After the incredible days before, it seemed that nothing could beat it, however Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, surprised us in a pleasant way.
Once, as a child, I had heard of this tiny country in a Spanish television contest. After locating it on the map, I must admit that never thought that one day I would actually visit it.
Date of the visit: October 2019.
The previous day we had spent the night in the city of Nelspruit (not particularly interesting), which we visited for a while in the morning, before leaving for what would be our next stop, Mbabane.
We drove along a beautiful road, (remember that the southern spring was becoming more settled), and we arrived in about two hours at customs, where the passport control is.
The capital Mbabane is about a 30-minute drive. Upon arrival, we went directly to the accommodation place, which was on the outskirts of a city, in a magnificent setting (for further details, see below).
What to see in Eswatini (Swaziland)? Without a doubt, the symbol of the country is a mountain in pure rock, the second largest in the world after the great Ayers rock in Australia, called Sibebe.
This natural attraction is only a few km from Mbabane, and since we did not have many hours of sun, we went there. It takes about 20 minutes to reach a resort called “Sibebe resort”, located in the top of a closely hill and full of traditional style bungalows. This is where the car road ends.
There is a route for walkers, which is completed in a few hours, from the resort to the rock. After parking the car, we started walking with the intention of reaching the rock. As it usually happens in Africa, the path is the same or even more beautiful than the mountain itself.
Unfortunately, we did not have time to complete the full route, however, along the way, we were able to observe impressive landscapes.
Afterwards, we realised that there is a yearly route called “Sibebe Survivor”. This event consists of a round trip route to the rock for a day and gathers every year people coming from all over the world.
On the way back to the capital, since the road passes next to the aforementioned rock, we could contemplate the beautiful view of the sun falling directly on it.
After arriving in Mbabane, we headed to the center, a plaza that functions as both a bus station and a street market. The city is not particularly beautiful, however, being an unusual destination, rarely the traveler will find more tourists.
While the sun was already setting on the horizon, we entered a bar, where we could taste the national beer, whose name is, Sibebe. The beer is very smooth, lager type, and is very appetising after a hot day. We also had the opportunity to speak to local people.
Despite being the only tourists in the bar, at no time did we feel insecure, however, it should also be remembered that caution must be exercised.
Going through the dinner options, keeping in mind that we would just be spending one day in the country, we decided, of course, to go to the only Swazi restaurant we found: “EdLadleni Swazi Restaurant” (find further information below).
It is located on the outskirts of the city, although it is difficult to find, the experience is well worth it (if you decide to go, use Google Maps, because the detour of the road is confusing).
This is a typical restaurant with traditional tribal decor, on the river side, and offers a number of different traditional Swazi dishes. The chicken and the particular way to cook the pumpkin were specially delicious, as well as the rice garniture.
We returned to the accommodation, which consisted of magnificent bungalows, reminiscent of many movies set in Africa, where similar settings have been seen. Waking up in the middle of nature is something that cannot be enjoyed every day.
The day that began would also provide surprises, something that we were already getting used to. Our first stop would be the Swazi Cultural Village, that is a traditional tribe open to tourists, where many aspects of their ancestral culture, social organisation and way of life, are displayed.
Returning to the highway, and not far from the city of Manzini (the second most important city in the country, where the international airport is located), we set off for the aforementioned village, but not before confusing ourselves with the signs, because the setting was under construction (again, I recommend using Google Maps). On the way, the traveler comes across a mountain reminiscent of the one that appears in the Paramount Pictures films.
Finally, we arrived, and after paying the entrance, the first thing we found was a demonstration of traditional songs and dances. For me, who belongs to a gospel choir, the show gave me goose bumps. Dear traveller, rate it yourself.
Afterwards, visitors are invited to see an authentic typical village, where the hierarchical structure, social organisation, and curiously, also the loyalty that its members still have to a shaman are explained.
In addition, you are invited to enter a typical hut. It is curious that, despite the heat that day, the temperature inside was tremendously cool.
It should also be mentioned that the village is located in a natural reserve called Mantenga, and just 500 meters away, there is a spectacular waterfall.
There is a restaurant with a terrace and views of nature. We decided to eat a typical stew accompanied by rice before continuing the trip, which would take us back to South Africa. We still had several hours of driving.
After driving for about two hours, on a road of fairly acceptable quality, we reached customs, where a sign says goodbye to the traveler. With some regret, we left the country, not even knowing if we will ever return. However, the visit had been great. The next day would bring new and different experiences.
Is the country worth visiting during the route through South Africa?
Absolutely. The traveler will be able to enjoy reminiscences of an ancient culture, and that is something that few places can offer. As it is such a little tourist place, there is no overcrowding.
Is it a safe country?
In general, people were very nice and kind to us, and we felt insecure in no time. But as always, caution is recommended.
Do you have any other questions?
Feel free to leave me a message or leave a post.
Did you know that …
… The Kingdom of Eswatini is the smallest country in Africa? With 17,364 square kilometres, it is larger than Montenegro and a little bit smaller than Kuwait.
… Is also currently the only country in Africa not practising multiparty democracy and is one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies?
Related Links
Official Eswatini Tourism website
https://thekingdomofeswatini.com
Sibebe Resort
http://www.sibeberesort.com/index.html
Where to Stay
African Violet. It is outside the city, in the nature, and just a walk away from Sibebe. Breakfast is included, and the beds are really comfortable. I hardly recommend to check this place if you visit Eswatini.
Where to Eat
EdLadleni Swazi Restaurant. It is a great place (and the only one we found) to try the local food. The staff was very polite, and the place is beautiful. They do not have an official site, but here is the link in TripAdvisor:
Useful Information
The culture is very similar to that of South Africa. The value of its currency, Lilangeni, corresponds to that of the South African Rand. That is, 1 lilangeni from Swaziland is a 1 South African rand.
Map of Locations
Credits
All photos taken with Motorola One Vision.
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