Nestled snugly and conveniently in between South Africa and Mozambique is the KINGDOM of SWAZILAND. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests and fertile valleys of the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder.

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Swaziland, independent since 1968, is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. Led by His Majesty King Mswati III, the nation rejoices in its traditions and is staunchly committed to safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations. Few countries today can boast the safety, stability and peace which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her neighbours. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to travellers.

The capital, Mbabane, and the industrial hub of Manzini, are business centres offering an upbeat alternative to the tranquillity and sense of timeless found in more outlying areas.

People:
Predominantly Swazi, plus Zulu, Shangaan-Tsonga and some whites.

Language:
Swati with English spoken in towns, at hotels and craft centres.

Festivals:
The spiritual home of the Swazi nation for over 150 years, is located at Lobamba in the Ezulwini Valley south of Mbabane. The Queen Mother (Ndhlovukazi – ‘the female elephant’) resides here in her kraal, wielding immense power within the Kingdom, even over her son, the Swazi King (Ingwenyama – ‘the lion’). The simple, reed-encircled huts of the royal kraal are the site of the most meaningful of Swaziland’s traditional ceremonies.

• The colourful spectacle of the Ncwala or ‘Festival of the First Fruits’ is held annually in December and January to renew the strength of the king and his subjects for the coming year. The highlight of the festival is the 40 km march by a group of young Swazi warriors collecting branches of the lusekwane shrub to build a bower for the King. Mystic rituals are accompanied by sacred songs, dancing and jubilant feasting. Visitors may be permitted to watch certain parts of the ceremony but photography is strictly forbidden.
• The Umhlanga or ‘Reed Dance’ takes place here annually end-August / early-September. Swazi maidens set out from the Queen Mother’s residence to gather reeds to repair her homestead. The ceremony culminates in the beautiful rhythmic ‘reed dance’ of the maidens in their colourful costumes.

Handicrafts:
Many excellent craft centres exist with a wide variety of quality handicrafts on sale – colourful patchwork quilts, carpets, place mats and cushion covers, carved wooden and stone figures, woven symmetrical grass bowls, exquisite glass animals, hand-printed greeting cards and stationery, dazzling gold, silver and ethnic jewellery and uniquely individual Swazi candles.

A progressive and hands-on attitude towards wildlife preservation has endowed Swaziland with a striking assortment of national parks and game reserves. Black and white rhino, elephant, and more recently, lion, have been reintroduced. Activities include trekking, horse riding, white water rafting on wild rivers or driving through many of the parks where you are able to get surprisingly close to a huge variety of wildlife.

• KOKANYA TOURS offers guided and self-drive holidays as well as trekking, horse riding and white water rafting adventures to Swaziland. Guided parties may also be arranged, subject to approval, to traditional festivals.
• Please Contact Us for further details.

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