Destination: South Africa

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Traditional Trails

ONE MONTH / SWAZILAND TO JOHANNESBURG

This 3000km-plus loop takes in some of Southern Africa's most colourful corners, and is an ideal antidote to the blandness of Western culture. It's easy to cover the distance in three weeks, but worth allowing more time. In general, the rougher the road, the more vibrant the local traditions.



For an introduction to traditional culture, there’s no better place to start than Swaziland. If possible, time your visit to be there for the annual Umhlanga (Reed) Dance or the equally colourful Incwala, or enter the country via Matsamo Cultural Village. Swaziland’s crafts are top-notch and craft shopping is another way to step into the culture. Selection is especially good in the Malkerns Valley and in the Ezulwini Valley.

From Swaziland, head south into the Zulu heartland of KwaZulu-Natal. In Zululand, you’ll find many traditional villages, and with luck will be able to catch a Zulu festival. Continue via Durban to Lesotho, where a pony trek or a hike through Basotho villages is an excellent way to get acquainted with local life and culture. Crafts here are also well worth seeking out. Teyateyaneng is the unofficial craft centre, known especially for its tapestries. Before leaving Lesotho, don’t miss sampling some traditional brew – watch for the white and yellow flags hanging in villages.

From Lesotho, make your way south into the areas inland from the Wild Coast, where the rolling hills are dotted with Xhosa villages. Make your way back to Durban – perhaps enjoying some Indian culture en route – before finishing in Johannesburg. A possible detour from Johannesburg: head north into Limpopo to acquaint yourself with the Ndebele and Venda people.