Today we are visiting a cultural centre where we will be learning about the Zulu people and their customs.
The afternoon will be spent on our first game drive as we look for black and white rhinos.
Damazulu Village
We are welcomed by a handsome Zulu tribesman who teaches us how to say hello, my name is, and nice to meet you.
We are then asked to loudly announce that we are at the gate in order to gain admittance.
Once inside, we learn about the king and how many wives he is allowed (which is basically how many he wants) and their various customs such as a man needs to ask the parents permission to marry their daughter and give them 11 cows in exchange for her hand in marriage.
Shannon volunteered to balance a basket on her head using a ring woven from reeds that the Zulu women use. She did great!
We tried spear throwing and we laughed and groaned when the spear didn’t land at the correct angle. We had some good laughs. Shannon was successful on her first try and me on my second try. My dart years are long over.
We visited a few other stations such as how to sharpen a spear, and one where we learned the customs of the women tribespeople.
Polygyny is Allowed
Zulu men can marry more than one woman, however, his first wife holds the highest status. She must approve the marriage of the second wife. Each wife has their own residence.
We are then invited to watch Zulu singing, dancing and drumming. It was fun. Male volunteers were requested to copy what the Zulu men were doing and then it was the women’s turn. Ours was a dance to attract a husband. Yes, I got up and got down!
Afterwards, we eat a lovely lunch and head to the game reserve.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Okay, after over a week we are finally doing a game drive, the reason why I am taking this trip.
No more than a minute into the park, we spot a group of elephants playing in the mud. Talk about giggling with glee this is so exciting!
We saw water buffalos and then white rhinos.
We finished off the drive with a beautiful sunset and an almost full moon. Unbelievable day with us seeing 4 of the Big 5 game animals. Maybe we will see the leopard on our next game drive.
Back to the Hotel
Returning to the hotel, we had dinner outside where we were provided with another Zulu dance show.
Afterwards, we move over to the pool bar with the gang from Alberta to enjoy some laughs and a night cap.
We have an early start tomorrow as we head to Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
