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 that takes place in late August or early September and is a ceremony that attracts young maidens from across the Kingdom, providing an opportunity to honor the Queen Mother. Most of the participants are in their teens, although some of the girls are younger.
During the first week, they collect reeds; Umhlanga day begins with bathing and grooming before appearing before the King and Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts with anklets, bracelets, and colorful jewelery and 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 the participating maidens; Watch teams of men and boys perform the energetic Sibhaca Dance, which is quite a show, and watch the King of Swaziland as he participates in the Incwala Ceremony.
The lncwala, or ceremony of the first fruits, in which the king plays a dominant role, is the most sacred of Swazi rituals. It takes place in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers along 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, upon their return to the royal kraal, begins the little Ncwala, which precedes the full moon. The youngsters then travel to collect the sacred branches of the “lusekwane” shrub, a species of acacia. On the third day, a bull is ritually sacrificed, instilling solidarity and a spirit of courage among the youth.
The fourth day is the end of the Ncwala when the King, in full ceremonial costume, joins his warriors in traditional dance. Then enter a special hut and after more rituals, eat the first fruits of the season. At the King’s appearance to his people, they can also 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 the reserves within this vibrant country, Swaziland is home to almost all of Africa’s wildlife. Like South Africa, our flora and fauna are abundant and are sure to delight bird watchers and plant fans.
There are many tours that can be done in Swaziland that can be done in anything from 4×4 to horseback.
Although there is no coastline in Swaziland, there are many varied terrains of Africa to be found here. From majestic mountain passes with rivers, waterfalls and streams; historic rock formations that are among the oldest on the planet; cultivated fertile valleys and the most typical African bush.
The artisan items are made by the locals who make a living selling to tourists. Select from creative baskets in beautiful colors, wood and stone carvings, glassware, exquisite candles, batik items, jewelry, and much more. There are many types of accommodation available in Swaziland, from campgrounds, campgrounds, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, and high-end hotels, for those looking for a bit of luxury.
In 1968 Swaziland gained independence and separated into the four regions of Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo and Shiseiweni. These regions are distinct from the four geographic zones based on altitude and vegetation, which run from north to south and vary in altitude from 400 to 1800 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 easternmost area 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 the largest city in Swaziland, while Lubombo is named after the range of flat mountains that run north to south on the eastern border of the kingdom.
The boundaries were calculated so that each region had at least one sizeable city to serve as the administrative center of the specific area, thus Hhohho, Manzini, Lubombo, and Shiselweni are served respectively by their administrative capitals of Mbabane, Manzini, Siteki, and Hlathikhulu.