When Shaka Zulu became king of the Zulus in 1816, he created a highly efficient fighting force and through brilliant military strategy and leadership, he forged a great nation. Today the Zulus are the largest of South Africa's ethnic groups and with this tour, we give you an insight into their culture. We drive north past the subtropical coast and bushveld of Zululand. After a short stop in Eshowe, we depart for Shakaland where we have lunch and a demonstration of traditional dance styles and their social system.

Durban is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city of over three million people - a city where east meets west - a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa - city known as the home of Africa's best managed, busiest port.

Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, experience the nightlife and to relax. It's a city in which business and debate issues, which have far-reaching effects, not only on Africa but way beyond its borders, are discussed.

The world-class International Convention Centre (ICC) Durban has hosted an historic line-up of events including conferences of a global scale.

Zululand is a place of unspoilt beauty characterised by a pristine coastline, abundant forests, rolling green hills and zig-zagging rivers.

It is a world of rich natural diversity and enormous social contrasts - a place where modern lifestyles thrive adjacent to a culture steeped in traditions.

Its tranquility belies its history, which is packed with conflict - clan against clan as well as kingdom against kingdom. This is where Victorian Britain's imperial ambitions and military might were shaken by the gallantry of 'a remarkable people' armed only with shields and spears.

The infrastructure is modern and efficient and yet just off the highway is another world, living as if from another time.

It's cool, elevated position on a hilltop overlooking the hot and humid coastal plain gives Eshowe its serenity but the Dlinza Forest around which the town wraps itself, gives Eshowe its spirit.

No other town in South Africa has blended so organically into its environment as Eshowe.

The core of the 250-hectare coastal scarp Dlinza Forest is a declared nature reserve but tracts of the beautiful, high forest as well as patches of wild flowers and grassland are dispersed throughout the leafy avenues of the town.

Blessed with this abundant natural diversity, Eshowe residents boast that that there is a tree in flower every day of the year in their town.

Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake.

Experience the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies.