Shangana Cultural Village Tour: History and Traditions of the Mapulana Tribe

Head into the heart of the Mpumalanga region to visit Shangana Cultural Village, a South African community created by the Shangaan people to preserve their history and traditions. The Marula Market is the center of the tree-lined village, a place where you can see people working on handmade crafts and shop for one-of-a-kind pieces at your leisure. With a guide at your side, explore the grounds and meet local residents who maintain this area near Kruger National Park.

Leave your Mpumalanga lodge and travel to Shangana Cultural Village, located between Blyde River Canyon and the southern end of Kruger National Park. Set up by the Mapulana community, the village aims to both showcase and preserve their traditional crafts and lifestyle, giving visitors a fascinating insight into their heritage and spirit.

Hop out of your minibus, and stroll past working crop fields to wander around the village’s tree-lined streets, passing authentic huts made almost entirely from mud and stone. Along the way, your guide shares the history and traditions of the people who live in the village.

Your guide will introduce you to members of the local community and act as a translator so you can interact and learn about the Shangaan way of life. See artists work on their crafts, listen to musicians as they bang on drums, and learn about the sangoma (healer) who practices traditional medicine in the village.

In the heart of Shangana lies the bustling Marula Market, a hive of activity that acts as a gathering place for craftspeople from around the region. The handmade crafts on display are all created and sold by local artists. Many of the people who come here to sell their wares are able to sustain small, but thriving, businesses in the village.

After learning about the variety of stalls to visit from your guide, enjoy some free time to browse for carvings, pots, statues, ornate beadwork and more. If you want to try out some of the local delicacies, food and drinks can be purchased from the market at your own expense.

Once you have finished shopping and exploring the village, meet your guide and finish your day trip with a transfer back to your lodge in the Mpumalanga area.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entrance fee
  
• Professional guide

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)