#zulu | Emdoneni Lodge

Zulu Wedding – Umabo

It’s almost wedding season and we love this time of the year! Living in Kwa Zulu Natal makes the Zulu culture extra special to us and we would love to share how the Zulu traditions apply to when it comes to a wedding. As with most cultures there are different stages in a Zulu wedding. In western society there will traditionally be an engagement, followed by a kitchen tea or hens party, the infamous bulls party, and finally the wedding. A traditional Zulu wedding is quite different, but also has distinctive stages, with the first being the payment of lobola, something that’s the subject of great debate these days. Once lobola has been paid izibizo will follow, where gifts are given to the bride’s family, followed by umbondo where the bride reciprocates by buying groceries for the groom’s family, and finally the actual wedding or umabo. A Zulu bride covered in a blanket, carrying an assegai The traditional Zulu wedding always takes place at the family home of the groom. The bride will leave her home early in the morning, covered in a blanket given to her by her mother. The bride’s father leads her to her new family home, and she is advised not to look back, so as not to invite bad luck. The bride’s father will call out the family’s clan names, telling the ancestors that his daughter is officially leaving home to join another family. On arrival at the groom’s house the bride must walk around the house so as to be introduced to her hsuband’s ancestors, before entering the home through the kitchen while nobody is noticing her – the groom’s family will pay a penalty for not being aware of the bride – they should have gone to fetch her. The bride’s family also comes early in the morning, with the wedding ceremony starting at around midday. A Zulu bride sitting on her grass mat The groom buys two cows which are slaughtered and eaten on the day of the ceremony. He also buys a goat that is slaughtered after the head of the family has spoken. The father of the groom opens the ceremony by welcoming his new daughter, with the bride’s father also saying some words, as a sign that he approves of the union. After the ceremony there is dancing and food. While gifts and money are given to the bride’s family prior to the wedding, on the day of the umabo it is the turn of the bride to give the gifts. The exchange of gifts symbolises the forming of a new bond between the two families. The bride’s family buys grass mats, blankets for the women, beer pots for the men, as well as some pieces of furniture and brooms, which are given out to guests at the wedding by the bridesmaids and sisters of the bride. The bride sits on a grass mat, and refrains from talking or looking at anyone out of respect, while her bridesmaids hand out the gifts. The names of the various people receiving the gifts are called out one by one. The wedding guests will lie on the grass mats, before being covered with a blanket by a family member from the bride’s side. They then sing and dance as a sign of appreciation for the gifts. Older women are called first, followed by the groom’s sisters, and finally the men. The groom is the last person to be called. A Zulu bride laying out grass mats for her husband to walk on After the groom has been called the bride gets up, makes up a mock bed and goes to look for her husband. When she finds him, she will place grass mats on the floor leading to the bed, where the groom will sit down. The bride takes a basin with a towel and soap and washes the groom’s feet. She then pulls back the bed covers for the groom to lie down. As part of the drama the bridesmaids and other young ladies from the bride’s side hit the groom with small sticks, after which the groom runs away. Umabo is a very important ritual in Zulu culture. Some people believe that a person is not properly married until they’ve carried out the ritual of umabo. For this reason couples who experience difficulties in their relationships, or struggle to have children, will sometimes go through the process of umabo years after they first got together, as a way of appeasing the ancestors – it is only through umabo that the ancestors will recognise the union. Source: ulwaziprogramme.org

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Excursions

Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay is a beautiful unspoilt jewel on the east coast of South Africa. Discover Sodwana Bay’s rich natural bio diversity and activities such as scuba diving, fishing, turtle tours, ocean tours and much more. From tented campsites to luxurious guesthouses, hotels and lodges, you will be able to meet what ever level of comfort you desire. Sodwana Bay is located on the east coast of South Africa, in one of the most unique and unspoiled parts of the world. The KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the Zulu people who have inhabited the area in harmony with the land for several centuries. They still remain the predominant ethnic group in the region. Situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Maputaland Marine Reserve, efforts are made to protect its integrity from environmental degradation. You will find a peaceful and yet dynamic little town to spend some quality time away from home. Come explore the area, meet the locals and enjoy a wide variety of activities in one of the top ten scuba diving destinations in the world. For the avid ocean enthusiasts, sea turtle tours, ocean tours, kitesurfing, learning about sharks, fishing and much more is on the menu and Sodwana Bay will meet your highest expectations. While on land, go quad biking or on nature walks. Scan the horizon or look up to the sky where you will have the privilege to observe South Africa’s incredible wildlife. It is a prime location for bird watching, and several game reserves offer safaris where the big five can be spotted. While visiting Sodwana Bay, the adventure seekers can experience the wild side of Africa by camping and those looking for a bit more luxury will also find affordable accommodations in the various cabins, chalets, guest houses, lodges and hotels. Sodwana Bay will certainly charm you and memorable moments will be spent in this magical place. Sodwana Bay National Park Sodwana Bay National Park is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This wonderful resort set in the sheltered bay on the Maputaland coast attracts many visitors all year round to discover its many hidden treasures PLEASE NOTE: An entry fee of R35 for adults and R30 for children under the age of 13 is payable at the entrance to the national park before entring. All overnight visitors must check in at Sodwana Bay reception office on arrival. Office hours are from 08:00 -16:30 (Monday – Thursday) and 07:00-16:30 Friday, Saturday and public holidays, and 07:00-15:00 on Sundays. No pets are allowed in the park. Please ensure that all possible precautions against theft are taken at all times. Firearms must be declared on arrival at the reception office. Safety deposit boxes are available for hire to safeguard firearms and valuables. No quad bikes or motorbikes are allowed in the park. Illegal power connections in the campsite will not be tolerated. Beach permits are required for 4×4 vehicle access to the beach near the resort. 200 permits are issued daily on a first come first served basis. Vehicles may only access the beach on Saturdays and Sundays, Public Holidays and peak school holidays. Air compressors may not be used in the campsites. A facility is available at the beach. Portable generators may not be used in the park. Fireworks are not permitted in the Park. Visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria before, during and after a visit to Sodwana Bay. Attendants are available to assist in the campsite and on the beach. Entrance gates are open 24 hours. Arrival after reception office hours will require a refundable deposit. Accommodation fees are payable in full in advance. Personal cheques will not be exchanged for cash. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s tariffs are available on request, and are subject to change without prior notice. Please note that physically disabled people have to apply to the Minister at Marine and Conservation Management for special permission to access the beach. The application has to be done in writing prior to visiting the area. Scuba Diving in Sodwana Bay Sodwana Bay is considered to be among the premier dive sites of the world, it is home to the southern most tropical coral reefs on the planet which are further south than the Great Barrier Reef. The reef has an incredibly dense coral cover and wide diversity of fish, crustaceans and more with over 1200 species having been recorded in the area. Conditions range from idyllic to challenging depending on the wind and the current. The sites vary in depth between 10 meters and depths only suited to technical deep divers. The shallowest siting of a coelacanth took place in Sodwana at a depth of just over 100m. The reef’s at Sodwana Bay are named by the distance they are from the launch site, Jesser Point. The major reef’s are split up into Quarter Mile, 2 Mile Reef, 5 Mile Reef, 7 Mile Reef and 9 Mile Reef. And each of these reefs have their own dive sites. There are also a few isolate reefs fringing the main reefs, some of these are Stringer and Bikini. Some of the more popular dives sites on Two Mile Reef are:Antons reef Two buoy Four buoy Coral Gardens Pinnacles Waynes world Chain reef Caves and Overhangs Arches Hot spots The bio diversity in the area is phenomenal from the big to small. Seasonal visitors include humpback whales and manta rays, others such as dolphins, turtles and whales sharks appear year round. Some of the small “jewellery” on offer includes paper fish, pipe fish, seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish and a host of many others. So dive in and discover. Lifes a beach, then you dive. Interactive Research in Sodwana Bay Fortunately people have enquiring minds. The diversity of the environment in Sodwana Bay is astounding. Both on land and underwater there are numerous creatures that have intrigued people so much, that they want to find out all they can about them. Being a marine protected area and a national park on

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Emdoneni News

7 Surprising Truths You Never Took Serious About The Zulu Tribe

The Zulu tribe is one of the most widely known tribes in Africa, mainly because of the very vital part that it played in the continent’s history. Originally, the Zulu tribe emanated from the Ngunis who inhabited the central and Eastern Africa and subsequently migrated to the Southern Africa in the “Bantu Migration” which occurred centuries ago. The Zulu tribe represents the largest population of ethnic groups in South Africa; making up to 10-11 million people. They are known for their strong fighting spirit which has fashioned renowned warriors in history including the likes of Shaka Zulu who played a prominent role in various Zulu wars. The history of South Africa would not be complete without the mentioning of the Zulu tribe. Outlined below are seven truths about the Zulu tribe you should know. 1. KwaZulu-Natal Province Is Home To The Zulu Tribe As much as there are some scattered Zulu- speaking people all over the provinces, majority of the Zulu-speaking people live in KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. Most of the 9 million Zulu-speakers in South Africa reside in this province or have migrated initially from this province to other provinces in South Africa. Since majority of its population are Zulu-speaking people, it is therefore known as the home of the Zulu Tribe. 2. Their Language Is Characterized By Respect Terms The Zulu tribe speaks their language which is known as IsiZulu, a widely spoken language in South Africa. It mostly features respect terms; for example there are words used while addressing elderly people. Using first names on an elderly person is normally frowned upon by the tribe and instead they use terms such as Baba for father and Mama for mother even when the senior individuals are not the parents of the person addressing them. 3. The Zulu Tribe Has A Strong Belief In Ancestral Spirits The Zulu people have always strongly believed in ancestral spirits referred to amadlozi or abaphansi. They are simply spirits of the dead. The tribe also believes in the existence of a higher being who they refer to as UMveliqangi meaning “one who came first”. This highest being is believed to be far removed from the people’s lives and that no one has ever set eyes on him. They believe that there is some mediation between the spirits of the dead and “the one who came first “for the people alive on earth. 4. The Zulu Tribe Celebrates Shaka’s Day Annually They celebrate this day in the month of September to remember the famous founder of the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka. They wear their full traditional attire which includes the weapons and have a gathering at KwaDukuza in Stanger, where Shaka’s tombstone is. The celebrations are known for their colorful quality and the event is also marked by the poets singing the praises of all the Zulu kings starting with Shaka down to the current king. 5. They Are Known For Being Humane People from the Zulu tribe are known to be amicable and very warm. They are known for their practice and belief in Ubuntu which simply means “humanness” or “good disposition”. This humanness is a part of the daily life of the Zulu people. They believe human beings are the most superior of all species hence the strong belief in Ubuntu. They further cement this belief by having many proverbs relating to good and bad behavior towards fellow human beings. 6. The Zulu Tribe Only Wear Their Traditional Attire On Special Occasions Unlike the past people of the tribe who always wore their traditional clothing, the modern-day Zulu’s way of dressing is the same as any urbanite. The traditional clothing is only worn during cultural gatherings, Shaka’s day and any other special occasions and as such, is treated with respect and honor. 7. All Rites Of Passages Are Marked by Animal Sacrifices To Ancestors. Rites of passage such as birth, adulthood, marriage and even death are marked and celebrated by slaughtering animals as sacrifices to the ancestors. Dancing and feasting also marks these celebrations. There are many more truths about the Zulu tribe but the above ones are the most commonly known. Are you from the Zulu tribe and how much do you know about the largest tribe in South Africa? Use our comment box below to share what you know. Source: buzzsouthafrica.com

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Area Attractions, Emdoneni News

Hluhluwe

Hluhluwe (Zulu pronunciation: [ɬuɬuw’e]) is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated between iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park on the banks of the Hluhluwe River. Hluhluwe is situated on the elephant coast, an area known for its national parks, natural diversity and cultural heritage. Although relatively undeveloped the area is of growing interest to international tourists and travelers. The area hosted several local and international movie productions including I dreamed of Africa and Ghost Son as well as several documentaries that were filmed in the surrounding national parks. Timber, sugar and pineapples are intensively grown in the area, which produces over 90% of South Africa’s queen pineapples. Other agricultural crops are sugar-cane, sisal, cotton, tomatoes and chillies. Due to traditional settlement patterns and customs, activity is still low in some areas. Hluhluwe is considered the hub of tourism in KwaZulu-Natal. The Hluhluwe area has an abundance of accommodation facilities, from budget accommodation to five-star game lodges. Hluhluwe town is a service centre to the surrounding area. The town is named after the thorny rope climber Dalbergia armata (umHluhluwe in Zulu), which is found among the forest vegetation types in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. Up to 95% of South African pineapples are produced in this area. Attractions The main attractions of Hluhluwe are the big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve, iSimangaliso wetlands park (formerly known as St Lucia Wetlands Park), its natural diversity, Indian Ocean beaches (accessed through St Lucia or Sodwana bay) and the cultural heritage of the Zulu people. A wide variety of activities is available in and around Hluhluwe. Big 5 safaris, diving, horse riding trails, walking trails, crocodile and snake park, canoeing, boat cruises, mountain bike trails, cultural interactions, cultural villages, curio shops. Game drives (safaris) are either guided or possible in most nature reserves with own vehicle. Entrance fees apply when entering most of the nature reserves with own vehicle. It falls under the eMdletsheni tribal authority. Sports Hluhluwe annually hosts the RIS Hluhluwe Rhino Charge mountain bike race, part of the Big 5 mountain bike challenge, a returning event where hundreds of riders gather during race weekend to challenge one of the most diverse and in some parts technical terrain in the big 5 mountain bike series. In 2013, after a few years of absence, Hluhluwe was the stage of the Bell 400, the national off-road motorcycle and quad bike race, it is currently unknown if the Bell 400 will return to Hluhluwe. source: wikipedia

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Emdoneni News

8 Things To Do in Hluhluwe

DumaZulu Traditional Village WHERE? Lot H29, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? The cultural shows are performed daily at 08h15 and 15h15. Enjoy the 11h00 show followed by a traditional cooked Zulu lunch. HOW? Call +27 (0)31 337-4222 DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet’s most indigenous cultures. A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experiencing for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios. All products and produce sold on the property are made from natural products and are sourced from the land – 100 % green. The cultural shows are performed daily at 08:15 and 15:15. Enjoy the 11:00 show followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch. Guided Walking Tours at Emdoneni WHERE? Emdoneni Lodge, Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa WHEN? Walking tours are done on a request basis in groups of up to six guests. Guided walking tours will keep you busy for an hour or more at Emdoneni Lodge. On this tour your will learn more about the various geology, wildlife and plant-life of the region. Without the fear of predators, guests feel safe and are more relaxed during the walk. One can get close to Zebra, which might follow us on the walk and also meet some Impana, Nyala, Wildebeest and the shy red and grey duiker as well on the way. The guided walk also offers the chance to view the abundant bird life in the sand forest trees and also in the vlei lands, one can also notice the ever popular dung beetles hard at work, rolling the days collection whilst following the sun. All walks are done by qualified guides. Hluhluwe Horse Safaris WHERE? Hluhluwe Horse Safaris, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Our regular start timings are 08h00 and 15h00. Private rides are available for those who would like something a little different, please call for options and availability. HOW? +27 (0)35 562-0246 With years of experience in providing a world class experience, Hluhluwe Horse Safaris would like to take you on an adventure ride through the beautiful False Bay Nature Reserve, part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. With horses to suit all ages and levels of experience the Horse Trails experience is one to be enjoyed by the whole family. Experience Nature up close and personal, enjoy the thrill of seeing Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Hippo without any disturbances. Under the guidance of qualified guides you will be taken out into the False Bay Nature Reserve to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of this world heritage site. As part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, False Bay Nature Reserve is an area of grand Landscapes and beautiful Natural Bush and Sand Forest. We look forward to sharing our special piece of Africa with you, from the comfort of our well trained horses. Kiss a Baby Crocodile WHERE? 10 km South of Hluhluwe, Off the N2, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? Daily. HOW? Call +27 (0)72 020-7500 or +27 (0)72 020-7500 Pucker up to a baby snout sharp with cute deception. Baby jaws of baby crocodiles are on offer for a first date kiss without any obligatory baby talk – pretty friendly for a reptile capable of more than a love bite. An optional swim with diminutive crocodiles in the snorkelling pool displays a superlative encounter with this powerful predator that as adults will be able to devour any life form on the waters edge. Touch the rough scaly hide that creates a pebble effect on these apex predators which contributed to it’s Greek etymology Crocodylus; ‘kroko’ meaning pebble, ‘deilos’ meaning worm or man. These ‘pebbled worm men’ creatures get their first crack at life breaking themselves out of their shells at birth with their egg tooth and continue on to pursue a career as impressive photo companions with a full grown smile of sixty odd cone shaped bone crushers. ‘Crocodile whisperer’ Mr. Vernon Diggins, will expose the magnificent qualities of these misunderstood monsters on a personal tour that will get you as close to these beasts as the spur-winged plover that pecks the meat from between their teeth. Clamp your own jaws around the culinary creations served at the tea garden which include crocodile steak, traditional South African braai’s (barbecues) and potjiekos (pot food) delicacies. The natural setting of this crocodile education gives an authentic environment to the fascinating life of an animal that fuelled legends; formed the Egyptian God, Sobek; and showcased Hollywood with ‘Crocodile Dundee’ entertainment. Enclosures of emu, ostrich and bunny’s are also open for exploration as is the kiddies play park. What to do emu, get rich ostrich, in a while crocodile… Primitive Trail WHERE? iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Booking ids essential. Time: 2-3 days. HOW? Call KZN Wildlife on +27 (0)33 845-1067 Join the Primitive Trail in Hluhluwe for a fun, exhilarating and challenging hiking experience like no other. Backpack for three or four nights and make the most of the trail and the game reserve. Get in touch with nature and enjoy camping under the stars with the animals and wildlife around you in a well known Big Five area. There are no tents or permanent camping spots available but equipment and food will be provided. You will be taking a bath in the river and will carry all your own food and gear with you during the day. Trails will only take place if there

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