezulu village is situated near the top of a hill looking out over the "Valley of a Thousand Hills." As you look out you see ripple after ripple of hills going far out into the horizon.  An instant temptation comes over you to try and count the hill to see if there really are ten thousand, but that temptation is soon replaced by the beauty of the scenery and what is going on in the village.

We were invited to watch the world famous Gasa clan zulu dancer as they told a story through song and dance about two young people in love and the traditions that go along with courtship and marriage We were taken into an area coved by a thatched roof where we sat, on grass mats, on dirt seats, to watch the show.  The story teller told of the young warrior who was desirous to take a wife.   This is a fascinating web site that explains what we saw in a much better way than I could ever do.  If you really want to see great pictures and read about PheZulu traditions then I suggest you go to this website. http://www.southafrica.net/blog/en/posts/entry/a-fascinating-proposal-in-kwazulu-natal

After the dancing we were taken to the traditional beehive shaped thatched roofed huts were we learned about sleeping, socializing and food preparation traditions of Gasa clan of the Phezulu.

There are huts where you socialize, huts were you prepare food and huts were you sleep.  We were offered some rather foul smelling beverage that we dared not try.  There was very little doubt that it was very alcoholic. All in all this was a very exciting and educational experience.