iSithumba is a rural Zulu community, which shares its name with the spectacular mountain that stands guard over the village. We journey to the Valley of 1000 Hills, a quick 45 minutes outside of Durban to visit this warm and welcoming community blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural scenery. The Valley is named after the many hills, cliffs and natural surroundings that decorate the banks of the Umgeni River. This is home to Zulu communities that continue to live a traditional lifestyle.

We start our journey early in the morning with a stop at the Markets of Warwick to pick up some fresh ingredients for a home cooked lunch later in the day, and a few other things to snack on during the drive. The drive is itself sweeps by as easily as the picturesque scenery along the way. Soon we arrive and descend into the valley of astonishing green views. Once we arrive in iSithumba we meet with a local guide who will give us a first person perspective of the community. The youth of the community have already begun to benefit from the increased tourist interest in the area. Our guide and the community’s young people are increasingly being groomed to gradually lead tour groups canoeing, rock climbing and around the community while more mature members of the community will find employment in the accommodation and catering industries created by the growing tourist presence in the Valley. As our guide takes us on a walk through the village and he tells us about the legend behind the surrounding rocks. However, the highlight of the walk are the conversations with some of the friendly members of the community that punctuated almost every minute of our visit.

We make our way to the practice of a Sangoma (traditional healer) where we learn about some of the natural medicinal remedies that he works with. At the home of the local sub-chief, we learn about Zulu traditional customs firsthand and hear about the chie’s role in the community. It’s soon time for lunch and the meal is a share a home cooked spread with a local family in their rondavel or under the trees outside. The meal is a simple and yet delicious serving of putu pap (a fluffier version of pap), some spinach, homemade tomato relish and butternut.

With its idyllic scenery and natural beauty the Valley it’s no wonder the municipality has earmarked the area for watersports, nature trails, rock climbing and other tourist developments. Its people, however, remain the area’s greatest quality. During our time we delved into rituals, traditions and the daily routines of life here in the Valley. Beyond anything the visit to iSithumba is an opportunity to expand your cultural experience and indulge in the majesty of its people.