The beautiful traditional villages of Shangana are owned by the Mapulana community, who present their traditional way of life. By supporting Shangana, you are supporting over 100 jobs in a rural area. Shangana is just 5km from Hazyview, between the Kruger Park and Panorama Route.
The Marula Market forms the centre of Shangana, the region's leading market for local craft and curios - all at the best 'Shangaan prices'. The picturesque setting and traditional huts make it an excellent reception and welcome area for guests arriving for tours, with individually decorated bathrooms and refreshments available. Open every day, and free!
Daytime tours
During the day, tours are led by trained guides along a winding path through the bush and past fields where crops are grown. After gaining permission, guests enter a living village where they meet the resident Shangaan family and learn aspects of history, customs and traditions.
Guests are encouraged to interact and really experience the way of life. The tour then proceeds to the mystical kraal of the sangoma (traditional healer) to learn about traditional medicines, before returning to the Marula Market.
- Time: Daytime tours commence on the hour, from 9am to 4pm
- Includes: Guided visit through fields to village and Sangoma, or daytime with dance tour on arrangement.
- Duration: Minimum 1, max 220 pax. / Daytime with dance tour: minimum 15, max 220 pax
Midday tours
Over lunchtime, the tour is similar to the daytime tours, but a full traditional lunch is served in the village with the family - an intimate and unforgettable experience. The menu includes honey-glazed sweet potatoes, freshly baked maize bread, beef pot-roast, wild spinach with ground peanuts and other traditional dishes, our famous Shangaan dancing can be arranged.
- Time: Midday 12pm, 1pm (or by arrangement)
- Includes: Guided visit fields and village, lunch, sangoma
- Duration: (1½ hours). Minimum 1, max 220 pax
Evening Festival
This magnificent show with a cast of some choir members, actors and dancers tells the story of the Shangaan nation. As the sun sets over the mountains the beating of drums grows louder as warriors guide guests into the great Kraal of Chief Soshangana, a circle of royal huts lit by flames. The show is mesmerizing - colourful, varied, moving and entertaining.
At interval, the chief's wives serve a traditional feast, including crocodile strips in a spicy peanut sauce, mopane worms, baked butternut, fire-grilled corn wheels and an array of other Shangaan dishes so good they have features in restaurant guides! A full bar is available and we will arrange special requests with pleasure.
- Time: Evening festival 5:00 pm (winter) 5:15 pm (summer)
- Includes: Full show with dancing and choirs, dinner
- Duration: (3 hours). Minimum 15 pax - Maximum 250 pax.
Directions
From Hazyview, head north and turn left onto the R535 Graskop Road for 4km. Shangana is on the right-hand side, clearly signposted.
