Shangana Cultural Village in Mbombela Rural, Mpumalanga

Shangana Cultural Village is situated 5 km outside of Hazyview in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The Village has been created and built by the Shangana people and is located between the Blyde River Canyon and the Southern  Kruger National Park. It was built with pride and preserves their peoples rich heritage as well as serving as an example of South Africa’s great cultural diversity. The Shangaan culture is made of Zulu, Tsonga and other smaller ethnic groups and started in the 18^th century when the first Tsonga traders came to Southern Africa to barter cloth and beads for ivory, copper and salt.

The Marula Market, a picturesque market which has been described as one of the most beautiful in Africa, forms the center of the Village. Crafters from all over the region gather here to make and trade their exquisite arts and crafts. From the market, guides will take you on a guided tour of the Village. There are various tours offered, from 1 hour to 3 hours. Some tours include performances, interactive drumming or meals. It is highly recommended that if you have the time, your stay for the Evening Festival hosted by the Chief and his family – it will be the highlight of your tour!

Things to do and see

• Arts & Crafts Marula Market
• Day Tours (1 hour)
• Day Tours with Performances (1 hour and 45 mins)
• Day Tour with Interactive Drumming (1 hour and 30 mins)
• Midday Tours with lunch option (1 hour and 30 mins)
• Midday Tours with Performances and lunch option (1 hour and 30 mins)
• Evening Festival (3 hours)
• Traditional Lunch at Boma Restaurant (options available to include a light lunch in your tour)

Admission

There is no admission fee to the Marula Market. Please contact the Village directly for confirmation on prices and times of tours, advanced booking is advised.

Climate

Rainfall occurs mainly in the mid-summer months, with December and January seeing the highest levels. Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 17˚C and 30˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 19˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town into the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mombela (Nelspruit). Car rental companies are available for easy access to the surrounding areas, Hazyview is 60 km away which is just under an hours’ drive. Road trips from Johannesburg via the N12 and N4 will take approximately 5 hours.