Shewula Camp

Website: www.shewulacamp.com
E-mail: info@shewulacamp.com
Phone: +268 6051160 or +268 6031931

Community

The Shewula community is made up of friendly agricultural people, with traditional thatch and stone houses dotted neatly among fields of maize, cotton and vegetables. They encourage visitors to their area to enjoy the incredible view, gain an insight into traditional Swazi lifestyles and appreciate the natural splendor of the Lubombo conservancy.

In the community, the “ubuntu” tradition still survives, based on solidarity and that all people are equal. In the “ubuntu” tradition, you are a person only with and through other people. In the community, all the families have access to the land and to other natural resources, and this free access is still a good weapon against poverty.

But the community now has to face the terrible emergency of HIV/AIDS which is threatening its future: since 1997 there are several projects in the community aimed to assist vulnerable families. All the projects are part of a wider community-based natural resources programme, aimed at securing sustainable development for the entire community and at alleviating poverty for the most vulnerable segment of its population, especially orphans, widows and elderly people.

Who they are

The Shewula Mountain Camp is the first community eco-tourism project in Swaziland and one of the most successful in the whole of southern Africa. The camp is fully owned and run by the community, meaning that all profits are shared by the community in an effort to continually develop and improve this impoverished area. The camp is a vital source of income and employment for the community and is a proud achievement for all.

The Shewula Mountain Camp straddles the 500 metre high Lubombo Mountains with a 100 km panoramic view of Swaziland encompassing nearby Mbuluzi and Mlawula, and Hlane game parks. Maputo can be seen on clear day at 100km away view. The camp is 20 minutes away from the Lomahasha border.

The camp has been in operation since 2000 and is ideal for cultural tourists, families, nature lovers, backpackers and those simply looking for a getaway from the bustle of city life. While at the camp, guests will be enamored with the cultural music and dance, dazzled by the gorgeous sunsets, relaxed by the spectacular nature walks, and challenged by a mountain bike trip around the plateau.

What they offer

Cultural walks
The walks allow you to visit the village, join in their daily chores, taste the local beer “umcombotsi” and listen to all the fairy tales. A soccer game with the local team will add to this experience. See the crafters at work and visit one of the schools.

Sangoma (traditional healer) visit
The Sangoma is a very powerful person in the Swazi culture. They are thought to have healing powers and are able to predict the future. Shewula has carefully organized this visit in a manner that is both respectful to the traditional Swazi way of life as well as informative to the visitors. This experience will certainly open your eyes and possibly leave you wondering…

Sibhaca traditional song and dance
The most photographed experience in the camp, the Sibhaca dance, preformed by a group of young people from the community, will leave you with a smile on your face and a shake in your step. The dancers, proudly dressed in traditional regalia, will show you the importance of this dance and offer you the chance to learn it for yourself, if you are up for it.

Nature walk
Do not miss the chance to hike down to the Mbuluzi River and gorge. While on this picturesque hike through the nature reserve, you will get a chance to spot the rich birdlife in this pristine forest. When arriving at the river, you might just be lucky enough to spot one of the numerous crocodile making living in the Mbuluzi River.

Biking
This exciting new activity will help give you an insight into the community that one can’t achieve while driving in a car. The guided route will allow you to visit the community craft centre, wetlands, local school and other numerous scenic spots in the community. The community members are always friendly and ready for a chat whenever you might have questions. The ride is mostly flat and can be done by most people that are comfortable on a bike. Bikes are available for hire or you are welcome to bring your own.

Donkey cart
Simple and very exciting- jumping on the donkey cart is the most adventurous and fun way to visit the community. From the cart, you can visit the homestead, the school, sangomas and any other organized activities of your choice. Good for all ages and especially families! Prior booking is advisable.

Location

For those without their own transport, access is possible by local bus from Manzini, Simunye or at the Lomahasha border.
Shewula Mountain Camp
P.O. Box 139, Simunye
SWAZILAND

View on Google Maps

What you need

- Mosquito repellent

Accommodation & Amenities

7 comfortable rondavel huts, 4 with 5 beds (2 bunk beds and a double in each) and 3 en-suite huts which can sleep 3 people each with a total of 31 people. Ideal for families and groups. All buildings are made of local stone and thatch.
There is also a camping ground that can take at least 30 people.
A boma (open communal area) with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, store room and a separate ablution facility with flush toilets and hot showers.
Paraffin lanterns to light the darkness of the night. The camp chooses to leave the rondavels without electricity to enhance the traditional Swazi experience. However, there is a refrigerator for storing your perishables.
Facilities for self-catering meals as well as traditional menu prepared by the friendly camp staff. You can join the camp staff in preparing these mouthwatering Swazi menus, which adds to your community experience. The majority of the food on offer is grown in the community, providing for traditional organic Swazi menus. Shewula is famous for its mouthwatering traditional food
Prices are in Rand (US$1.00 = ZAR7.63)
Backpackers: ZAR100.00 pp; Camping: ZAR50.00 pp; Bed & Breakfast: ZAR150.00 pp; Dinner, Bed & Breakfast: ZAR220.00 pp; On suite rooms: single: ZAR150.00; double: ZAR280.00 (extra person: ZAR100.00).
Activities:
Sangoma Tour: ZAR100.00 pp
Natural Walks: ZAR30.00 pp
Community/ village visit: ZAR30.00 pp
Biking: ZARR100.00/pp/half day
Donkey cart: ZAR50.00 pp (min 4 people)