Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in Durban, South Africa
Durban, South Africa

Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu

Outty Ranking 58 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $183
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu worth booking?

Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu is a 6-hour experience in Durban, South Africa, from $183 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
6 hours
From
$183 per person

Durban is considered to be the home of the Zulu people, and on this fantastic day tour, you'll have an opportunity to not only learn about the history of the Zulu people in South Africa, but also about their day to day chalenges. On the first portion of the tour you'll visit the rural Zulu village of iSithumba. Situated about 45 min west of the Durban, this quiet and picturesque valley is home to the descendants of the Debe people. On arrival, you'll be greeted by local guides who live in the village and will take you on a 2 hour tour through the village. Highlights include visiting the iSisangoma (witch doctor), the Chief of the village and his wives, the local "spaza" and the life giving river. After the tour you'll get to enjoy lunch at one of the Valley of 1000 Hills best local restaurants before heading to PheZulu. PheZulu has been around for 25 years for good reason, the Zulu dance show is one of the best! After the 30 min show, you'll head back to Durban.

What you get

    About this experience

    Durban is considered to be the home of the Zulu people, and on this fantastic day tour, you'll have an opportunity to not only learn about the history of the Zulu people in South Africa, but also about their day to day chalenges. On the first portion of the tour you'll visit the rural Zulu village of iSithumba. Situated about 45 min west of the Durban, this quiet and picturesque valley is home to the descendants of the Debe people. On arrival, you'll be greeted by local guides who live in the village and will take you on a 2 hour tour through the village. Highlights include visiting the iSisangoma (witch doctor), the Chief of the village and his wives, the local "spaza" and the life giving river. After the tour you'll get to enjoy lunch at one of the Valley of 1000 Hills best local restaurants before heading to PheZulu. PheZulu has been around for 25 years for good reason, the Zulu dance show is one of the best! After the 30 min show, you'll head back to Durban.

    What's included

    Included

    • 2 hour tour of the village of iSithumba
    • Zulu dance show at PheZulu

    Not included

    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. iSithuma is a genuine Zulu village situated about 45 min west of the city of Durban. This village is home to a small community of Zulu people who have been gracious in extending their welcome to all visitors.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Phezulu Safari Park

      PheZulu Park has been operating for nearly 25 years now and has established itself as a great center to learn more about the Zulu people. On this portion of the tour, you will get to enjoy a 30 minute traditional dance show.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Durban Safaris and Tours

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Zulu drummer at PheZulu, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in DurbanZulu chief at PheZulu, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in DurbanThe rural Zulu village of iSithumba, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in DurbanThe village of iSithumba with Nguni cows in the foreground, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in DurbanVisitors enjoying their guided tour of the Zulu village, iSithumba, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu in DurbanVisit the PheZulu Reptile park as part of the tour and learn more about the reptiles and snakes of South Africa, Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
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    3 star
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    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Marty_M · September 2024

    South Africa

    The Nelson Mandela Capture Site was very educational. The history, apartheid of both Negros, and Indians people.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review Marty! I hope South Africa won't see the last of you. Safe travels.

    via Viator

    Terry_O · August 2024

    Do this tour with Sheldon

    Excellent guide in Sheldon. He was knowledgeable and provided the information that we sought. Allowed us to explore at our own pace and interacted well with the local people at the various sites so was obviously well respected by them. Interesting places and people gave us a great, but brief, insight into Zulu culture and history. Terry O'Connell

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your review! Safe travels, Shelldon

    via Viator

    Andre D · August 2024

    Group - Luma Netherlands

    Mpume had us captivated from start to finish. Her knowledge and passion of the Zulu culture in every word ! What a fresh way to experience the Zulu culture in a real setting and not in an open air museum. I will be back. A Most enjoyable experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Sunshine62577816271 · September 2023

    great trip to Tala game reserve and PheZulul

    Sheldon was a great guide. He told us so much great information about Zulu history and culture. We went with some business associates and everyone enjoyed the day.

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your review, I'm glad you enjoyed your day :)

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $183 to $2,950
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Durban Safaris and Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.

    See everything Durban Safaris and Tours runs

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)30
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)44
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)57
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Durban.

    How much does Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu cost?

    +

    Prices start at $183 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Durban usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Durban is not rushed.

    Is Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Durban, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Durban can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Durban and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Durban within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Durban?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Durban experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Culture Walking Tour of Durban, Sani Pass & Lesotho 4x4 Experience Day Tour from Durban, Luxury Canal Boat Cruise - Fun Things Durban Ushaka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Durban?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Durban?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu?

    +

    Included: 2 hour tour of the village of iSithumba; and Zulu dance show at PheZulu. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 71 listed pickup locations in and around Durban. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Zulu Cultural Experience - Tour to the village of iSithumba and PheZulu.

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