Durban

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Valley of the Thousand Hills
Tour Code: DUR-004
Duration: 4 hours
Retail Value: $109.00
Price: Free

Explore past and present-day African tribal cultures in the traditional homeland of the Zulu during this half-day visit to the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

Depart the pier for the drive into the Valley of a Thousand Hills. En route, your guide will inform you about the storied history of this region. Nearly two centuries ago, the Zulu King Shaka, known to historians as the Black Napoleon, subjugated the tribes that today comprise the Kingdom of the Zulu.

Upon arrival at the Phezulu Safari Park, you will take a guided walking tour to discover the intricacies, ethnic customs and beliefs of the Zulu people. Zulu tales and history will be depicted in energetic, costumed songs and dances by the renowned Gasa clan, who have been performing their unique plays for over 40 years. Dances of courtship and betrothal, war and birth, and the throwing of bones by a witch doctor, or Sangoma, will be set to the mesmerizing beat of the Zulu drum.

Next, you will walk through the Zulu cultural village to experience fascinating glimpses into African tribal culture. Along the way, you will see traditional beehive huts, learn the meaning behind the different colored beads that adorn the Zulu tribal dress, and watch the local women make bread and beer. You will also visit Phezulu's impressive reptile park to view some of Africa's most renowned snakes and crocodiles.

Tea, coffee and scones will be served during the course of the tour, and there will be time to browse through a wide array of ethnic handicrafts for sale in the well-stocked curio shop, including pottery, Zulu fabric art, woodcarvings, beadwork, and more.

Following this exciting and informative visit, you will rejoin your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.