There is a wide variety of things to do within the small Kingdom of Swaziland. You will have a lot of fun exploring the beauty and rich heritage of Swaziland and its warm people.
Relax and enjoy the spectacular Reed Dance which takes place in late August or early September and is a ceremony that attracts young maidens from all over the Kingdom, providing an opportunity to honor the Queen Mother. Most of the participants are teenagers, although some of the girls are younger.
During the first week, they collect canes; the day of Umhlanga begins with bathing and grooming before appearing before the King and Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts with anklets, bracelets and jewels and colored sashes. Royal princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead maidens to perform before the King and Queen. The King often chooses a new wife from among the participating maidens; watch teams of men and boys perform the spirited Sibhaca dance, which is quite a spectacle, and watch the King of Swaziland as he participates in the Incwala ceremony.
The lncwala, or first-fruits ceremony, in which the King plays a leading role, is the holiest of Swazi rituals. It takes place in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers in conjunction with the phases of the moon. The ritual begins with a journey of the “Bemanti” (water people) to the Indian Ocean to collect water, and back to the royal kraal, the little Ncwala begins, which precedes the full moon. The youth then travel to collect the sacred branches of the “lusekwane” bush, a species of acacia. On the third day a bull is ritually sacrificed, instilling solidarity and a spirit of bravery among the youth.
The fourth day is the end of the Ncwala when the King, dressed in full regalia, joins his warriors in the traditional dance. He then enters a special hut and after more rituals, he eats the first fruits of the season. At the appearance of the King to his people, they will also be able to eat these fruits with the blessing of the ancestors. The burning of the King’s bedding and household items follows, thus cleaning everything in preparation for the New Year.
There are many Nature Reserves in Swaziland, protecting a variety of animals, birds and flora throughout the kingdom. The “big five” can be seen in reserves within this vibrant country, Swaziland is home to almost all of Africa’s wildlife. Like South Africa, our flora and fauna is abundant and is sure to delight bird watchers and plant fanatics.
There are many tours that can be taken in Swaziland that can be done in anything from 4×4 to horseback.
Although there is no coastline in Swaziland, much of Africa’s varied terrain is found here. From majestic mountain passes with rivers, waterfalls and gorges; historic rock formations that are among some of the oldest on the planet; fertile farming valleys and the most typical African bush.
The handicraft items are made by the locals who make a living selling them to tourists. Select from creative basketry in beautiful colors, wood and stone carvings, glassware, exquisite candles, batik wares, jewelry and much more. There are many types of accommodation available in Swaziland, from jungle camps, camping grounds, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, and luxury hotels, for those looking for a bit of luxury.
In 1968, Swaziland gained independence and was divided into the four regions of Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo and Shiseiweni. These regions are differentiated from the four geographic zones based on altitude and vegetation, stretching from north to south and varying in altitude from 400 to 1,800 meters above sea level. These are the mountainous Highveld to the west with a temperate climate; the subtropical Middleveld at a lower level and the Lowveld to the east, which is also subtropical. The area further east runs along the Lubombo Mountains, which form a border with Mozambique.
Hohhho and Shiselweni are named after former royal farms in these areas, Manzini is named after Swaziland’s largest city, while Lubombo is named after the flat-topped mountain range that runs north-south on the eastern border. of the kingdom.
The boundaries were calculated so that each region had at least one major city serving as the administrative center of the specific area, thus Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo and Shiselweni are respectively served by their administrative capitals of Mbabane, Manzini, Siteki and Hlathikhulu.
