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An ideal venue for a corporate teambuild, launch or incentive
group. The mix of old world charm, the spice of the Indian
Culture and the traditional Zulu flavour lend the Kingdom
unique touch that is found at few other resorts in KZN
SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Back in the seventeenth century our valley was settled by a clan of Nguni people who had migrated down the East coast of Africa to settle in this well watered, fertile region. Archaeological investigation has revealed hundreds of shards of pottery and other artefacts in the fields around us - clear evidence of their passage. They were the forebears of the Zulu people who, under their first king
uShaka, became the most powerful tribe in the region. Shaka was murdered at kwaDukuza - the present day Stanger - in 1828 and the centre of Zulu influence shifted further North, across the Tugela river.
Relaxing on the Terrace at 'The Kingdom'
Our valley became British colonial territory by proclamation in 1839 and colonial settlers came here later to tame the land and plant crops. Sugar was to become the most successful crop in this region and in 1878 the farm, Flagstaff was established on the site of this site. The original dwelling was a small house, the foundations of which can still be seen near the present mansion ,the building of which commenced in 1904. The house would be added to over the next twenty years and was finally completed in 1924.
the sugar palace at The Kingdom
A farm labourers' village was built in 1904 to accommodate the indentured Indian workers who tended the cane fields until 1907 when the indentured labour system was abandoned in the colony. Many formerly indentured labourers, now discharged from their contracts, stayed on to work the farm and a happy community thrived here. Many descendants of this original Indian community are still living in this region today.
Cultural performances are put on twice a week
The little church in our village was well attended by those who converted from the Hindu faith to escape the caste system.
The village has been renovated and decorated to comfortably accommodate our guests but there is still much of the original character to be seen in the terraced lines, the water tanks, the stone retaining walls and the exotic herbs, spices, flowers and fruits that grow between the cottages and along the pathways.
The original farm sheds have been converted into shops, museum and conference facilities around the central cobbled square looking over the Great Hall - our auditorium - and the Zulu domain that stands on the site of an original Zulu village.
Our Zulu buildings, built by traditional builders and thatches from the Isandlwana region in Northern Zululand are some of the finest examples of Zulu style and architecture in the country.
The old mansion has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is home to the Queen Victoria Restaurant and the King Edward Bar. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and take in the view - a sweeping vista of rolling green hills.
We wish you a wonderful stay with us in the valley where the three cultures that gave our province its unique character have created a special place that we proudly call The Kingdom.
The Kingdom Offers:-
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Museum Exhibitions, curios and them shop
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Conference facilities
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Weddings, theme function and special events
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Guided tours (Mondays closed to the public, shows are at10 am & 3 pm
NO 10 am show on Thursday, only 3 pm.
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Entertainment and food experience eg. The Kingdom Feast
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28 en suit double chalets
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Spice shop ( serves light meals)
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Queen Victoria Restaurant, Dinner & lunch
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Bar (only caters for in-house guests and day visitors that have booked
either for lunch or dinner& walk ins )
Teambuilding Options available at The
Kingdom:
- Beach Olympics
- Leadership course
- Obstacle Course
- Life Skills Management
- Mini Eco Challenge
- Golf Challenge
- Cycling Orienteering
- Orienteering
- Micro-lighting and Dolphin Viewing
contact
us now and we'll put together an
inclusive package specifically for your team.
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