For many generations, the people of Nzulezo have lived in the same way on the stilt village, enjoying its advantages and accepting its drawbacks.
The stilt village of Nzulezo lies on the freshwater of the Lake Amansuri, 5km from Beyin. The village consists of one solid construction raised above water, made up of wood and raffia, with a central walkway. Nzulezo can only be reached by canoe, along the Amansuri River, a journey that lasts around forty minutes. The village is home to 500 people and has its own school.
Over the years, this unique village has become a tourist attraction, welcoming on average 400 tourists per week. Despite this, the authenticity of Nzulezo has been maintained. There are only two guesthouses for tourists who wish to stay overnight in Nzulezo and there are no tourist shops or extra additions to spoil the charm of this special place.
Unfortunately, tourists in Nzuleo today may find themselves feeling a little unwelcome. After years of catering for tourism, the people appear to have grown somewhat tired of strangers tramping through their small community. According to one of the village guides, there was an incident with a tourist a few years back who had stayed overnight in the village and taken a photo of a local woman naked. The guide believed this was a major reason for the local people's apparent mistrust in tourists and aversion to cameras even when not pointed in their direction. The signs around the village instruct that tourist 'Ask for permission before taking pictures.' Nevertheless, it seems unlikely to find a local who would agree.
At the same time, Nzulezo actually relies quite heavily on its tourism industry. And the guides are sure to explain that the money taken for photographs, guide fees, the actual visit and a required donation will all go towards the village and in particular, the school which is funded almost wholly by the village tourism. This creates a somewhat paradoxical existence for tourism in the stilt village.
For the residence of Nzulezo, their unique way of living poses some issues, like the question of the healthcare access. When asked about healthcare access, Tommy, a local guide appeared somewhat amused, laughing off the question like it was a joke. Indeed, there is no access to healthcare within the village. The inhabitants of Nzulezo must reach the nearest town for medical treatment. This journey includes the 40 minute canoe ride which is the only means of getting to and from the village. Pregnant women, according to the guide, sometimes choose to take a canoe and then a bus to reach the nearest town with a hospital, while others give birth in the stilt village without any assistance from medical professionals.
Another intriguing aspect of life in Nzulezo is their access to food and electricity. In fact, electricity in the town is so recent, a trip to Nzulezo a few days ago found it still being installed. As for the food, the population of Nzulezo is composed of fishermen and agriculturists who fertile fields that lie about a 1km north of the lake, providing a major part of the village food supply. The Nzulezo inhabitants can also visit a closer by town of Beyin for other basic supplies.
The still village of Nzulezo is nothing if not unique. It is this element that continues to draw the tourists year after year. A trip to Nzulezo will not disappoint. The canoe ride is enjoyable, the outlook quite spectacular and not to mention the still village that is a wonder in itself. However, tourists will not be greeted with cheers and smiles and should prepare for a probable less the friendly greeting. Be respectful of the people and do not come empty-handed. Donations are a requirement.
The stilt village of Nzulezo lies on the freshwater of the Lake Amansuri, 5km from Beyin. The village consists of one solid construction raised above water, made up of wood and raffia, with a central walkway. Nzulezo can only be reached by canoe, along the Amansuri River, a journey that lasts around forty minutes. The village is home to 500 people and has its own school.
Over the years, this unique village has become a tourist attraction, welcoming on average 400 tourists per week. Despite this, the authenticity of Nzulezo has been maintained. There are only two guesthouses for tourists who wish to stay overnight in Nzulezo and there are no tourist shops or extra additions to spoil the charm of this special place.
Unfortunately, tourists in Nzuleo today may find themselves feeling a little unwelcome. After years of catering for tourism, the people appear to have grown somewhat tired of strangers tramping through their small community. According to one of the village guides, there was an incident with a tourist a few years back who had stayed overnight in the village and taken a photo of a local woman naked. The guide believed this was a major reason for the local people's apparent mistrust in tourists and aversion to cameras even when not pointed in their direction. The signs around the village instruct that tourist 'Ask for permission before taking pictures.' Nevertheless, it seems unlikely to find a local who would agree.
At the same time, Nzulezo actually relies quite heavily on its tourism industry. And the guides are sure to explain that the money taken for photographs, guide fees, the actual visit and a required donation will all go towards the village and in particular, the school which is funded almost wholly by the village tourism. This creates a somewhat paradoxical existence for tourism in the stilt village.
For the residence of Nzulezo, their unique way of living poses some issues, like the question of the healthcare access. When asked about healthcare access, Tommy, a local guide appeared somewhat amused, laughing off the question like it was a joke. Indeed, there is no access to healthcare within the village. The inhabitants of Nzulezo must reach the nearest town for medical treatment. This journey includes the 40 minute canoe ride which is the only means of getting to and from the village. Pregnant women, according to the guide, sometimes choose to take a canoe and then a bus to reach the nearest town with a hospital, while others give birth in the stilt village without any assistance from medical professionals.
Another intriguing aspect of life in Nzulezo is their access to food and electricity. In fact, electricity in the town is so recent, a trip to Nzulezo a few days ago found it still being installed. As for the food, the population of Nzulezo is composed of fishermen and agriculturists who fertile fields that lie about a 1km north of the lake, providing a major part of the village food supply. The Nzulezo inhabitants can also visit a closer by town of Beyin for other basic supplies.
The still village of Nzulezo is nothing if not unique. It is this element that continues to draw the tourists year after year. A trip to Nzulezo will not disappoint. The canoe ride is enjoyable, the outlook quite spectacular and not to mention the still village that is a wonder in itself. However, tourists will not be greeted with cheers and smiles and should prepare for a probable less the friendly greeting. Be respectful of the people and do not come empty-handed. Donations are a requirement.
thats crazy how a tourist took a picture of a naked woman without any permission....... that is how u know that it was a white person because blacks always respect blacks but some whites respect blacks but not all whites respect blacks
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