Midway between the Blyde River canyon and the southern Kruger National Park, the traditional villages of Shangana invite guests to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland. A bustling African market village forms the centre of Shangana, where local craft people make and trade their craft. From here trained guides lead guests down to villages on daytime tours, midday tours with lunch, and the famed Evening Festival in the Chief’s Kraal, where choirs, actors and dancers gather to tell the story of the Shangaan people. It is a spectacular and moving experience, which shows the enormous talent of the people from this region. Traditional beer and starters are passed on large wooden trays decorated with leaves and wild flowers, on one’s arrival in the Marula Market. 

The picturesque Marula Market has been described by many visitors as the most beautiful in Africa and is open daily. The wide circle of huts looks down towards the Kruger Park, with trees all around. It is the central village at Shangana, and is open all day to visitors. The market is a gathering place for craftspeople from all over the region, and has a variety of traditional handcrafted art unmatched in the area. Many of the artists work at their homes in nearby villages, and they leave their work at the market to be sold. The Marula Market has been an important catalyst enabling local crafters to make a living and create small businesses for themselves.

 “The Chief has decided to build comfortable accommodation within his village, to enable his guests to experience the traditional Shangana way of life. Guests will be able to experience the warm hospitality of the Shangaan people, both at the Evening Festival and in accommodation at the village. Guests wake up to the call of the Chief’s rooster announcing a new exiting sunny African day, while his sons take the cattle to the fields to graze.”

Shangana has been created and built by local Shangaan people. It is a means of displaying a proud, rich heritage, and provides an example of South Africa’s great cultural diversity.