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The Kingdom of Eswatini


Mantenga Cultural Village

I crossed into Eswatini by land crossing from Mozambique. Little known fact and one I did'nt know at the time is that Eswatini has its own airline. Eswatini Air. Of course this didn't show up on google flights so I had to take the rural scene but its good information for those planning a trip in the future. (Operates daily from Johannesburg, South Africa)


After driving for a while we made it to our first stop. Hlane Royal National Park. The park hosts a great array of animals and offers self-guided safaris. I walked around a bit and saw Rhino's and Giraffs. I did'nt come agross any Lions but I think that was a good thing. The park always offers guided safaris but since I was with a tour guide we just drove around the park in his jeep.


From there we drove to the Mantenga Cultural Village. Here we were able to learn about the country and see the customs and traditions they fight to keep alive till this day. There is a beautiful waterfall on premises as well as some playful baby monkeys.


Mantenga Waterfall

After the tour of the village and the waterfall we got to sit and see a performance by some of the kids that live on the village grounds that exhibit how they use dance for a lot of practices in their culture, wether it be choosing a mate of celebration of weddings.


I then had lunch at Malandelas Restaurant which not only has some of the best views but some great oxtail. Its on the same compound as the House on Fire, which is a stunning display of art and a must visit while in the country. It is also the home of the Bushfire Festival in late May and Early June which is now a bucket list item of mine.


View from Malandelas Restaurant

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the house of candles admiring the many animal shapes and colors they are able to make candles. There is a craft market in the same compound and a great way to do some shopping while in Eswatini. The art is similar to some of its neighboring countries but the prices are more favorable and if you are a candle lover, this is the place.


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