What features distinguish a rondavel house in Southern Africa?

A rondavel is a traditional, cylindrical, single-cell house prevalent throughout Southern Africa. Its primary distinguishing features include:1

• Shape and Structure: The dwelling is circular in plan and typically features a conical thatched roof made of grass.21
• Construction Materials: Walls are commonly constructed using a ring of posts with infilling made of wattles, basket weave, or packed earth, which is then plastered with mud. In more wooded regions, walls may consist primarily of timber posts.1
• Interior and Lighting: These units are traditionally undivided and single-cell, receiving illumination solely from the doorway.1
• Regional Variations: While the core form is consistent, variations exist. Some groups, such as the Zulu and Swazi, may use a low plinth or curb to support a domed roof. Additionally, peoples like the Venda and Tswana often build veranda houses, which feature deep, thatched eaves supported by an outer ring of posts.1

Beyond the structure itself, living space is often extended to the exterior, where semipublic and private areas are defined by low walls.1