Lesedi Cultural Village

Lesedi is a multicultural village set amongst the pristine bushveld and rocky hills less than an hour’s drive north of Johannesburg.

Situated at Lesedi are four traditional homesteads – The Zulus with their fighting sticks and cozy beehive huts, The Xhosa with their perfectly thatched rondawels and distinctive white blankets, the rhythmic drums and whistles of The Pedi tribe and the conical straw hats and thick, colored blankets of The Basotho.

Families peacefully living their traditional lives inhabit each homestead at Lesedi. Additional huts for each village have been constructed in each homestead offering the unique opportunity of staying with a traditional rural African family – however, all home comforts have been catered for including cozy beds and beautiful bathrooms with showers, hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.

On arrival at Lesedi in the late afternoon, the guests are welcomed and taken to their homestead where they will be staying. The head of the home then becomes their personal escort for the rest of their stay. Once settled in their comfortable guests huts they will then get to know the many colorful and fascinating aspects of the cultures of the people of Lesedi.

Guests are invited to the Ndebele village where an additional welcome by all the people of Lesedi, takes place. The cultural program begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation. This is followed by a guided tour of the four ethnic homesteads – Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa and Pedi.

As the sun sets over the African bush, guests are escorted to the Boma for traditional singing and dancing (a very participative affair!!) depicting stories that date back to the days of their ancestors. The guests are then treated to a Pan African Buffet in the Nyama Choma Restaurant.

After dinner Guests are invited to gather round the fire outside the bar for a cultural surprise. This entertainment starts off with some "Mamba Juice", a unique Lesedi potion accompanied by Storytelling, Participative Singing and Dancing or simply an opportunity to gather more information regarding the myths and traditions of the people of South Africa.

The Nyama Choma restaurant is decorated in true African style and has a large selection of menus to suit every taste.

If time permits, a shopping experience of a lifetime awaits every visitor in our vibrant, living Ndebele craft market and Curio shop with its decorative walls and courtyards before departing.

Cultural Experiences:
We invite you to experience the spirit of Ubuntu at this Unique Cultural Venue where the people of Lesedi welcome you with music, song and the warmth of Africa.

Let the sound of the Marimbas take you into Musi’s Ndebele Theatre to be transported through South Africa’s history from the Cradle of Humankind to the Cultures of Lesedi.

Lesedi and its cultural experience of old and new Africa was co-founded by renowned African explorer, Kingsley Holgate, who remains heavily involved in the day to day operations and ensures that every attraction is not only fascinating, but enriching. One of Lesedi’s many differentiating factors is the village’s natural and tasteful incorporation into the surrounding bush, river and forests, with five traditional homesteads including Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele.

Local families live permanently in each of these five homesteads and visitors are invited to observe the African way of life by either enjoying a short tour of the villages or actually living among these families in guest accommodation, offering all the necessary modern day amenities and comforts discerning visitors are accustomed to.

Whether one enjoys the Lesedi cultural experience through a short tour or by staying overnight, for the culturally inquisitive, this is a destination not to be missed.

Accommodation:
Lesedi offers 30 rooms, all with private bathrooms. 22 rooms are fitted with twin beds and 5 have triple bed capacity and 3 double beds.

Each room has coffee and tea making facilities for your early morning beverage.

Ndebele Village
Ndebele consisits of 7 guest rooms):
6 x Twin Rooms
1 x Double Room

The Ndebele Tribe did not always live in square structures with brightly painted facades. They inhabited grass huts like other African tribes until European missionaries introduced them to square buildings and painted designs – and today’s flamboyant tribe was born.

Basotho (Sotho) Village
Lesedi is a Sotho word that means, “LIGHT”

It was made famous by the great leader and Founder of the Southern Sotho Nation, Moshoeshoe.

During the terrible Mfecane wars, refugees from many nations joined him and were saved by him.

Each morning Moshoeshoe would awaken and walk out into the new day with this expression on his lips.

“Ke Bona Lesedi” - (I see the light)

Our culture is the light of our nation. Whoever walks amongst our cultures in Lesedi can also see the light.

Basotho consists of 11 rooms (all sharing):
9 Twin Rooms
2 Triple Rooms, suitable for families with young children

We Basotho are proud mountain people.

Recognisable by our woven conical hats, colourfully decorated blankets and skilful horsemanship.

During the great wars our founder, King Moshoeshoe, gave refuge to scatter lings on his mountain fortress and by so doing he created our mighty Basotho nation.

Today we Basotho have our own country. It is known as The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

Zulu & Nguni Village
Zulu Village consists of 4 rooms:
1 x Twin Room
3 x Double Rooms

Nguni Village consists of 8 luxury rooms:
Double beds (see below for Nguni information)

Zulu Village:
Your guestroom has been built and decorated by our local Zulu craft man and as you can see we even give you running water, electricity and strong, high beds to ward off the mischievous “Tokolosh”!

We are the proud sons of Shaka Zulu, the most feared warrior in the Zulu history.

We call ourselves the Amazulu - or “People of Heaven”.

Our home is Kwa-Zulu Natal an area bordered by the Drakensburg, Mozambique and the Eastern Cape.

You will find us to be fiercely traditional people, proud of our warrior history and famous for our high kicking, foot stamping energetic dancing.

We measure our wealth in cattle and for the price of a bride – Lobola.

Nguni Village:
Nguni people, were one nation (tribe) before the war in 1849, started by Shaka. They were named after the “Nguni” cows. They got this name from the white folk who called them the Nguni people as they always saw them slaughtering Nguni cows to eat.

Rooms are themed in Zulu culture because all Nguni people originated from Zululand and Nguni skins and horns because of the Nguni cows, where these people derived their names from.

Xhosa Village:
Xhosa Village consists of 4 rooms:
2x Double Rooms
2x Triple Rooms

We Xhosa are a proud nation from beautiful hills and coastline of the Eastern Cape.

Our Xhosa nation consists of thirteen major clans. We execute our traditional dances with skill and energy and are known for our painted faces, wooden tobacco pipes and chest beating dances.

It was from amongst us that our hero Nelson Mandela emerged to lead all the people of South Africa to freedom – enjoy your stay!

Pedi Village
On arrival at Lesedi in the late afternoon, the guests are welcomed by the families who then take them to their homestead and show them where they will be staying. The head of the home then becomes their personal escort for the rest of their stay. Once settled in their comfortable huts they will then get to know the many colourful and fascinating aspects of the cultures of the people of Lesedi.

Pedi consists of 4 rooms:
All 4 Twin Rooms for sharing.

We Pedi are proud agriculturists from Sekhukhuni land in the Northern Province.

Our traditional villages of thatched rondavels can run in to hundreds of homes each characterised by the stylised low walled courtyards attached to each home.

**Eating Experiences**

Nyama Choma Restaurant
An integral element of African culture is the way in which they celebrate life and their eclectic mix of cultures. Lesedi invites visitors to enjoy a gastronomic feast of African dishes from the far corners of Africa in its three-tiered restaurant, Nyama Choma, which means the Great African Feast. The 160-seater restaurant offers meat delicacies ranging from ostrich to unusual fare such as crocodile. The restaurant is divided into three sections, namely East Africa, South Africa and the North African Nile Room, affording visitors a selection of dining experiences where they can absorb the variety of colours, sights, smells, tastes and sounds of different African customs. All this is complemented by the restaurant’s authentic setting and vibrant décor, which includes murals illustrating African heritage and legends.

Fundudzi Bar
Lesedi’s Fundudzi Bar or Ma Thabeleng’s Shebeen offer a lively location to socialise and enjoy drinks with friends.

Ma Thabeleng's Shebeen
Lesedi’s Ma Thabeleng’s Shebeen offer a lively location to socialise and enjoy drinks with friends and colleagues.

Having fun and keeping the wonderful cultures of "Mama Africa" alive!

Lesedi can prepare unusual shabeen lunch's to add to the excitement of your stay at our unique cultural venue!

Tswana Letsatsi
This lapa can seat up to 120 people, lit up with burning fire pots which surround the walls of the lapa and a huge bon-fire in the middle. The floor is soft white river sand creating an unique outdoor feeling. The menu is a true African braai, served along with a buffet of African dishes. Typically the lapa boasts a fully stocked bar to support the celebrations.

The lapa is perfectly suited for informal functions an alternative dinner venue or simply a great outdoor party.

North African Nile Room
The Serengeti - The Nile room art history from the source of the mouth of the mighty Nile.

Set in the style of the people of the North who drink from the Nile River. When they relax, they sit crossed legged on floor cushions at low tables smoking hubbly-bubbly’s.

The décor and murals on the walls represent the traditions and history of our Northern neighbours, the slave trade, the explorations of David Livingstone and the traditions, cultures and food with the influence of Arabia enrich the Nile Room experience.

Also an ideal venue for private functions, birthday parties or celebrations of up to 40 people work very well in the North African Nile Room - Our favourite is to hire a Belly Dancer!

Ingoma(Dance) Boma
The Ingoma - Amazing multi-cultural dance show, let the Lesedi dancers take you to the heart beat of Africa! - As the sun sets over the African bush, guests are escorted to the Boma for traditional singing and dancing (a very participative affair!!) depicting stories that date back to the days of their ancestors.

Thrill to the amazing spectacle of Lesedi's Giant Ngoma, a multi-cultural dance display that will teach you more about our fascinating traditions.

This is our traditional Isibaya or Great Hut and can cater for buffet or barbeque ("braai") style functions for up to 50 guests.

Activities:

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Situated close to the Hartebeespoort dam in the Magaliesberg mountain range, there is an abundance of activities available which include game drives, walking trails, guided Anglo-Boer history tours, craft markets, horse-riding, bird-watching, tennis, bowls and two excellent golf courses.

There is a scenic cableway ride to the top of the Magaliesberg, and aquarium, bird-park and local zoo also in close proximity. The famous De Wildt Cheetah breeding farm is situated on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg, and a Cape Vulture colony may be seen on the southern cliff face. There are many restaurants and special pubs in the area, including a floating restaurant on the dam.

Ox-wagon trails are available and the well-known Sterkfontein and Wonder caves, together with the Rhino reserve are situated a few kilometres to the south of Lesedi.

The area around the Hartebeespoort dam is a favourite locality for artists, and paintings, sculptures, hand-made dolls, furniture and a wide variety of original clothing may be purchased.

Abseiling Abseiling is an exhilarating experience from the complete novice into the corporate teambuilding. No experience needed!

Hiking Various hiking trails are available from the novice to the experienced hiker.

Game Drives Various game drives on offer.

River Rafting - Rafting through fantastic rapids down the Crocodile River.

Canoeing Enjoying fun on the dam.

Horse Riding An awesome experience which offers game viewing from horseback. Even the Big 5 on a two-day trail.

Quad Biking Accelerating fun. Min of 10 people required.

Microlight Flips Enjoy a 30min flip over the dam.

Hot Air Ballooning Witnessing a spectacular panoramic view with a glass of champagne.

Interaction with Elephants Come up-close and personal with Elephants.

4X4 Trips
Go Carting
Paintball
River Cruise and Snacks

How to get there:

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See Map
From Johannesburg take the M1 north and then turn west onto the N1 at the Woodmead interchange. At the Lanseria off-ramp, take the R512 north and proceed for 40 kms along the R512, Lesedi is clearly marked on the left-hand side of the road. There are alternative shorter routes from Sandton and the Fourways area that are well sign posted for Sun City/Hartebeespoort Dam.

From Pretoria proceed along Proes street, turn right into DF Malan Street west and then left onto the N4 toll road to Rustenburg. At the end of the toll road (14 kilometers) take the Pelindaba off-ramp south and turn left and then right onto the Pelindaba road, proceed west until the T junction where the R512 meets the Pelindaba road (at the T-junction Fruit stall) turn south (left) onto the R512 and 7 kilometers along the road, Lesedi is clearly marked on the right hand side of the road.

Location
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.

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