48 HOURS
SWAZILAND
Although the Kingdom of Swaziland is Africa’ s smallest country at no more than 200 kilometres from north to south and 130 kilometres from east to west, Iga Motylska(@ igamotylska) discovers it’ s a land of adventure and cultural experiences.
Must see
The small landlocked country is one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa. It’ s perhaps best known for its annual Umhlanga Festival or Reed Dance. Swazis sojourn to the capital, Mbabane, for the eight-day festival in late August or early September, when around 40 000 traditionally dressed women cut reeds to present to the Queen Mother( Indlovukazi) for the repair of her royal residence and then dance and sing for the king.
If you miss it then Mantenga Nature Reserve in the Ezulwini Valley, which translates to Valley of Heaven, offers cultural dancing and tours of Swazi households at Mantenga Cultural Village and you can also walk to Mantenga Waterfall nearby.
The Malkerns Valley reverberates with music from around the world during the annual three-day MTN Bushfire Festival, when some of Africa’ s most renowned musicians and performers take to three stages here. This family-friendly music festival is ideal for a long weekend away in May.
You can also visit the Swazi Candle factory in the Malkerns Valley, where craftsmen bring coloured wax to life in the shape of animals, marine creatures and birds. Other arts and crafts such as batik, hand-woven mohair items, wooden sculptures and curios are on sale at the outdoor market.
If you drive through the Oshoek border post, visit another popular shopping attraction – the Ngwenya Glass factory, where on weekdays you can watch glassblowing from 100 % recycled glass. Handmade souvenirs are sold at the neighbouring craft market stalls and their restaurant doesn’ t disappoint.
Must do
Stay at the traditional en suite beehives in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ezulwini Valley for an unsurpassable experience. While the huts’ grass structure is constructed in the traditional manner you’ ll be surprised when you see their interior. Since the reserve’ s establishment five decades ago it’ s prevented the local
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Tip extinction of a number of animal species. The following morning, rise with the sun and embark on a walking, cycling, horseback or selfdrive tour of the park in the hope of spotting some of its 51 animal species and 200 bird species.
Another unmissable experience is the country’ s only treetop canopy tour at Malalotja Nature Reserve. You’ ll whizz above Sihlotswane Gorge and tackle a 50-metrelong suspension bridge over Majolomba River. The longest zip-line is more than 300 metres.
A 4 000-year-old piece of Swazi history is found in the overhangs at Nsangwini Rock Shelter. This example of San rock art is narrated by community members of the Nsangwini community, who look after and manage it. Then end the day with a sundowner cruise along the waters of nearby Maguga Dam with a Sibebe in hand.
For more information about travelling to Swaziland visit the official website: www. thekingdomofswaziland. com and click on the‘ travel guides’ tab and‘ how to get there’ drop-down tab, also contact your local embassy.
16 Travel Update | issue 9