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A kaleidoscope of African culture
Lesedi Cultural Village
Traditional Ndebele house designs
Did you know?
Most traditional rural dwellings are made from thatch with walls of mud and cow dung.
A kaleidoscope of African cultural experiences awaits you at Lesedi Cultural Village, an authentic showcase of the most prominent South African tribes, the Pedi, Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho and Ndebele.
Located less than an hour's drive from Johannesburg, Lesedi (a SeSotho word meaning ‘light') is one of South Africa's most outstanding cultural villages, featuring 5 traditional homesteads where you're immersed in the everyday activities of the tribes represented, as well as 38 different African-themed guest rooms to accommodate you in first class comfort.
On arrival, you're welcomed to the Ndebele village before settling down to a multi-media presentation on the history of South Africa's ‘Rainbow Nation'. Then you go on a guided tour of the other four homesteads - Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi - where you will learn of the different traditions, rituals and folklore that define them.
The day ends off with traditional song and dance entertainment and a Pan African buffet, in the 200-seater Nyama Choma restaurant, where you can taste impala, ostrich or crocodile meat. The newer restaurant, the Nile Room, serves delectable cuisine from North Africa. At the end of the evening, you can either gather around the open fire, or be escorted back to your cosy hut by members of your host family.
Lesedi Village in South Africa is ideal for a stay-over, because the following morning you wake to the sounds of traditional maskande guitar or squash box before being treated to a full English breakfast.
Lesedi was co-founded by National Geographic explorer Kingsley Holgate, who ensured that every attraction is as alluring and enriching as the next. People representing these tribes facilitated the design, and many live at Lesedi Cultural Village. This cultural village near Johannesburg is also tastefully incorporated into the surrounding bushveld and hills.
Day tours start at 11.30am and at 4.30pm and last about 5 hours.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
Lesedi is in pristine bushveld at Broederstroom, just north of Johannesburg, conveniently situated on the R512 (the Lanseria Road) north of Johannesburg (and west of Pretoria) on the main route to Sun City and Hartebeespoort Dam.
Around the area
Situated close by is the Hartebeespoort dam in the Magaliesberg mountain range, where you can go on game drives, walking trails and guided Anglo-Boer history tours. You can also visit a craft market, horse-ride, bird-watch and play golf. There is a scenic cableway ride to the top of the Magaliesberg, as well as an aquarium, bird-park and local zoo.
Tours to do
Browse yourself or book either a morning or late afternoon programme.
Get around
Browse around the village yourself or book either a morning or late afternoon programme.
Length of stay
Half day or weekend.
What to pack
Walking shoes, sunblock, casual clothing.
Where to stay
At Lesedi you can stay in a tradional hut but all the mod cons.
What to eat
Traditional tribal fare, or Western food. There's a great restaurant on site.