Experience Mzimela: Participate In The Life Of A Village In Zululand

Get an insider’s view into the contemporary cultural life of a Zulu community. A new, unique and truly authentic South African experience is offered by the Ubunye Co-operative which is situated in a small rural community of Mzimela, just outside of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal.

The community members form a warm-hearted and enterprising family. Their creativity and enthusiasm account for much of the intimacy and the “real thing” feeling that a trip to Mzimela ensures. The Co-Op is situated close to both the oNgoye and Dlinza forests. oNgoye forest is one of only three forests in Africa boasting such a richness and diversity of plants.

Ubunye Co-Op offers customised full-day and half-day programmes. Create your own unique African experience by choosing from a rich range of local activities which include:

• Drama performances depicting traditions, current life and concerns 
• Traditional Zulu dancing and singing 
• Cultural food and refreshments 
• Tours of the oNgoye and Dlinza Forests 

Remember your experience with  by purchasing from our unique range of gifts:

• Sun-dyed bags, tablecloths and T-shirts 
• Beaded rings, necklaces and bracelets 
• Handmade origami books and invitation cards 
• All pieces are unique and make easy to carry, affordable souvenirs 

RESERVATIONS: Bookings for half day or full day tours can be made by calling Patricia Zungu 079 052 0060, or Bathobile Khumalo 079 708 3584. Email: theubunyecoop@gmail.com  

Take A Walk On The Adventurous Side In Richards Bay

This Easter, why not take a step out and try some of the more adventurous activities around Richards Bay? Richards Bay is home to some suprisingly exciting activities for locals and tourists alike.  Does learning to scuba dive, sunrise horse rides on the beach or learning to kite surf catch your attention, then read on.

Want to learn to surf, kite surf or stand-up paddle!
Then pay a visit to the Freedom Surf Shop on Davidson Lane, just up from Alkandstrand. Freedom Surf Shop and Academy is the brainchild of Fred le Roux a well-known local surfer, kiteboarder, Stand Up Paddler and Kayak Fisherman who has been in Richards Bay since the ‘80’s. He’s passionate about watersports and his enthusiasm is infectious!

The ambience of the shop is a “home” for the fraternity and aside from getting excellent advice on whatever hardware you may require, there’s always coffee in the percolator, DVD’s on the TV screen and congenial company to be had. The History Wall (very close to Fred’s heart) is growing daily and makes interesting reading. The deck and garden area adjacent to the shop will soon have some tables and chairs and you’re welcome to come and shoot the breeze with fellow enthusiasts after getting your “stoke”. For more information, contact Fred on 0357531271 or email fred@freedomsurf.co.za

How about a horseback ride along Richards Bay's spectacular coastline at sunrise?
Richards Bay Horse Back Trails offers outrides for riders of all experience levels, Ride along the beach at low tide or enjoy the cooler scenery in the plantation forests. Priced from as little as R250 per person! Contact Ilanthe on 084 585 7627 for more information or any queries

Or fancy stepping out into the big blue? 
Then make a visit to the Dive With Options Dive Centre. A vibrant, busy, but friendly dive centre in Richards Bay where you can come and join other divers exploring the magical wonders of the underwater world. You too may become one of the divers involved in the discovery of this most exciting, stimulating environment.  Soon, you may too realise, that although you have lived on the same planet, the diverse range of marine life make the Oceans that cover 70% of the earth's surface a completely different world.

Dive with Options caters for all scuba divers, snorkelers, and spear fishermen's needs. They have a wide range of products available in our retail department, stocked to supply every divers needs. We are a 5 Star PADI Centre. Contact 082 745 1013 or visit www.divewithoptions.co.za

So next time someone tells you there is nothing to do in the bay, why not try something you may never forget!

Easter Holidays Happenings & Events

Events &

 Happenings

• On 30th March at Vukani Museum at 6p.m., Pieter Scholtz will belaunching his two latest books - "The Tree Whisperer", a novel set in Dlinza Forest, amongst others, and "Living With Haiku", a lovely collection of haiku poetry with illustrations by Andrew Verster. For more information contact the Vukani Museum on tel: 035-474 5274
• Richards Bay, the venue for the annual uMhlathuze Fishing Festival (affectionately still known as the "Bonanza"), one of South Africa's premier fishing competitions and events. This year's event will be held on the 6th-8th April and includes great prizes as well as entertainment and fun for the entire family. For more information, TEL. (035) 753 2516 or E-mail: info@rbsbc.co.za
• 7th April is the Meerensee Arts, Crafts and farmers Market on the corner of Angler's Rod and Krewelkring, Meerensee. Tel 082 8361749 for more information
• SPCA Car Boot Sale, 14th April opposite Zululand Observer offices in Empangeni. Contact Di on Tel: 035 772 6515 for more information
• Richards Bay Country Club Golf Challenge. 5 – 7 April 2012. Contact the Pro Shop for booking sheet and time slots that are still available or Speak to Warren or Sphe on tel: 035 – 7534848

The Eshowe Butterfly Dome

Why not experience the world of butterflies, stroll through a tropical forest in a custom made dome with butterflies flitting around your head...a totally unique experience soon to be opened in Eshowe.

The Eshowe Butterfly House is linked with the Fort Nongqayi Museum Village by sharing the parking, entrance and ticket area. The dome is home to mainly Afromontaine forest butterfly species, particularly the Emperor Swallowtail (Papilio ophidicephalus zuluensis). The butterfly complex extends 137m x 50m area, with an interpretation centre will be a smaller dome linked with the main butterfly dome.

The Butterfly Routes is the first community-based butterfly house network of its kind in South Africa featuring a variety of butterfly species according to the vegetation of the area. This is a project developed by African Conservation Trust, with funding received from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). Situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal and extending from Eshowe to Tembe, this community-based ecotourism venture offers the display of live indigenous butterflies in a butterfly dome and butterfly guided tours in the nearby community land forest.

The butterfly dome is also perfectly situated to explore the historical Fort Nongqayi, the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk or the impressive Mpushini Falls!

For more information visit www.butterflyroutes.org or tel: 072 620 8376