Popular cities

Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, provides a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty:
– Mbabane: The capital city, surrounded by beautiful mountains and a gateway to local crafts markets.
– Manzini: A busy city known for its beautiful markets and cultural festivals.
– Lobamba: Supplies insight into Swazi culture with attractions like the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park.
– Ezulwini Valley: Known as the "Valley of Heaven," famous for its nature reserves and cultural villages.
– Piggs Peak: A scenic area known for its natural beauty and nearby Phophonyane Falls.
– Siteki: Situated on the Lubombo Plateau, offering panoramic views and access to Hlane Royal National Park.

Monuments

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has a few notable monuments to explore:
– Mantenga Cultural Village: Traditional Swazi village showcasing authentic lifestyle and cultural practices.
– National Museum of Eswatini: Offers insights into the country's history, culture, and natural heritage.
– King Sobhuza II Memorial Park: Honors the first King of modern Eswatini with a statue and historical exhibits.
– Ngwenya Mine: One of the world's oldest mines, significant for its ancient iron ore extraction history.
– Lobamba Royal Village: Home to the monarchy with important cultural sites like the Royal Kraal.
– Mbabane Cathedral: A prominent Christian church symbolizing colonial-era architecture in Eswatini's capital.
– Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Noted for its natural beauty and proximity to traditional Swazi homesteads.

Natural wonder

Explore the natural beauty of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland:
– Malolotja Nature Reserve: Features diverse landscapes with mountains, grasslands, and waterfalls.
– Mbuluzi Game Reserve: Provides rich wildlife and scenic river views.
– Mlawula Nature Reserve: Known for savannahs, woodlands, and abundant birdlife.
– Sibebe Rock: The world's second-largest exposed granite dome.
– Hlane Royal National Park: Home to lions, elephants, and diverse bird species.
– Mantenga Nature Reserve: Famous for its waterfall and traditional Swazi cultural village.
– Ngwenya Glass Factory Area: Surrounded by scenic hills and valleys.
– Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers hiking, biking trails amidst zebras and antelopes.
– Lubombo Mountains: Stretch along the eastern border with panoramic views.
– Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve: Features waterfalls set in diverse flora.

Outdoor activities

Eswatini supplies numerous outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts:
– Hiking in Malolotja Nature Reserve: Traverse rugged landscapes and handsome waterfalls.
– Game Drive in Hlane Royal National Park: Spot elephants, rhinos, and lions in their natural habitat.
– White-water Rafting on the Great Usutu River: Experience thrilling rapids on a scenic river journey.
– Mountain Biking in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Ride through varied terrains with chances to see wildlife.
– Zip-lining at Malolotja Canopy Tour: Glide through treetops offering unique forest views.
– Horseback Riding at Shewula Mountain Camp: Explore rural landscapes and traditional villages on horseback.
– Bird Watching in Mbuluzi Game Reserve: Observe diverse bird species in a beautiful setting.

Kid Friendly

Swaziland supplies various activities that kids can enjoy while exploring nature and culture:
– Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: A safe park for children to see animals like zebras and antelopes up close.
– Mantenga Cultural Village: An interactive experience where kids can learn about Swazi traditions and watch cultural dances.
– Swazi Candles Centre: A fun workshop where children can make their own colorful candles.
– Mbuluzi Game Reserve: Supplies family-friendly hiking trails with opportunities to spot wildlife.
– Ngwenya Glass Factory: Kids can watch artisans create beautiful glass pieces and learn about glassblowing.
– Ezulwini Valley Horse Riding: Safe horse riding experiences suitable for children through scenic landscapes.
– Malolotja Nature Reserve Canopy Tour: A thrilling zip-line adventure over gorgeous landscapes, suitable for older kids.
– Shewula Nature Reserve: Supplies cultural experiences and guided walks with chances to see local wildlife.

Cuisine

Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) cuisine is characterized by simple, hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the country's agricultural roots. Meals often consist of maize-based staples accompanied by vegetables and meats. Traditional food is influenced by Swazi culture and rural lifestyle. Most famous dishes in Eswatini are:
– Sishwala: Thick porridge made from maize meal, commonly eaten with meat or beans.
– Incwancwa: Fermented porridge with a sour taste, often served as breakfast.
– Sidvudvu: Pumpkin and maize meal porridge, sometimes sweetened for a dessert-like dish.
– Umncweba: Dried and spiced meat similar to jerky, popular as a snack.
– Emasi: Fermented milk drink that is thick and sour, typically consumed on its own.

Souvenir

Known for its lively culture and craftsmanship, Swaziland provides unique souvenirs. Here are some popular items to consider:
– Swazi Candles: Handmade, colorful candles in various shapes and sizes, often with nice patterns.
– Batik Fabrics: Traditional cloth featuring unique patterns created through a wax-resist dyeing technique.
– Nguni Cowhide Products: Items like rugs and bags made from the distinctive hides of Nguni cattle.
– Wooden Carvings: Hand-carved sculptures and masks depicting local wildlife and cultural symbols.
– Soapstone Sculptures: Delicate carvings made from soft stone, often depicting animals or people.
– Grass Weavings: Intricately woven baskets, mats, and other items made from local grasses.
– Beaded Jewelry: Colorful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings crafted by skilled artisans.

Traditional Shows

Swaziland, now Eswatini, showcases animated traditional performances:
– Umhlanga Reed Dance: A yearly cultural event where thousands of maidens dance and sing at the Ludzidzini Royal Village, celebrating Swazi culture.
– Incwala Ceremony: This sacred festival involves singing, dancing, and rituals at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, symbolizing unity and renewal for Swazis.
– Sibhaca Dance: Experience high-energy foot-stomping dance performed by men in traditional attire, often seen at cultural festivals across Eswatini.
– Ligugu Lemswati: A showcase of Swazi art forms including music and dance held in various venues to celebrate Eswatini's rich heritage.
– Bushfire Festival: This globally recognized event features music and dance from Eswatini and beyond at House on Fire venue in Malkerns.

Events & Festivals

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, hosts lovely cultural events and festivals throughout the year:
– Incwala Ceremony: December/January sacred kingship rite with dancing and rituals.
– Umhlanga Reed Dance: Eight-day August/September event where maidens present reeds to the Queen Mother.
– Bushfire Festival: May music and arts festival attracting international artists and visitors.
– Marula Festival: February/March celebration of marula fruit harvest with traditional music and dance.
– Magadzavane Hiking Challenge: Annual event in Lubombo Mountains offering guided nature hikes.
– MTN Bushfire Schools Festival: Educational event in May focusing on arts for youth development.
– Sibebe Survivor Challenge: Annual hike in August promoting health and fitness around Sibebe Rock.

Famous People

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is home to notable individuals who have significantly impacted its culture and politics.
– King Mswati III (born 1968, Manzini): Current king, known for being one of the last absolute monarchs in Africa.
– Sobhuza II (1899 to 1982, Zombodze): Longest-reigning monarch in history who led Eswatini to independence from British rule.
– Richard E. Grant (born 1957, Mbabane): Acclaimed actor known for roles in films such as "Withnail and I" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?"
– Mario Masuku (1951 to 2021, Matsanjeni): Political activist who was the leader of the banned People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).
– Phinda Dlamini (born 1984, Eswatini): International footballer who has represented the national team and played professionally.

Books

The literary works set in Swaziland provide insights into its culture, history, and societal issues.
– "We Need New Names" by NoViolet Bulawayo: Though primarily set in Zimbabwe, it touches on Southern African experiences, including Swaziland.

Songs

Swaziland, now known as Eswatini, has a beautiful music scene that blends traditional and modern influences.
– Emajaha: Bholoja's popular song highlighting cultural themes and Swazi identity.
– Circle of Life: Spirits Indigenous delivers a fusion of African rhythms and contemporary sounds.
– Hamba Nawe: Sands' soulful track celebrating love with Swazi linguistic elements.
– Liyaduma Izulu: Masikane's piece emphasizing traditional Swazi musical styles.
– Tigi: DJ Tira collaborates with Sands in this upbeat, popular dance track.

Films

Exploring the cinematic landscape of Swaziland, here are notable films set in or about the country:
– "Liyana": A unique blend of documentary and animation, follows Swazi children crafting a story of resilience and hope.
– "The King's 24": A documentary capturing a year in the life of traditional warrior regiments serving the Swazi king.
– "Without the King": A documentary that delves into Swaziland's socio-political challenges under King Mswati III's rule.
– "Swaziland: Africa’s Last Absolute Monarchy": This film explores the sophisticated dynamics of living under an absolute monarchy in modern times.
– "In a Kingdom by the Sea": Captures cultural and social aspects of Swazi life, focusing on traditional practices and modern influences.