Shakaland Protea Hotel
Description
Situated just 160km north of the city of Durban is a living momument to Zulu culture. It is from here that people from all over the world come to experience the lifestyles, social systems and rich culture of the Zulu nation. A visit to South Africa is not complete without a visit to Shakaland – one of the most famous cultural attractions in Africa. Here, a unique resort has been built on the set of the original movies – Shaka Zulu and John Ross. A traditional Zulu “Umuzi” or homestead, divides the homes of the local Zulu people and the hotel rooms.
Location
Nkwalini Valley lies between Eshowe and Melmoth, nestling on the top of the Entembeni Hills and overlooking the picturesque Phobane Lake. From Durban/KSIA proceed north on the N2 for approximately 100kms, turning off at the Dokodweni Toll Plaza. Signs will indicate Gingindlovu and Eshowe and Route 66. After approximately 30kms you will pass turnoffs to Eshowe. Keep going straight for approximately another 18kms (now heading towards Melmoth/Ulundi) until you see a brown and white sign on the left hand side for Shakaland. Turn left onto this road (3.5kms). It is tarred all the way to the entrance.
From Pongola/Swaziland, proceed south on the N2 towards Durban. Approximately 11kms after the turn-off for Richards Bay you will see signs for Empangeni R102 on your right. Proceed on this route for 5kms into town until you come to a set of traffic lights. Turn right and proceed through town (go through 6 traffic light intersections and continue heading straight along the R34 towards Melmoth/Nkwalini. After approximately 46kms turn left at the T-intersection towards Eshowe and onto the R66. The Shakaland turnoff will be about 7km further south on this route, on your righthand side.
Airports
King Shaka International Airport - 115km
Richards Bay Airport (domestic) - 90kms
GPS Co-Ordinates
South: 28 46’47 East: 31 28’48
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Accommodation Overnight accommodation at Shakaland is in the form of traditional, handwoven beehive huts, built by local craftsmen. The men bend thousands of saplings to form the beehive framework and then the women thatch the hut with Ngongoni grass. When it rains, the grass swells and then becomes water tight.
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The huts are beautifully decorated with ensuite bathrooms for extra comfort and all have amenities including bath soap, shampoo/conditioner, body lotion, shower cap and hairdryer. Yes it’s beehive luxury in the bush! There are 55 rooms in total – 11 with twin double beds, 31 with twin ¾ beds and 13 with one double bed. All rooms have televisions (12 channels) including DSTV, overhead fans and tea and coffee facilities.
Restaurant and Bar Two giant beehive domes make up the Shisa Nyama restaurant and traditional buffet and are the largest and most beautiful in the kingdom. Here we are in the heartland of Zulu tradition and the murals on the walls of the restaurants depict the historic events of the King Shaka Zulu era. The Shisha Nyama feast is a fusion of local Zulu and South African dishes prepared in three legged pots on an open fire. You will get to taste everything from wild spinach to stews and barbeques. |
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Relax at our U Kamba Lwethu Bar and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding hills and Phobane Lake. The bar opens from 10:00am every day.
Facilities
Weddings, Conferences, Team Building and School Programmes … We have it all! This is your opportunity to try something different. Visiting Shakaland is also about giving back to the communities. By having your conference or wedding at Shakaland you will be helping support over 100 families and helping those in need.
Swimming Pool
Situated next to the Restaurant and ideal for cooling off on those balmy days.
Curio Shop
Our extensive curio shop offers a wide range of items ranging from beaded jewellery to clothing, masks and spears. Open from 08:00 to 20:00.
Audio Visual Room
An audio visual room is available for big sporting events.
Laundry Services
A laundry service is available 24hrs hours.
Business Facilities
Fax and photocopying services are available from Reception and also Satellite internet (but it can be slow).
Wake Up Calls
Our friendly staff can organise wake up calls.
Parking
Free open parking.
Disabled Facilities
2 rooms for physically disabled. However bear in mind that most areas are natural dirt walkways!
Babysitting
Available on request, but please book 24hrs in advance.
Protea Prokidz Programme
Participate in the Protea Hotel ProKidz programme with videos, games, toys etc and learn how to make a Zulu pot or do Stick Fighting (with supervision of course!)
Shuttle Services
Unfortunately at Shakaland we do not operate shuttle services, however they can be arranged on request.
Nearby Attractions
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Check In/Out
Check in from 14:00. Check out at 11:00. Guests must arrive at the hotel before 16:00 if they wish to participate in the afternoon cultural experiences.
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