Southern Highlights of Swaziland
The tour itinerary covers the following places.
Swaziland's Ezulwini, also known as the "valley of heaven", is home to extensive roadside markets and is the starting point for this excursion. Heading southwards below the towering Mdzimba mountains, the tour passes Somhlolo National Stadium, the Houses of Parliament, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, and the National Museum, where issues of interest are discussed. Please note that time does not allow stops here.
The Malkerns Valley area, with its pineapple and sugarcane fields, is quite famous for its crafts, including off-the-wall sculpture. Some of these are Gone Rural woven grass-ware, Baobab Batik cloth-based designs, and many other local handicrafts. Swazi Candles are the highlight of this area and one of the kingdom's most famous exports. See local craftsmen creating candles in hundreds of unique shapes right before you.
Lobamba, the traditional and political heart of Swaziland, is a suitable point for describing the historical journey that the Swazi nation has followed up to the present day, as one of the last remaining ruling monarchies in the world. Ludzidzini, home to the Queen Mother and the site of the country's annual traditional events, is viewed from a distance.
Mantenga Nature Reserve lies in a scenic valley framed by the imposing Rock of Execution to the south and the shapely Sibebe's Breasts pinnacles to the north. Within this valley, at the foot of the 30-metre-high Mantenga Waterfall, is the lively Swazi Mantenga Cultural Village. This 19th-century replica of a typical Swazi homestead is another photographic highlight of this tour. The first 30-minute guided tour of the village is undertaken, and after that, local Swazi boys and girls perform a 45-minute traditional Swazi dance.
The final stop is in the inspiring surroundings of Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Centre, renowned for its talented artists in residence.
