Full Post Style

Lobamba Tourist Places Lobamba, Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital of the southeastern African country, Swaziland. It is also known as the traditional, spiritual capital and the seat of the country’s parliament and is also home to the house of the Queen Mother, Ntombi. Lobamba is also the site of the Incwala ceremonies and Reed Dancees, which witness the participation of the King and Queen Mother of the country. Lobamba itself is one of the top tourist destinations of Swaziland with numerous natural sites and cultural houses like the National Museum of Swaziland, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Somhlolo Stadium. Lobamba is geographically positioned between 26°25′0″ S latitude and 31°10′0″ E longitude.

 

History of Lobamba:

Lobamba was believed to be originally founded in 1750 that is now called ‘Old Lobamba’. Including Lobamba, the entire Swaziland fell under the British rule in 1903 after the Boer Wars. The country became independent on September 6, 1968 with the effective independence movement, led by Sobhuza II, who was the King of Swaziland for 82 years.

 

How to reach Lobamba?

Like most parts of the country, Lobamba is served by Matsapha Airport with scheduled flights from Johannesburg in South Africa, served by Airlink and Swaziland Airlink. The airport is situated around 25 km away from the midpoint of Lobamba. There are taxis and rental cars gettable at the airport and visitors can also wait until the arrival of minibuses for inexpensive travel. To move within Lobamba, minibuses and rental cars and bikes are the convenient options.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Lobamba:

Lobamba is the cultural capital of Swaziland, home to two grand national events the Reed Dance (August and September) and the Incwala (December and January).

Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre is very much famous for traditional shopping in Lobamba. Some nice food corners in Lobamba include:

• Bella Vista Restaurant
• Valley Blues Bar
• Quatermain’s Pub & Restaurant
• Quartermain’s Pub & Restaurant

 

Things to do in Lobamba:

• Horseback riding
• Camping
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Walking

 

What to see in Lobamba?

 

National Museum of Swaziland:

Constructed in 1972, the National Museum of Swaziland is situated in the vicinity of the Parliament building of Swaziland. It was first established in 1972 and expanded two times in 1986 and 1990. The highlights of the museum include a memorial dedicated to King Sobhuza II and different South African and Swazi artworks and artifacts.

 

King Sobhuza II Memorial Park:

The King Sobhuza II Memorial Park was founded in the memorial of the former king and influential leader of the country, King Sobhuza II. Kings’ photographs, his vintage cars and mausoleum should be seen.

 

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals, including antelope, giraffe, zebras and offers different outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping and horseback riding. The sanctuary is just outside Lobamba city.

 

Somhlolo stadium:

The Somhlolo Stadium is one of the landmark sites in Lobamba, situated in the vicinity of the Parliament building. It is a multipurpose stadium, mainly used for football matches and other cultural events.

 

Malkern Valley:

Situated around 8 kilometers south of the heart of Lobamba, the Malkern Valley is a cultural centre, known for arts and crafts houses.

 

Other places of interest in and around Lobamba include:

• Grace Christian Fellowship International Church
• Royal Swazi Sun Hotel
• Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre
• Yebo Art Gallery
• Mkhaya Game Reserve
• Somhlolo National Stadium
• Hlane Royal National Park
• Mbuluzi Game Reserve
• Hawane Nature Reserve
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
• Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
• Chubeka Trails
• Swazi Candle

 

When to visit Lobamba?

Lobamba can be visited throughout the year, though the tour of Lobamba can be experienced best between June and August.

 

Where to stay in Lobamba?

Lobamba is home to many upgraded hotels with the blend of modernized and traditional facilities and services, served visitors with lot of love and care. Other than amenities, visitors can also enjoy mouthwatering dishes in such hotels. The prominent hotels in and around Lobamba include:

• Mvubu Falls
• Happy Valley Hotel & Casino
• The Royal Villas
• Royal Swazi Spa
• Mantenga Lodge
• Lugogo Sun
• Buhleni Farm Chalets
• Timbali Lodge
• Ezulwini Sun
• Buhleni Farm Chalets
• Lidwala Backpacker Lodge

Tourist Places to Visit in Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Ezulwini is a valley in the northwestern part of the African country Swaziland, popularly called “The Valley of Heaven” for its incredible environmental features. The legislative capital of Swaziland, Lobamba city, is situated in the Ezulwini valley. The valley covers many prominent wildlife sanctuaries, dominated by the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The renowned manmade tourist attractions situated in the valley include the Swazi National Museum, Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre, Gables Shopping Centre and Grace Christian Fellowship International.

The Royal Swazi Sun Hotel is a grand entertainment complex in the Ezulwini Valley region, with golf course, spa and casino. The valley stretches a length of 30 kilometers.

 

How to get Ezulwini Valley?

Lobamba is the major city in Ezulwini Valley, served by Matsapha Airport. This airport is situated near Manzini city, around 25 km southwest of Lobamba and operates flights to/ from the South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. Visitors can rent a car at the airport to reach Lobamba or if one booked private transfer before reaching the airport would be ideal for convenient airport travel.

One can hire a car at travel agency in Lobamba for airport travel, sightseeing purposes and other outdoor activities.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Ezulwini Valley:

Ezulwini Valley’s cultural activities are concentrated in the city of Lobamba, where two famous cultural centres such as Swazi National Museum and Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre are located.

Gables Shopping Centre is the prominent cultural centre in Ezulwini Valley, featuring plenty of modernized shops as well as entertainment centres.

Some tourist favor restaurants in Ezulwini Valley are as follows:

• Sheba’s Rock Spur
• The Calabash Continental Restaurant
• Bella Vista Restaurant
• Quartermain’s Pub & Restaurant

 

Things to do in Ezulwini Valley:

• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Walking
• Shopping

 

What to see in Ezulwini Valley?

 

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:

Established in the year 1964, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 4,500 hectare, home to rich faunal and floral species as well as offering different outdoor activities, including horseback riding and mountain biking.

 

Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre:

The Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre is a popular handicraft centre in Ezulwini Valley concentrated on showcasing the region’s cultural importance with a wide range of items like jewelry, textiles, sculptures, art and craft works.

 

Royal Swazi Sun Hotel:

The Royal Swazi Sun Hotel is one of the recognized tourist attractions in Swaziland, situated in the Ezulwini Valley. This palatial entertainment complex features a golf course, a casino, a spa and many other specialties.

 

Swazi National Museum:

Located in the historical city Lobamba, the Swazi National Museum is the place where visitors can get the complete cultural activities of dominant Swazi people. It is worth a visit.

 

Grace Christian Fellowship International:

The Grace Christian Fellowship International is a grand church, which organizes two church programs every Sunday at the Movie Zone Cinema Auditorium in the morning from 08:00am to 09:30am and at C.O.D.E.C Vocational School from 11:00am to 13:00 PM.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Ezulwini Valley includes:

• Yebo Art Gallery
• Mkhaya Game Reserve
• Somhlolo National Stadium
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
• Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
• Chubeka Trails
• Swazi Candle
• Hlane Royal National Park
• Mbuluzi Game Reserve
• Hawane Nature Reserve

 

When to visit Ezulwini Valley?

Probably from June to August is the best time to travel Ezulwini Valley in Swaziland when the weather in condition.

 

Where to stay in Ezulwini Valley?

Being a famous tourist destination, Ezulwini Valley has a wide range of accommodation centres ranging from budget camping options to star rated hotels with all basic and modern amenities. List of the major hotels in Ezulwini Valley includes:

• Royal Swazi Spa
• Mantenga Lodge
• Lugogo Sun
• Buhleni Farm Chalets
• Timbali Lodge
• Ezulwini Sun
• Buhleni Farm Chalets
• Lidwala Backpacker Lodge
• Mvubu Falls
• Happy Valley Hotel & Casino
• The Royal Villas

Swaziland Tourist Places to Visit in Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Swaziland is an African country, bounded on three sides by South Africa and on the east by Mozambique. Lobamba is the legislative and Mbabane is the administrative capital and largest city of Swaziland. Swaziland is Africa’s one of the smallest country in terms of both population (1,106, 000 people, 2014 estimate) and area (17,364 sq. km.). Swaziland follows the monarchial system, in which king holds the supreme power of taking prominent decisions (the current king is King Mswati III). Swaziland is one of the member countries of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Southern African Development Community.

 

History of Swaziland:

The history of Swaziland dates back to the middle of the 18th century, when the Swazi Kingdom was founded, led by Ngwane III. Following the outcome of the Anglo-Boer War, Swaziland became a part of British protectorate in 1903 and remained until 1968 when Swaziland gained emancipation from the British rule.

 

Getting Swaziland:

Matsapha Airport is the prime and only international airport in Swaziland, situated 1 km away from the city of Manzini. The airport is served by Airlink and Swaziland Airlink with scheduled flights from/to Johannesburg in SA. Generally, rental cars are available at the airport.

The major cities of Swaziland, Mbabane and Manzini can be reached by bus from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Minibuses are the primary options to get around Swazi cities, while taxis and rental cars are the secondary options.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Swaziland:

Culturally, Swaziland is an identified country, its prominent national events like Umhlanga and Incwala are famous even among bordering countries also.

Glass and wax products are the commonly purchased items by visitors in Swaziland. Maize-based delicacies and grilled chicken dishes should be tasted in Swaziland.

 

Things to do in Swaziland:

• Mountain biking
• Horse riding
• Camping
• Safari

 

What to see in Swaziland?

 

Hlane Royal National Park:

The Hlane Royal National Park is the largest national park of Swaziland, spanning over an area of 30,000 hectares. The park is blessed by the mix and opulent of floral and faunal species, including typical White-backed Vulture birds. Manzini is the closest city to the park, situated around 65 km away.

 

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:

Situated near Lobamba city, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is noted as the oldest protected area of Swaziland, which holds the dignity of the most often visited reserve in Swaziland. The sanctuary offers many fine outdoor activities, including mountain biking and horse riding.

 

Somhlolo National Stadium:

The Somhlolo National Stadium is a multi-use stadium, situated in the city of Lobamba and is mainly used for soccer matches. Constructed in the year 1968, the stadium features artificial turf surface and has a capacity of 20,000 spectators.

 

Mkhaya Game Reserve:

Established in 1979, the Mkhaya Game Reserve is a renowned game reserve in the southeastern part of Swaziland. The reserve is especially famous as a great bird watching destination and the popular birds include Purple-crested Turaco, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, Pygmy Kingfisher and Narina Trogon.

 

Mlawula Nature Reserve:

Covering an area of 16,500 hectares, the Mlawula Nature Reserve is home to a large group of bird population, nearly 350 species. It is situated in the north-eastern part of the country.

 

Other places of interest in Swaziland include:

• Mbuluzi Game Reserve
• Hawane Nature Reserve
• Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
• Chubeka Trails
• Swazi Candles

 

When to visit Swaziland?

Swaziland characterizes diverse climatic regions Lowveld, Lubombo, Middleveld and Highveld. Relatively, Swaziland receives rainfall throughout the year, highly during the summer months. The best time to visit Swaziland is from June to August.

 

Where to stay in Swaziland?

Blessed with rich dense forest and wildlife, Swaziland draws a substantial number of tourists throughout the year, which has resulted into the upgradation of the country’s hospitality industry. Most hotels are located in the cities of Mbabane, Manzini and Ezulwini. The prominent hotels in Swaziland (Mbabane) are listed below:

• Reillys Rock Hilltop Lodge
• Mountain Inn
• Foresters Arms
• Brackenhill Lodge
• Ematjeni Guesthouse
• Legends Backpacker Lodge
• Eden Guest House
• City Court Guest House
• Bombaso’s Backpackers Swaziland
• Bulembu Country Lodge
• Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
• Veki’s Village
• City Inn
• Sibane Hotel
• Kapola Boutique Hotel