Selborne Golf Estate – Experience the Past
Date Published
‘Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.’ This travel advice from the Dalai Lama is perfect if you are spending a weekend or holiday at Selborne Golf Estate. The South Coast has plenty of places you have probably never been before, especially when it comes to appreciating its cultural past.
Named the ‘Paradise of the Zulu kingdom,’ the South Coast and its surrounds offer visitors to this part of the world an opportunity to experience the unique cultural richness and heritage of our past. Selborne Golf Estate is itself steeped in colonial history – named after Lord Selborne, the Secretary for the Colonies in 1905. Just a short distance away, you can explore 3 historic landmarks where Zulu history and colourful cultures come alive.
Nyandezulu Experience
What do an 80m high waterfall, a sangoma who lives among bees, and the legend of the 7-headed serpent have in common? A day trip to the Nyandezulu experience will solve this riddle. Situated just 40 minutes from Selborne Golf Estate, on the Izotsha Road, an authentic cultural experience awaits. Booking is essential, and depending on your fitness levels, there are various options available, including a 5 hour guided drive or walk.
The hike to the Nyandezulu waterfall is very steep, but only takes 15 minutes and the breath-taking and expansive views certainly make it worthwhile. Listening to the legend of the 7-headed serpent while picnicking under the shade of a wild fig tree with refreshments from the local tavern, are all part of this immersive experience. Local Zulu arts and crafts are available to take home from the marketplace at Mfihlo guest house, at the heart of the Nyandezulu homestead.
KwaNzimakwe Experience
An hour south of Selborne Golf Estate you will discover KwaNzimakwe, a village on a hill. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the local tribal leader and friendly villagers.
The KwaNzimakwe experience gets to the heart of traditional Zulu life. It is a day in the life of a Zulu community.
Not only can you visit a cattle kraal and watch crafters at work, you can even learn to weave or bead. If you have an appreciation for Zulu dancing and music, you will revel in learning traditional dance steps or try your hand at playing the wooden, Nguni hide drum. Hiking options include following a mountain trail past a local Shembe church amid beautiful scenery. If you don’t need to hurry back to your Selborne Golf Estate accommodation, then linger till the sun sets. You will be treated to traditional food, local stories and lively music.
KwaXolo Experience
The original inhabitants of the KZN South coast were the San people, often referred to as the Bushmen. Not far from KwaNzimakwe, is KwaXolo, where a cave has been discovered, housing authentic San paintings that date back thousands of years. These rock paintings let us delve into fascinating stories of years gone by. A registered guide will lead you to the caves. Don’t miss out on this unique experience while you are staying at Selborne Golf Estate.
Mark Twain said that ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.’
The historic region that surrounds Selborne Golf Estate offers the traveller this opportunity. By exposing ourselves to our cultural history and these rich experiences of the past, we are inspired and humbled. It is a starting point to respecting and appreciating different customs and traditions and honouring how the past has contributed to our stories.
If you have never been to Selborne Golf Estate, read our previous blogs for travel tips and things to do. To book one of our luxury self-catering holiday homes, please visit us online to request a quote.