There is a huge variety of things to do within the small Kingdom of Swaziland. You will have great fun exploring the beauty and rich heritage of Swaziland and its warm people. Relax and enjoy the spectacular Reed Dance which takes place in late August or early September and is a ceremony that attracts young maidens from all over the Kingdom, providing the opportunity to honor the Queen Mother. Most participants are in their teenage years, although some of the girls are younger.
During the first week, they gather reeds; the day of the Umhlanga begins with bathing and grooming before appearing before the King and Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts with anklets, bracelets and jewellery and colorful sashes. The royal princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead the maidens to perform before the King and Queen. The King often chooses a new wife from among the participating maidens; watch teams of men and boys perform the energetic Sibhaca Dance which is quite a spectacle and watch the King of Swaziland as he takes part in the Incwala Ceremony. The lncwala, or first fruits ceremony, in which the King plays a dominant role, is the most sacred of Swazi rituals. It is held in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers in conjunction with the phases of the moon. The ritual begins with a journey by the “Bemanti” (people of the water) to the Indian Ocean to collect water and on their return to the royal kraal, the little Ncwala begins, preceding the full moon. Youths then travel to collect the sacred branches of the “lusekwane”shrub, a species of acacia. On the third day a bull is ritually slaughtered, instilling solidarity and a spirit of valor among the young men. The fourth day is the finale of the Ncwala when the King, in full ceremonial dress, joins his warriors in the traditional dance. He then enters a special hut and after further rituals, eats the first fruits of the season. On the appearance of the King to his people, they may also eat these fruits with the blessing of the ancestors. The burning of the King’s bedding and household items follows, thus cleansing everything in readiness for the New Year. Hard money training
