The Hotel

A traditional Zulu \"Umuzi\" or homestead, divided into the home of the Zulu\'s and hotel rooms. A unique resort built on the set of the movies, Shaka Zulu and John Ross. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake.

Experience the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Stay in first-class accommodation in traditional beehive huts, with all mod-cons such as en-suite bathrooms. Protea Hotels Shakaland is more than just a tourist attraction - it is an enriching experience affording a better understanding of the Zulu nation, its people and their intriguing customs.

Protea Hotel Shakaland - Where it all began - The Greatest Zulu experience in Africa.

Features

The Shisa Nyama Restaurant and U Kamba Bar offers tasty meals and spectacular views of the surrounding hills. An audio-visual room is available, should GUESTS wish to watch a sporting event on the big screen!

A swimming pool is situated next to the restaurant, ideal for cooling off on those balmy tropical days. Other facilities include babysitters (on request), a comprehensive curio shop on the premises and a tea and coffee station, operational 24 hours a day.

Conference Facilities
A modern conference room is available from 50 up to 100 delegates, for with banquets, cocktails or just a different kind of educational conference.

Protea Hotels Shakaland - A superior, first class hotel.

Location

Shakaland is situated in the heart of Zululand, between Eshowe and Melmoth, nestling on the top of the Entombeni Hills, overlooking the Phobane Lake.

Directions From Durban

1. Take the N2 North; veer off left at Dokodweni Toll Plaza onto the R66/Melmoth/Ulundi
2. 14km passed Eshowe turn off left to Shakaland, which is well signposted

A characterful traditional Zulu "Umuzi" or homestead, divided into the home of the Zulu's and the hotel rooms. A unique resort is built on the set of the movies, Shaka Zulu and John Ross.

Attractions

The Nandi Programme
A three-hour midday experience running from 11H00 to 14H00 or from 12H00 to 15H00.

Discounted Special Nandi Offer
R250 per person, including cultural tour and lunch, until December 2009.

• Barge Trips
• A 2 hour barge trip on Phobane dam, Min 8 pax Max 35 pax – Bookings are Essential.

The Shaka Programme
For overnight GUESTS, commencing with Part I of the culture tour at l6H00 or 16H30, depending on the season and Zulu dancing for an hour after dinner.

Part II of the culture tour runs from 09H00 to l0h00 the next morning.

The culture tour includes

1. beerdrinking ceremony
2. social systems
3. fighting formations
4. the greeting of the home
5. the sangoma
6. the nyanga
7. beadwork, pottery, beer making, spear throwing etc.

Educational Program for Schools/Universities

The arrival time at SHAKALAND is 15H00, where you will be welcomed by a Cultural Advisor in the car park and escorted through to the Siyafunda Centre. The children will be divided into groups and allocated huts A hut "INDUNA" will be appointed.

1. FIRE DRILL - Explained and practiced.
2. DO'S AND DONT'S - The rules of Shakaland are explained to the children.

Introduction to Zulu Culture

16H00:

1. INDLUYESITHOMBE: This audio visual presentation is a 12 minute overview of Shaka Zulu's life.
2. ISIVIVANE: The start of a journey.
3. KWA-BIYELA: A 15-minute lecture around the model of a Zulu home which explains the social systems and layout of a typical homestead.
4. KULEGA: A praise singer would ask permission of the Chief to enter the umuzi. The Chief walks down to the gate.
5. AMABUTHO - FIGHTING FORMATIONS: At this model of a battle scene, the Chief demonstrates the art of warfare and how Shaka was able to build a Zulu nation in his short reign of 12 years.
6. IXHIBA - BEER MAKING HUT: A demonstration by the married women on how beer is brewed.
7. ISINKAMBA - POTTERY: The making, baking, carrying and decorating of all the different types of pots and their traditional uses.
8. UKWAKHIWA KWENDLU - BUILDING A HUT: A demonstration of framework, thatching and finishing floors with cow dung.
9. KWA-NGEMA - THE HOME OF THE CHIEF NGEMA: Sit with Chief Ngema and his family in front of his hut where his wife will serve beer and explain the rituals and superstitions connected to this ceremony. The Chief and his wife then discuss the traditional dress they are wearing and the most common items used in the home.

18H00: Shower - Dress warmly for the evening entertainment.
19H00: Dinner - A traditional meal around the fire at Siyafunda Centre.
20H00: Questions & Answers
20H00: Tribal Dancing

Day Two

06H30:A Wake-up Call
07H00: Breakfast
07H45: Hut Inspection
08H00: Shopping at Local Market

Experiencing the Culture

09H00:

1. UKWESHELA - COURTSHIP CEREMONY: An enactment showing young girls carrying water from the river and being intercepted by young men. The young men then "court" the girls and, finally, one of the girls chooses a man and presents him with a "betrothal necklace" of white beads representing their engagement.
2. INDUKU - STICK FIGHTING (with participation).
3. IMIKHONTO - SPEAR MAKING: The hairless ones will demonstrate the art of making a spear. Following this the group will be invited to return to the homestead. The children can test their skills in the throwing of spears.
4. SANGOMA: The children will be treated to the mysticism of Africa with a visit to the Sangoma and Nyanga.

One-day visit schools will then depart.

Two-day visit schools will then proceed with ...

1. 10H00: Journey into rural Natal - The group will visit a local family to experience the merging of the "old" and "new" lifestyles. (This is a 2 Km walk from Shakaland)
2. 13H00: Lunch will be served.
3. 14H00: Necklace & Arm Bracelets - The children will be able to make these items and take them home, as well as test their skill in making clay pots and oxen.
4. 15H00: A Visit to the Curio Shop - For tuck and artifacts.
5. 16H00: Well-earned dip in the pool.
6. 17H00: Dancing & Singing - The Zulu children will instruct, to prepare your children for the competition that evening.
7. 18H00: Shower - Dress for dinner.
8. 19H00: Dinner
9. 19H45: Team Quiz
10. 20H30: Dance competition

Day Three
06H00: Wake-up call
07H00: Breakfast
08H00: Depart to the Fort and Dlinza aerial boardwalk
12H00: Picnic lunch
15H00: Zulu game
19H00: Concert

Day Four
06H00: Wake-up call
07H00: Breakfast, followed by hut inspection and Prizegiving

Hamba Kahle (Goodbye)

Rooms

55 traditional beehive huts equipped with private bathroom and shower, modern conveniences and superb views.

The School centre accomodates 75 school children in traditional dormitory huts.

Prokidz

PROKIDZ OFFER!

1. Only R500.00 per person sharing!
2. And R800.00 - Single Rate

Includes:

1. Bed and Breakfast 
2. Bead making
3. Zulu Dancing
4. Free gift on arrival!

Conditions

1. Valid until 31 December 2009.
2. Minimum 2 night stay
3. Valid Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only
4. Subject to availability
5. Kids aged 12 and under stay free and have free breakfast when sharing with adults (2 max)
6. Not valid for groups
7. Rate is non-commissionable

for only: R500.00 per person sharing!

Alternatively, call Central Reservations on 0861 11 9000 or the hotel direct and mention "PROKIDZ WEBPAGE OFFER".