The Perfect eSwatini (Swaziland) Day Trip
When staying in comfort at our Mbombela accommodation, guests on holiday can look forward to taking a number of amazing trips to various exciting locations. Since we are so close to the kingdom of eSwatini, a day trip into the country is one opportunity you can enjoy.
About eSwatini
eSwatini (Swaziland) is a landlocked country with three sides surrounded by South Africa and one side surrounded by Mozambique.
This unique little country gained its independence from the commonwealth back in 1968 while under the leadership of King Sohbhuza II, who was the King of the Swazi’s from 1921 – 1982. After his death his son, King Mswati III, who was schooled in England, was enthroned in 1986. In his time as a ruler of the country, he has managed to merge the countries traditionalism into a modern society.
A day trip to Swaziland is well worth visiting for a cultural and wildlife experience. Here are a few things you can do while you are here:
- A huge attraction in Swaziland and a must visit for anyone heading that way, is Ngwenya Glass, a glass manufacturer which only uses recycled glass. Here you will be able to see from an overhead balcony how various glass mementos come to life as a group of Swazi craftsmen and women breathe life into enchanting interpretations of animals and birds. The showroom is always well stocked and you can purchase a glass creation of your own to take home.
- Another popular stop in Swaziland is the House on Fire that was founded in 2000. Passionate about arts and music, the brothers Thorne decided to create a space to develop just this in eSwatini. The art that can be purchased will often still show the mark of the chisel in the wood. All art is created from locally sourced material. The wood art is made from invasive trees and the soapstone used is quarried in the Highveld of Swaziland where they have an abundance of it. The art to be found here is either loud and humorous or tranquil, but always a talking piece to be placed in your home.
- The Swazi Cultural Village is a living museum that gives the visitor a glimpse into the old traditional lifestyle of the Swazi’s during the 1850’s. When the village was being built, care was taken to ensure that only the materials that were used at that time were put into the village. The huts are made from poles, grass, leather stripes, reeds, earth and dried cow dung. There are sixteen huts and each has their own specific purpose, with kraals and byres for the cattle and goats. Fences are made from reeds and serve as windbreaks. On display are various artefacts from the era. Traditional dance performances can be seen twice daily at the facility.
- Swazi Candle was founded in 1982 in a cowshed by two South African art graduates. It did not take long for the little workshop to gain a reputation for producing unique candles. This resulted in Swazi Candles becoming one of Swaziland’s top tourist attractions. Today the humble cowshed workshop employs over two hundred locals and their candles are exported all over the world. Some new products are occasionally produced and one is a range of 100% organic soya candles displaying an array or patterns, shapes and designs. Although their styles are updated regularly, customers are also welcome to place custom orders. More recently they started producing hand balms and soaps.
