Stewarts Farm – update from Kwa-Zulu Natal

Some readers may remember reading my recent article on Stewarts Farm, in last Thursday’s daily eNewswire, if not, feel free!!

https://www.travelmole.com/stories/1118497.php?mpnlog=1 .

Whilst there, I asked Roy and Sonja to send me some further info on the area around Stewarts Farm and also what was happening in the next little while.

They have been extremely busy hosting people like the Mole after Indaba, having site inspections, entertaining incentive groups, holiday-makers and hosting some Zulu corporate shenanigans as well, so having made time to update the Mole, I wanted to share it – and its interesting in its own right.

Roy continues…

Around Stewarts Farm

The northern side of the Nkwaleni valley is dominated by the Nkwenkwe Mountain in which legend has it that resides Umningi, the six-headed serpent!!! On the southern side overlooking the valley are the sites of two great military kraals – the first and by far the best known is Kings Shakas, Kwabulawayo and the second is Ondini, which was Cetshwayo’s Royal Kraal.

1. Kwabulawayo – not much to see there right now, however there is a government grant that has just been approved to rebuild the Zulu kraal

2. Ondini (Ulundi area now, but use to be in Nkwaleni valley) – there is a museum here and one can do a tour around the Royal Homestead.  The best time to visit here is during the month of September when the big “Reed Dance” happens, when the King has the chance to choose another wife from approximately 10 000 virgin Zulu girls!!!  This event has become a very big attraction and also has a big status in the health industry, as it encourages women to fight against aids and not to loose their virginity until they are married

3. Ford Nonquai (Eshowe area)- This is where the British were trapped for 90 days in the Ford.  Now a museum displaying various artefacts and scenes from the battle against the Zulu’s

4. Battles of Islandwana and Rorke’s drift (Dundee area, approximately 2 hour drive from here) – both battlefields of Zulu versus British.  Extremely interesting and a must to visit for somebody who is interested in the Zulu’s or the battles.  I would definitely recommend going with a good guide!! (speak to Africa Tour!!!)

5. Nandi’s grave – situated at the back of the farm – same area where Noms took you, just a little bit further. Nandi was King Shakas mother

Next 12 months at Stewarts Farm

1. Upgrades to the lodge – soft refurb of all the rooms, dining room and bar area

2. Upgrading the water system at the lodge – by doing this, the community will benefit from it, as we will install a 20 000 litre tank for them to use.  Some of the people have to walk as far as 7km for water if the water tanker does not deliver water to them

3. Sustainable veggie gardens – I have a farming background and will with the new water system being implemented be able to assist the Zulus and teach them about sustainable veggie farming

4. Zulu kraal – to show clients and educate them on Zulu culture, we have to unfortunately put on some sort of “show”, but we want to keep it as authentic as possible, therefore we will constantly add in new things in the next couple of months. Noms took you on the tour to the village at the back, this we will be offering to clients on a daily basis in order for them to see real Zulu life

5. Various community projects will be introduced to the local community in order to promote upliftment – one will be our workshop manufacturing shields, spears etc. to be sold in our curio shop

6. Lots of emphasis will be put on marketing Zulu culture to schools countrywide, as we find that it is a dying culture amongst the Zulu’s living and working in towns.

Mole comment

As you can see from Roy’s email, he and Sonja have a real passion for both Stewarts Farm and for the local Zulus. They want to improve the life of the locals, and keep building on the success of Stewarts Farm, but not at the expense of turning the place into a tourist sideshow.

These sort of places are definitely worthy of your support if you are considering South Africa for your clients, and you will also have a much more ‘African’ experience.

Report by The Mole