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"You
gave us the opportunity to see and experience a part of rural
Zulu life that we couldn't have done on our own. We felt privileged
to be given that insight. Your knowledge, expertise and love of
your work, your country, the Zulu people and their culture were
so obvious and much appreciated.
Warmest regards"
Heather and Gordon,
Northern Ireland. |
"Get hold of tour guide
Henry Bird
for a day jam-packed
with fascinating facts
and more than your
fair share of laughs"
- Shelley Seid
The
Sunday Times
Travel Weekly |
"
Recently we watched a programme on TV about the
Zulu war and the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. It was
interesting, but not nearly as good as being there and having
it explained so well. Thank you again.
Best wishes"
Pauline & Mel, England |
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It
is my conviction that Zululand has more to offer tourists
than any other part of this country.
The
indigenous people with their rich and colourful history, as
well as their attractive lifestyle, are a major attraction,
add to this the natural beauty of this part of South Africa
and one has the primary ingredients for an exciting and memorable
visit.
In addition, Zululand has another major attraction in the
form of its wonderful wildlife. We can claim the Big Six -
not only with the Big Five in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park
- but also with the Southern Right Whale as a regular winter
visitor off our coast. Add
to that the brilliant birding thoughout the whole of Zululand
- over 600 species of the possible 960 found in the entire
country - and the potential visitor has all the ingredients
for a fascinating visit.
Although
our summers can be hot and humid, the weather for the rest
of the year is so mild that we can honestly claim to offer
visitors a 12-month season: sea temperatures off the Zululand
coast vary between 18 and 24 degrees Celcius making a visit
to any of our splendid beaches a treat, and only in the highlands
can one expect to find chilly winters.
As
a long-time resident and registered tour guide, I can offer
any visitor an intimate introduction to this remarkable part
of our country.
-
Henry Bird.
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THE
ROYAL REED DANCE 2013
The
Annual Royal Reed Dance - the highlight of the Zulu
cultural calendar and one of the most astonishing
gatherings of young girls in the world - has come
and gone and what a colourful event it was. Our
guests were given VIP seats in the Royal Enclosure
at the Enyokeni Palace near Nongoma where they enjoyed
a majestic view of 10 000 maidens dressed in their
finest beadwork present their reeds to the Zulu
king. |
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| TOURS
ON OFFER |
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Eshowe
As
the oldest Colonial settlement in Zululand, there is much
for visitors to see and do in and around this historic town.
In a guided tour visitors can learn about the history of
the area: How Norwegian missionaries were the first Europeans
to make meaningful contact with the Zulu kingdom and how
the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 tore the kingdom apart but left
a lasting legacy with its colonial administration.
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Battlefields
Zululand
has always inspired fiery passions and it boasts one of the
largest concentration of battlefields in South Africa - be
it Boer against Brit, British against Zulu or Zulu against
Zulu. Retrace the events leading up to the Battle of Blood
River/Ncome River and then visit the remarkable battlefield.
The famous battlefields of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana are
also an easy day trip away. |
Timeless
Zululand
Drive into the undiscovered Thukela River valley,
where visitors can get an idea of what life in Zululand
prior to the advent of the colonial settlers was like. It
also includes visits to Ntunjambili (Krans Kop) and the
KwaSizabantu Mission. Travel through some awesome scenery
and take in the palatial homestead of President Jacob Zuma,
ShuShu hotsprings as well as Ntingwe, the only tea estate
in KZN.
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Shaka
Country
This
tour through the immediate surroundings of Eshowe takes
visitors to the site where King Shaka had his Royal capital
- KwaBulawayo. His mother, Nandi, who was such an important
figure in his life, is buried close by. We also visit Mandawe
Cross with its spectacular site overlooking the Nkawleni
Valley which was once the king's personal hunting ground.
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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
Game Park
Take
in the fascinating story of Zululand while you travel on
the historical Route 66 through the Valley of the Kings
and ulundi to one of the oldest game reserves in Africa
and home to the black and white rhinoceros. Once inside
the park you will be spoilt with some excellent viewing
and with luck you will get the Big Five before picnicing
on the banks of the iMfolozi River.
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Zulu
Heritage
One of my most popular tours takes in a visit
to a rural village, including a school, where visitors have
the opportunity to experience the realities of life in Zululand.
There are also opportunities to buy craft directly from
the people who make it. An extended tour takes in a visit
to the Valley of the Kings where visitors can learn about
life in the times of King Cetshwayo and King Dingane.
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