Deep in the heart of Zululand in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa lies the mystical Mfule River Valley, breathing life into the territory of the Biyela Clan, blood relatives of the Royal house of the proud and respected Zulu nation.

Simunye Zulu Lodge offers a gentle mix of traditional Zulu Homestead and experiences, and world class hospitality and leisure activities.

Simunye Lodge is ideal for the international traveller, or a local getaway to truly rest and rejuvenate.We welcome couples, parties or groups, and most especially families as there is so much to do here at Simunye. If you're celebrating a birthday, engagement, wedding, anniversary or any other special function, or require outstanding, fully equipped conference facilities, we will cater to your needs in our unique Simunye style.

Simunye is located near Melmoth in KwaZulu Natal, a scenic two-hour drive from Durban or about five hours drive from Johannesburg.

At Simunye we have a variety of accommodation to choose from. Each room has been uniquely crafted by the Zulu community using natural materials from the valley. All the lodgings are comfortably furnished and have a private bathroom/shower. We can accommodate up to 48 people, sharing.

Rock Rooms: Six Rock Rooms in the cliff. Built organically, without plans, they seem to grow out of the rockface.

Africa Rooms: Three Africa Rooms - our latest addition, hand hewn and typically Zulu.

Lodge Rooms: Ten Lodge Rooms, beautifully crafted and uniquely decorated with historic scenes.

Rondavels: Five traditional rondavels, situated around the kraal.

Transport from the lodge's parking point to the lodge (4,5km away) is by horseback, ox-wagon, or 4x4 vehicle.

During your stay at the lodge:

• Access to power points is available on request.
• Zulu curious will be sold by the local people at the village and at the arrival point.
• Tea and coffee is available at all times at the restaurant area.

Breakfast and dinner is included during your stay at Simunye Zulu Lodge. Our hotel trained chef Nokuthula S'Khakhane will prepare delicious home cooked meals for you.

There is also the Mfule Bar, which overlooks the river and is stocked with a full range of beverages. Special requirements can be stocked on request.

The Simunye Vvalley- a unique community at work!

The dream of Barry Leitch and Vincent Sikhakhane, who grew up together in the valley, Simunye has grown out of the very community within which it plays such an important role.

Unique in its make-up as a hospitality venue, Simunye was built and is managed and maintained by local Zulu families that have been involved since its inception. The driver of your ox-wagon down the hill may well be a local elder - and you may see him again dancing during the ngoma in the evening.

More than this, a number of special guests who have fallen deeply in love with both the place and the community involved, return for weeks at a time on an annual basis, bringing family and friends from all over the world. Amongst these are particularly active friends who involve themselves in the local schools and clinics - some of which have required considerable private sector help in up-grading their now poor facilities. These guests have donated not only large sums, but have overseen and participated physically in the upgrades of these needy institutions.

There's so much to do at Simunye, but your day will be as full or as empty as you choose. The best way to experience our special community, is to get involved in the day's routine - which includes Zulu cultural interactions and Zulu dancing.

For the more energetic and adventurous:

• Walks
• Birding
• Horse riding
• Fun fishing (please bring your own tackle)
• Zulu sports
• Picnics at the waterfall.

And for those who just want to take time out:

• Relax with a book in a comfortable chair at the river
• Sun bathe or swim in the river
• Braai/barbeque at our secret spot
• Party gently
• Meditate and just breathe deeply.

Children are important in Zulu culture, and we haven't forgotten the kids:

For the little kids:

• Hired help - please book in advance with details
• Play area including sand pit, swings, toys, get to know the resident animals.

And for the older kids and teens:

• Out-rides on horse-back, with a picnic
• Walks with a picnic
• Zulu sports - padded fighting sticks, throwing sticks, blind man's pot, Zulu tug-of-war, and Bull Dancing (which they get to show off at the Ngoma (dance) at the fire.

At Simunye, we have imitated the swallows and eagles and built a conference centre into the cliff face itself, with a spectacular view out over the river. Nature has done the rest by creating an ambience which is both primal and timeless. The Eagle's Nest can accommodate between 30 and 60 delegates depending on layout.

Breakaway options are endless, from thatched decks, to beehive huts, shady trees, secluded waterfalls and caves.

Simunye offers a variety of highly unique team and leadership development activities. Many of these are based around ancient African culture, the relationship that exists between man & nature and the wisdom that is gleaned through this relationship.

Our Zulu facilitators are skilled in the running of the various activities to encourage teamwork and competition and most often issues are brought to light and resolved in a relaxed way. Programmes can be tailor-made to your purposes.

• Zulu Olympics
• Tug of War with oxen
• Spear throwing
• Stick throwing
• Stick fighting
• Shaya UKhamba
• uKuThwala uKhamba
• uMlabalaba (Zulu chess)
• Ox Wagon Pioneering
• Cattle herding
• Movie making.

Please contact the lodge directly to find out which rates apply to the dates you may be considering for your stay.

All rates are fully inclusive of dinner, bed, breakfast, cultural experience as well as animal transport from/to departure point.