Kingdom of Swaziland

Reed Dance, Festival of the First Fruits, Wildlife & Adventure Sport

May 14, 2007

Traditional Swaziland Beehive Hut., Realtravel

Swaziland is ruled by King Mswati lll, one of the last remaining ruling monarchs in Africa. This peaceful country has much to offer travelers especially the adventurous.

Scenic Swaziland - One of Three Monarchies in Africa

Most people know Swaziland for the Reed Dance, but with a population of under a million, the Kingdom of Swaziland is tucked in between South Africa and Mozambique. Mountains, lush forests and fertile valleys combine to take visitors on a scenic tour of wonder through the "Switzerland of Africa”.

Access to Swaziland can be made through any of twelve border posts or the centrally located Matsapha Airport with all four corners of the country accessible by tarred road. The capital Mbabane, legislative capital Lombamba and the industrial hub of Manzini, are sophisticated business centers contrasting sharply with the laid back tranquility of the outlying areas.

Four Regions in Swaziland

There are four regions in Swaziland, each with its own beauty, interests and attractions:

Lubombo
Hhohho
Shiselweni
Manzini

The Royal House of Swazi

Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. Led by His Majesty, King Mswati III, the nation is steeped in tradition and committed to safeguarding its culture, social and natural heritage for future generations.

Traditional Ceremonies and Festivals in The Kingdom of Swaziland

Ncwala - Festival of the First Fruits - Traditional ceremonies are an integral part of Swazi life, despite the advent of modernization. The most important of these is the sacred Ncwala or Festival of the First Fruits. This is essentially a Kingship ceremony, held to renew the strength of the King and the Swazi Nation for the coming year. Ncwala is held in December/January of each year.
Umhlanga - The Reed Dance - Another major ceremony is Umhlanga or the Reed Dance which is held at the end of August or early September. The Reed Dance ceremony is for unmarried maidens to pay homage to the King and Queen Mother. The Maidens set out to collect reeds from selected areas which are then used to repair the Queen Mother’s home. (Because of abuse of pictures of the bare breasted Swazi maidens, cameras are not allowed at the Reed Dance and Festival of the First Fruits cermonies anymore.)

Recommended Accommodation in the Kingdom of Swaziland

Reilly’s Rock Lodge

This historic farmhouse in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary combines colonial elegance, excellent game-viewing (on foot, bicycle, horse or jeep) and a passion for conservation. Enjoy a view of game-studded plains and the Ezulwini and Malkern's Valleys below.

Activities: horse riding, mountain biking, guided and self-guided walks, white water rafting and sight seeing can be arranged for the adventurous guest. And the food, typically English - apple crumble and roast potatoes are standard fare.

Sondzela Backpackers in the Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Sondzela is also in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It has great facilities and activities for backpackers: game drives, white water rafting, traditional Swazi dancing, a swimming pool, walking trails, main meals all day, a telephone, dorms, twins and camping facilities, a bar and all much more – set in beautiful gardens.

Royal Swazi Spa in the Ezulwini Valley

The Royal Swazi Spa is an oasis in the Kingdom of Swaziland. A legendary getaway place for the playboys and the pampered it nestles in the Ezulwini Valley and is known as much for its elegant Casino as its Spa and its beautiful golf course. Close to many attractions and facilities.

Tours, Travel and Adventure in the Kingdom of Swaziland

Swazi Trails - Hiking Trails, White Water Rafting and Other Adventure Sport

Specializing in exclusive, interactive tours to all the Kingdom' s major attractions, Swazi Trails employs experienced local guides. They do a range of tours, the most popular being the Swazi Adventure Trails White Water Rafting on the Great Usuthu River is Swaziland's premier adventure sport. They also organize hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, para gliding, 4x4 excursions and more.

At infohub.com you'll find a wide range of guided and self-guided Kingdom of Swaziland tours. Some of them are combined Southern African tours.

Kingdom of Swaziland's Big Game Parks is a website that tells you all about the parks, accommodation, the animals, booking info and conservation, it also has great pictures of Swaziland.