ZULULAND ECOADVENTURE

The best way to discover traditional Zulu culture. The agency is owned by Graham, a "white Zulu" involved in development projects for local, rural and very poor villages. He has built more than 300 schools since he set out on his adventure, and is now recruiting volunteers! This local character knows all the villages, and is always aware of weddings, initiation ceremonies for young Zulus, and consultations with Sangoma healers in the villages he takes you to. Villagers consult the healer's hut about their current problems. Take your time, put on your best clothes like the locals who do you the honor of inviting you to their feast: you'll be extremely well received. It's a pleasure for the locals to meet and talk with travellers who are interested in their culture. The agency also offers tours of the Eshowe market and the township with Mama Gladys - the best township tour ever! In all these places, Graham is welcomed as a friend and so are you, which makes all the difference.

Annual parties you can attend. If you're in the area, make sure you don't miss the Zulu Reed Dance in early September, a gathering of 25,000 Zulus to dance girls with reeds; the KheKheKhe, a Sangoma gathering at the end of February; and the big Shembe gathering from October 15 to 31, which brings together more than 30,000 Shembes.