30th September 2019 Over 10,000 spectators from around the globe came to Eswatini to witness swazi maidens (imbali) display their dancing skills as the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance festival kicked off on a high note at the beginning of September. The event was attended by girls of all ages, including those from the neighbouring South…
The dates the biggest cultural event in Eswatini (Swaziland) have been announced and a hive of colourful activity will soon descend upon the country in the form of the festival known as ‘Umhlanga’ or Reed Dance. The Festival is set to start on the 27th of August, with the main day (Day 7) set to take…
Last year we set out to give you 50 reasons to visit Eswatini (Swaziland) in its exciting 50/50 year. But with so many to squeeze in, we didn’t quite manage to list them all before we hit the end of 2018. Thankfully, Eswatini is just as enticing this year and so we’re finishing off our…
Next in our series of ’50 Reasons to Visit Eswatini (Swaziland) in 50/50 Year’. Numbers 41-45 look into Eswatini’s ‘tourism regions’ – areas of the country defined by the attractions available within them. The variety on offer in Eswatini is highlighted through the contrasts and crossovers in each region and here’s our insight on visiting…
Although the Marula fruit can be found throughout Africa, it is in Eswatini where it is found in abundance and is celebrated to the fullest. They have a vast range of uses for this juicy fruit from medicinal to the delightful (although very strong) Marula beer. Eswatini’s Marula Festival, celebrates the harvest of Marula Fruit,…
Next in our series of ’50 Reasons to Visit Eswatini in 50/50 Year’ are numbers 37-40 that delve into Eswatini’s thriving culture that dates back centuries, and there is plenty to learn about the country from a number of museums and historic places of interest. 37. Eswatini’s National Museum (Umsamo Wesive) Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) national museum, known…
Next in our series of ’50 Reasons to Visit Eswatini (Swaziland) in 50/50 Year’, numbers 31-36 focus on the country’s incredible scenic destinations to visit. ESWATINI’S SCENERY Stunning mountain scenery with rivers, waterfalls and gorges can be found across Eswatini (Swaziland). A variety of contrasting landscapes from unique rock formations, which are among the world’s…
His Majesty King Mswati III has declared September 3, 2018 as Umhlanga holiday. In turn, the Ingwenyama has summoned the Imbali regiment to converge at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence on August 28 to mark the commencement of the festivities of the cultural ceremony. The King’s message was communicated to the nation by the Imbali leader, Nonduduzo Zubuko at a…
Preparations for the 2018 edition of the annual Umhlanga Festival, popularly known as the Reed Dance are in earnest in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Umhlanga is the best known cultural event from Eswatini, and in this eight-day ceremony, young virgin girls cut reeds, and present them to the Queen Mother (Indlovukazi) – ostensibly to repair the windbreak around her royal…
What makes Eswatini tick? Let’s back up. What’s Eswatini? Is that some kinda electronic stuff, like email? You know, electronic mail… Okay, cut the bull… Eswatini is the new name of Swaziland, one of the few remaining absolute kingdoms in the world today. Sometime in April 2018, the King announced that the country was going to drop its…
