My name is Joyce Phidzeleni Mahlalela, I'm a Swazi currently studying at the University of Swaziland. I'm so inquisitive about the Swazi Culture. Please come along with me as I tour the Culture of Swaziland and its people.
The Swazi’s are predominantly Nguni in language and culture. They originate from east central Africa. As part of the Nguni expansion southwards, the Swazi crossed the Limpopo river and settled in southern Tsongaland in the late fifteen century.
Swaziland has been inhabited
since the early stone age and there are tracks of subsequent occupation by
Bushmen, Sotho and Ntungwanguni clans. Swazi simply means the people of
Mswati.
Rock paintings attributed to the San have been
identified in many parts of Swaziland. The paintings usually depict animals,
people, hunting parties, battle scenes and dances.
when you drive along any road in Swaziland and you will
likely see many Swazi's dressed in colorful costume, featuring a bright
toga-like garment - the mahiya (swazi attire). You may also meet Swazi warriors carrying
battle-axes. The women that you encounter may sport the traditional
"beehive" hairstyle, which is still very popular today.
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Cultural Events
For all the modernization that has come
to Swaziland, the people have preserved their age-old culture and traditional ceremonies. The two most important and colorful of
these, in the eyes of Swazi's and foreigners alike, are the Incwala in
December and the Umhlanga in late August or early September.
Below are swazis at the incwala ceremony; the pictures show them while they are still going to dance and when they are already dancing.
The Incwala or "first fruits" ceremony is rich in symbolism and the most important and sacred of all Swazi ceremonies. During the Incwala, all people, especially male, converge at the Royal Kraal at Ludzidzini for several weeks of traditional dancing which is always joined by the King.
The Umhlanga or "Reed Dance" is the
second most important ceremony as well as one of the
most colorful. The ceremony is specially for unbetrothed maidens
to pay home age to the King and Queen Mother.
Below are the photos of swazi maidens during the umhlanga ceremory;
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These ceremonies, which are at the core of
Swazi culture, are performed once a year, there are still many
opportunities to witness traditional Swazi customs. The sibhaca dance,
vigorous in style, is performed by teams of men throughout the country. Teams
of dancers entertain visitors regularly at the Royal Swazi Sun, Lugogo
Sun Hotel and Ezulwini Sun Hotels, as well as Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary,
Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park.
Cultural Village
The Cultural Village, situated in Mantenga Nature
Reserve in the Ezulwini Valley, is a living museum of all things traditional
and represents classical Swazi Lifestyle during the 1850’s. The Cultural village offers an opportunity to view
traditional dancing and take a tour of the village giving you the experience
and understanding of traditional life in a Swazi homestead. check pictures of below.
Below are the most visited places by our tourist:
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Malolotja Nature
Reserve includes over 18 000 hectares of mountain wilderness in the north-west
of Swaziland. The reserve provides protected wetland, woodland, Highveld
grassland and mist belt forest habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal
life.
Visitors
can experience the thrill of gliding through the forest canopy within Malolotja
Nature Reserve, the last mountain wilderness area in Swaziland. The canopy tour
offers views of towering cliff faces and across the forest. Safety is
paramount, and the system has been built to the highest civil engineering
standards. Guides are trained professionals and this breath taking experience
can be enjoyed by people of all ages
Walking Safari
Take wildlife spotting to a whole new level with a
walking safari through Hlane Royal National Park. Spot rhinos, giraffes and
vultures. You may even encounter lions… from a safe distance of course
Mahamba
Gorge Lodge
Mahamba Gorge Lodge perches on the edge of the Mkhondvo River gorge, and
offers staggering views from its chalets across the gorge. The lodge has strong
links to the community, including traditional Swazi breakfast every morning
prepared by a local chef and the reception area also offers a selection of
local crafts, including handmade models of the nearby historic Mahamba Church,
as well as traditional beehive and candles that attracts our tourist.
Shewula Mountain Camp
The Shewula Mountain Camp is a successful community venture, offering
visitors a chance to stay among Swazi people in hutted accommodation and
experience the local life and culture. Guests are encouraged to explore the
community neighbourhood with local guides.
A short
distance South of Piggs Peak
is Maguga Dam, a major development on the Komati River that has been
responsible for the growth in the area’s agricultural activity. The scenic loop
road that leads to the dam also hosts a community-initiated view site that
provides fantastic views over the vast expanse of water. The View Point
restaurant is also a short distance away providing a great vista of the
spillway. Also at Maguga is the unique community based Craft Outlet, where
local crafters come to market their goods, and is one of the best examples of
local craftsmanship in the country.
The dam itself is
becoming a tourist destination in its own right, with several entrepreneurs
gearing up for water sports and leisure developments on the banks of the river.
so if you want a place to visit, don't hesitate come and visit swaziland to
experience the beautiful culture and lovely places.
THE BEAUTY OF MAGUGA DAM THE PRIDE OF SWAZILAND
THE BEAUTY OF MAGUGA DAM, FOR
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| THE AUTHOR IN HER CULTURAL ATTIRE |
