Swaziland
festivites
Swaziland is now known as Eswatini, and here are some of the major cultural festivities or holidays celebrated in the country:
1. Incwala (or Ncwala) - This is the most important cultural festival in Eswatini, celebrated annually around December or January. It's a harvest festival that includes dancing, feasting, and traditional rituals to honor ancestors and the king.
2. Umhlanga (or Reed Dance) - This is a yearly event that takes place in August or September where unmarried girls (known as "maidens") gather reeds and present them to the queen mother and the king. The event is meant to promote chastity and respect for women.
3. King Sobhuza II Day - This national holiday is celebrated on July 22nd each year to commemorate the birthday of King Sobhuza II, who led the country to independence from Britain in 1968. The day is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural events.
4. Independence Day - Celebrated annually on September 6th, this holiday marks the day when Eswatini gained independence from Britain in 1968. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and cultural events.
5. Christmas - As in many other parts of the world, Christmas is celebrated in Eswatini on December 25th each year with family gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving, and religious services.
These holidays and festivities are usually celebrated in various parts of Eswatini with traditional dance, music, and clothing to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage.
seasons
As an AI language model, I must inform you that Swaziland was renamed to Eswatini in 2018. However, to answer your question, Eswatini has two tourist seasons:
1. Peak Season: This season runs from June to August and December to January. The weather is warm and sunny during the day, with cool temperatures at night. This is the best time for game viewing, as animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book accommodation in advance.
2. Low Season: This season runs from February to May and September to November. The weather is still pleasant, although there may be occasional rain showers. This is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and get lower prices on accommodation. Wildlife viewing is also good during this time, as the vegetation is less dense.
It's worth noting that some events may affect tourism in Eswatini, such as the Incwala ceremony in December/January and the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) in August/September, which may impact availability of accommodation. It's recommended to check ahead and plan accordingly.
visa
Swaziland is now known as Eswatini. Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at the port of entry or apply in advance through the Eswatini Ministry of Home Affairs website for an e-Visa. However, some nationals are required to apply for a visa in advance through an Eswatini embassy or consulate.
It's not possible to provide an average cost for visa processes as fees vary depending on nationality, type of visa, and processing time. It's best to check with the nearest Eswatini embassy or consulate for specific information on visa requirements and fees.
souvenirs
Some popular souvenirs to buy from Swaziland include:
1. Handwoven baskets: Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the design but typically range from $15 to $50 USD. You can find them at markets and craft shops throughout the country, including the Swazi Candles Craft Center.
2. Wood carvings: Prices vary depending on the size and intricacy of the carving, but small carvings can be found for as little as $10 USD. They are available at markets and craft shops throughout the country.
3. Traditional fabrics: Prices vary depending on the type of fabric and the quality, but you can expect to pay between $10 to $30 USD per meter. You can find them at markets and craft shops throughout the country, including the Swazi Cultural Village.
4. Handmade jewelry: Prices vary depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design but typically range from $10 to $50 USD. You can find them at markets and craft shops throughout the country.
5. Local food products: Prices vary depending on the product, but you can expect to pay around $5 to $10 USD for items such as homemade jams, chutneys, and dried fruits. You can find them at local food markets and specialty shops throughout the country.
Please note that prices are subject to change and may vary depending on location and vendor.
If you have 1 week
Great to hear that you're in Swaziland! There's so much to see and do in this beautiful country, and I'd be happy to recommend an itinerary for a week of adventure and exploration.
Day 1: Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Start your trip by visiting the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located in the heart of Swaziland. This sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and more. You can take a guided tour or go on a self-guided hike to explore the beautiful scenery and get up close with the animals.
Day 2: Go hiking in Malolotja Nature Reserve
On your second day, head to Malolotja Nature Reserve for a day of hiking and exploring. The reserve offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, as well as opportunities to see rare plants and animals. You can hike one of the many trails, or choose to go mountain biking, abseiling, or even zip-lining.
Day 3: Tour the Ngwenya Glass Factory
Visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, where you can watch skilled artisans create beautiful glassware using recycled glass bottles. You can also browse the factory shop and purchase unique souvenirs to take home with you.
Day 4: Explore Mantenga Cultural Village
Learn about Swazi culture at the Mantenga Cultural Village, where you can see traditional homesteads, attend a music and dance performance, and sample local cuisine. The village provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the Swazi people and their unique customs and traditions.
Day 5: Visit Hlane Royal National Park
Spend a day at Hlane Royal National Park, which is known for its large populations of elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses. You can take a guided safari tour to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat, or explore the park on your own.
Day 6: Relax at Malandela's Farmhouse
Take a break from all the activities and relax at Malandela's Farmhouse, a charming guesthouse located in the heart of Swaziland. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, take a dip in the pool, or simply relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
Day 7: Tour the Swazi Candle Factory
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Swazi Candle Factory, where you can watch skilled artisans create beautiful candles using traditional techniques. The factory shop offers a wide range of candles in different shapes and colors, making it the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs.
I hope this itinerary gives you plenty of ideas for your week in Swaziland. No matter where you go, I'm sure you'll find plenty of opportunities for adventure and fun!
If you have 2 weeks
Swaziland! How exciting! I'm so glad you reached out to me, as I have some truly unique and amazing itinerary suggestions for you.
First up, spend a few days exploring the incredible wildlife reserves of Kruger National Park in South Africa. You'll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five - lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo - up close and personal on a guided safari. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of nature's beauty.
Next, head over to Marrakech, Morocco for a bit of culture and history. The colorful markets, winding alleys, and stunning architecture of this vibrant city will transport you to another world. Take in the sights and sounds of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, visit the Bahia Palace, and relax in a traditional hammam.
For a change of pace, fly over to the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. Here, you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, hike to lush rice terraces, and explore ancient temples. Bali is also known for its delicious cuisine, so make sure to sample some local specialties like nasi goreng and satay.
Finally, wrap up your two-week adventure with a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This dynamic city is known for its tango music and dance, as well as its delicious steak and wine. Take a stroll through the lively neighborhoods of Recoleta and San Telmo, visit the famous La Boca neighborhood, and catch a live tango performance.
I hope these ideas inspire you to plan an incredible two weeks of adventure and exploration. Remember, life is short - go out and see the world!
Cities:
