Eswatini

Eswatini: Land of Tradition and Royal Heritage

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland until 2018, is one of the smallest countries in Africa, entirely surrounded by South Africa except for a short border with Mozambique to the east. It is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world, with King Mswati III having ruled since 1986.

Despite its tiny size, Eswatini has a distinct and proud national identity. The Swazi people have maintained their cultural traditions more visibly than many other southern African communities, and the country offers a genuine window into a living monarchy with ancient ceremonial traditions still observed today.

Cultural Ceremonies

Two annual ceremonies draw visitors from across the region and beyond. The Incwala ceremony, held in late December or early January, celebrates the king’s power, the first fruits of the harvest, and the unity of the Swazi nation.

It is considered one of the most important royal ceremonies in southern Africa and involves days of ritual, dance, and symbolic action centered on the king and the royal kraal at Lobamba. The public portions of the ceremony are open to visitors with appropriate respect and dress.

The Umhlanga Reed Dance, held in late August or early September, brings tens of thousands of young Swazi women to Ludzidzini Royal Village to cut and present reeds for the repair of the queen mother’s residence.

The ceremony has deep cultural significance as a celebration of young women and their relationship to the royal family and the nation. The spectacle of thousands of women in traditional dress dancing and presenting reeds is one of the most remarkable cultural events in southern Africa.

Wildlife and National Parks

Hlane Royal National Park is the country’s largest protected area and has good populations of lions, hippos, white rhinos, and elephants in a compact and accessible setting.

Unlike many southern African parks, Hlane allows self-drive visitors, making it an affordable and flexible wildlife destination. The rhino and elephant populations are genuinely impressive for a country of Eswatini’s size.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary near the town of Manzini is a smaller, wildlife-rich area that is unique in allowing visitors to walk, cycle, and horse-ride among the antelope and other game without fences or vehicles. The intimate scale of the sanctuary and the relaxed atmosphere of the wildlife create a different kind of safari experience from the larger national parks of neighboring countries.

Mkhaya Game Reserve in the south is the most exclusive of Eswatini’s wildlife areas, focused on conservation of rare species including black rhinos and sable antelope. Visits are by guided tour only and the reserve maintains a very limited number of visitors to minimize disturbance to the animals.

The Ezulwini Valley and Crafts

The Ezulwini Valley, known as the Valley of Heaven, runs between the capital Mbabane and the second city Manzini and is the cultural and commercial heart of Eswatini. The valley has the National Museum, the Swazi Cultural Village at Mantenga, traditional craft markets, and the Swazi Candles factory, where intricate hand-carved wax candles and craft products are produced and sold. The Mantenga Cultural Village provides a reconstructed traditional Swazi homestead with demonstrations of traditional music, dance, and daily life.

The Malolotja Nature Reserve in the northwest is a highland wilderness area of rolling grasslands, forests, and dramatic escarpments. It has some of the oldest iron-mining sites in the world, dating back over 40,000 years, and excellent hiking through pristine mountain landscapes. The reserve also has the longest zip-line in Africa, strung across a forested valley.

Food and Daily Life

Swazi cuisine is closely related to the food of neighboring South Africa and Mozambique. Sishwala, a stiff maize porridge, is the staple food. Emasi emahewu, a fermented soured milk drink, is a traditional beverage.

Grilled meats, beans, and sweet potatoes are everyday foods. The Valley of Heaven has good restaurants and accommodation, ranging from budget guesthouses to small luxury lodges.

Travel Tips for Eswatini

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to enter Eswatini. The official languages are Swati and English, with English used in schools, government, and business. The lilangeni is the currency, pegged one-to-one with the South African rand, which is also widely accepted throughout the country.

Malaria prevention is recommended for the lower altitude areas, particularly in the Lubombo region. The best time to visit is April to September, the dry winter season, when wildlife viewing is best and the cultural ceremonies take place.