We are in the KwaZulu-Natal along the East coast of South Africa, we decided to spend time in the Shakaland Cultural Village to learn more about the traditions of the Zulu.

Among the many African cultures present in South Africa, the Zulu is undoubtedly one of the most significant, it has a long history, an important cultural heritage and a modern identity.

The name of the Shakaland Cultural Village pays tribute to the famous Shaka, king of the Zulus who gave a decisive impulse to the history of his people.

Tonight we slept here, in a replica of a traditional Zulu hut; when we wake up, we get ready and go for breakfast.

The guide has already arrived and is waiting for us, wearing the typical clothing of his people, that consists of a simple leather skirt and accessories, always made of leather and fur, positioned on the legs and on the head; in the coldest hours of the day they use a stole to cover themselves.

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The restaurant overlooks, with a large window, a hilly landscape and the beautiful Phobane lake, that glitters in the valley below; on these hills King Shaka had built his headquarters.

After breakfast we start our cultural tour in what is an authentic replica of a traditional Zulu village, that is called "Umuzi".

The techniques for tanning the leather are explained to us, that is then used both for clothing and for the construction of war shields; a craftsman shows us how the typical shields are constructed and how the support is mounted to hold it.

We are then shown the weapon that was introduced by King Shaka and that was decisive for the victories against the European settlers and other indigenous populations: it is a sort of spear much shorter and more manageable and with a largest blade, a sort of mix between a spear and a sword.

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Two Zulus show us how to use this spear trying to hit the target at a considerable distance; done by them it seems quite easy but then they invite us to try and there it immediatly becomes clear that it is not really easy.

Several men try, even Silvano, but let's say that results are a bit poor; maybe they need some training.

Our guide and another Zulu also simulate a close combat using the spear.

The king warrior Shaka also introduced new fighting techniques, our guide tells us about the military strategy adopted by the Zulu army, very similar to a pincer attack, that could take the enemies off guard.

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The Zulus use to decorate their clothes and accessories with colored beads, practicing in use with other neighboring populations; we see how the Zulu women work and create colorful geometric decorations.

Then we enter the real village to observe the construction techniques of the typical domed huts, built with a supporting structure made of intertwined branches and covered with woven straw.

The hut for food preparation is different from the others, part of the thatched roof is removed to allow the smoke to escape.

At the center of the village we find a girl who is a sort of witch and healer, a very important figure for the Zulus, this people brings a lot of respect to these fascinating, mysterious and powerful figures.

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Around the fire we are then shown the process for making local beer made with sorghum and we are offered a taste, honestly we prefer the Western beers, but it is not bad.

Before attending the traditional dances we pass close to what looks like a pile of stones and pebbles, in reality it is a burial place; the guide tells us that anyone who passes by these heaps, must pay tribute to the deceased person by collecting a stone, spitting on it and throwing it on the pile.

If the stone remains in the upper part of the pile it is a sign of good luck if instead it rolls downwards the misfortune comes dangerously close.

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Zulù dances are focused on physical prowess, they are a way to communicate but above all to show the strength of this warrior population, some steps are very acrobatic and even the girls dance in rather decisively and not very feminine way.

After the dance show, we check-out, Dr. Livingstone is already waiting for us to leave and so we leave Shakaland and head to Johannesburg.

We are happy to have had this experience in the Zulu village because it has enriched us with new information and we are very happy.

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