South Africa’s Top 7 Cultural Villages: South Africa Itinerary

Image Credit: Magda Ehlers, Pexels

South Africa is an incredible country, which is the abode of numerous cultures rich in tradition, language, and arts. Talking about visiting South Africa, people always talk about the amazing cities, such as Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, East London, and Port Elizabeth. But there is much more to explore. The real beauty of South Africa is hidden within the authenticity of rural cultures. Experience the traditional music, dance, Xhosa Cuisine, Zulu beer-brewing, and the San people’s mesmerizing click language. Explore South Africa’s top 7 cultural villages and wonder what surprise the country is left to offer.

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Here is the list of 7 mesmerizing cultural villages of South Africa, but before you hit on with your exploration, learn about the COVID-19 information provided by the South African Government.

Shangana Cultural Village, Mpumalanga

Located midway between the Blyde River Canyon and southern Kruger National Park, residents of this picturesque village welcome guests for a thorough insight into the way of life of the Shangaan people. Amid the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland, the village is open every day for the tourists.

The bustling Marula Market forms the centre of Shangana, where craftsmen from all over the region gather and trade their crafts. The wide circle of huts with trees all around is picturesque itself and described by the tourists as the most beautiful place in Africa.

From the market, trained guides take the tourists down to the village on daytime tours, midday tours with lunch, and the famous Evening Festival in the Chief’s Kraal.

Basotho Cultural Village, Free State

Rested in the heart of renowned Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the village allows the tourists to explore the lifestyle and architecture of South Sotho from a sixteenth-century vibrant perspective. Experience authentic Basotho hospitality by taking a sip from the traditional beer, listening to Rangoon and Lesiba, and enjoying the game of Marabaraba.

Some other exciting activities include a tour of the art gallery that boasts local arts and crafts, a photographic exhibition of the building process of the village and Litem art of Eastern Free State. Also, take a guided tour by the Ngaka, a traditional healer, demonstrating the different medicinal herbs and roots. Accommodation facilities are comprising 2 and 4 sleeper rondavels within a Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp.

Botshabelo Mission station and Historical Village, Mpumalanga

This South African Heritage site was originally established in 1860 by the Christian missionaries. The station is an open-air museum demonstrating customs and arts practised by the residents of Ndebele Village.

As the name suggests, it is actually a living village of Ndebele men and women, descendants of original Bapedi, who sought shelter at the mission station. The women are seen wearing traditional garments and practising traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Ndebeles are famous for their vibrant homesteads, geometric art, dolls, clothing, beadwork, neck rings, and jewellery

, which are distinctively beautiful and sophisticated among the South African cultures.

Accommodations are available in the old missionary houses, plus the property includes walking and hiking trails, game drives, and horse riding.

Khaya La Bantu Cultural Village, Eastern Cape

Get a thorough insight into rich Xhosa culture while visiting Khaya La Bantu Xhosa cultural village. Apart from the authentic hospitality, experience some mesmerizing traditional music and enjoy traditional dishes and locally brewed beer.

Learn about traditional rituals and get a unique perspective on the way of life from Xhosa matriarch Mama Tofu and her daughter Zinzi.

While visiting Khaya La Bantu, tourists are encouraged to visit the Chief’s burial site and be introduced to the secret of Sangomas. Besides, they are treated with an exciting stick fighting show.

!Khwa ttu San Cultural Centre, Western Cape

Located in Yzerfontein, Western Cape,!Khwa ttu San Cultural Centre takes the tourists back to the time of the San people. The only San-owned and operated cultural centre offer you a fascinating journey to the San community’s culture and history.

Get an interactive experience by learning about their history, spirituality, rock art painting skills, and their unique “click language” with the help of experienced San trackers or traditional herbalists.

!Khwa ttu has a rustic farmhouse that provides freshly prepared food and a gift shop of arts and crafts made by the San people.

Matsamo Cultural Village, Mpumalanga

Get to know about the visitor-friendly Matsamo Cultural Village, where tourists are treated with folk songs, dance performances, music, and traditional cuisines.

The village blends education with entertainment to promote Swazi culture by sharing insight on cultivating crops, preparing meals, and crafting. Enjoy the Swazi evening tradition of storytelling around the fire, folk music, traditional dance, and Braai dinner.

The onsite curio shop offers a vast range of Swazi cultural products from local communities.

DumaZulu Traditional Village, KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa’s largest cultural village Dumazulu offers the tourists an authentic Southern Africa Zulu cultural experience. Get insight into the Zulu customs, the role of ancestors and traditional healers, the significance of their traditional attire, the importance of the cattle and their role in courtship and marriage.

Tourists are offered a 90-minute guided tour, where they experience a consultation with the traditional healer Sangoma, music and dance performance, and an opportunity to taste the traditional beer. They also witness the production of spears, shields, clay pots, beadworks, and baskets.

Nearby there is a Bird and Reptile Park, the largest free-flying aviary in the province, home to a vast range of indigenous snakes, birds, frogs, crocodiles, and lizards.