Fine rural tourism offering
UNDERSTANDING the demand for authentic rural tourism offerings, one woman has created a unique cultural experience that welcomes tourists from across the globe to the lush hills of Mpembeni in Hlabisa.
Zamani Khumalo (30) was unemployed and feeling completely disheartened when she got the idea to leverage her modest, rural life and turn it into something valuable for visitors.
She opened her family home, now Awesome Zulu Village, to international tourists who sleep on traditional grass mats, enjoy home-cooked meals - including maize porridge, steamed bread, uphuthu and beans prepared on an open fire, and introduces them to authentic rural life.
"Hosting these tourists has made me feel human again. I used to see myself as a failure who could not provide for my family and child, but now I am always happy. I am proud of myself," said Zamani.
The success of her venture has seen tourists from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Holland and Canada coming out to experience this unhurried life of rural South Africa.
Zamani also tells tourists about life in the countryside, teaching them how to make grass mats, with tours of Mpembeni, meeting crafters, visiting local schools, consulting sangomas and learning more about African spirituality.
"We show them how we live and they really appreciate it because this is the experience they want, something unknown to them," she said.
The allure of the minimalist life far from cities and frantic modernity is never lost on the children touring with their families.
"Sometimes our guests' children cry because they do not want to leave!" said Zamani, who has built strong bonds with her guests, keeping in touch with them long after they've left.
To overcome the language barrier and close the gap of unfamiliarity between herself and her guests, Zamani downloaded an app which translates all languages.
Bigger aspirations
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to never miss an opportunity and to 'keep pushing'.
"Ask for help when you need it and always be willing to learn," advised Zamani.
She hopes investors could support her venture so it will grow, benefitting herself, her neighbours and her community at large.
"I wish to build bigger accommodation with more sleeping rooms. There is a house built with stones that I wish to complete so it can be used for activities where my neighbours showcase their talents and sell their crafts."
She also wishes to build ablution facilities and no longer rely on mobile toilets for her guests.
Zamani says her doors are open to those who wish to learn from her experience, and how she has leveraged AirBnB.
"I am already teaching people how to host international guests and I am more than willing to help anyone who comes to me," she said.
Zamani Khumalo can be reached on
079 4117148.