Eswatini Newsletter

March 2024

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ngwenya Glass lands prestigious Global Responsible Tourism award

 
   
 

Having won in the Africa version of the Responsible Tourism Awards earlier in the year, Ngwenya Glass, one of Eswatini’s most unique tourist experiences, was announced as a Global winner in the ‘Local Sourcing, Craft and Food’ category of the 2023 Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

 
 
 
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Tours

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Sense Earth announce 2024 trips including Christmas Safari

 
   
 

Sense Earth, a UK Tour Operator who are experts in Eswatini holidays, have two exciting upcoming tours for 2024 showcasing the country’s stunning scenery, wondrous wildlife and captivating culture, including a Christmas Safari trip in December.

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Melula Travel introduce Eswatini Big 5 Tour

 
   
 

Melula Travel, an Eswatini based Tour Operator providing authentic five start Eswatini travel experiences, introduces the Eswatini Big 5; a five day, four night tour showcasing five of the best places to visit in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The guided tour showcases the Kingdom’s preserved culture, scenic nature, iconic wildlife in their natural habitat, and 100% handmade crafts.

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Events

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

MTN Bushfire 2024 - First Line-up announcement

 
   
 

MTN Bushfire returns this year in what will be the 17th edition of the internationally-acclaimed music and arts festival. Just announced, the festival will be headlined by one of the continent’s most powerful voices, Nigerian global music sensation, Nneka!

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In other news, MTN Bushfire are pleased to announce that media accreditation is currently open.

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Umhlanga Reed Dance hitting the headlines

 
   
 

As the second of Eswatini’s traditional festivals, the Incwala, got in to full swing at the turn of the year, the Kingdom’s other famous event, the Umhlanga Reed Dance, which happens annually around late August / early September, made waves in the international press, showcasing the colourful spectacle worldwide.

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Eswatini welcomes return of the annual Marula Festival

 
   
 

The Kingdom of Eswatini began celebrations in February for their annual traditional Marula Festival, or Buganu Ceremony as it is known locally. The Marula season often begins around February or March and continues until May, bringing with it a celebration of the harvest of the Marula fruit.

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If you would like to read a deeper insight into this year’s festival in particular, have a read of this report.

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Big Game Parks’ Imvelo MTB Classic 2024 - Entries open!

 
   
 

Nedbank and Mlilwane are excited to welcome back Imvelo MTB Classic, one of the oldest MTB events in Eswatini. The race is set to happen on the 8th June 2024 at Mlilwane Game Sanctuary, and entries are now open. Entries are capped at 500 cyclists to ensure the race maintains it’s fabulous personality and has the lowest possible environmental impact.

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Save the date for Luju 2024!

 
   
 

Save the Date! The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is back for its 6th edition, from Friday 2nd to Saturday 3rd August 2024, at House On Fire. Eswatini’s leading food and fashion Festival celebrates the wholesome, the creative and the delicious, proudly showcasing the amazing, diverse tastes of Southern Africa, as well as supporting local artists and artisans.

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Places

 
   
   
  
 
 

Top 10 Places to Visit in Eswatini

 
   
 

Eswatini offers a wealth of diverse attractions and experiences that make it an intriguing destination for travellers. Take a look at this blog to discover 10 places you must experience on a visit to Eswatini.

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Sibebe Resort, a sight to behold

 
   
 

Located in Pine Valley, in the northern Hhohho region of Eswatini, Sibebe Resort is a leisure site to behold placed atop a behemoth granite rock. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by breath-taking vistas of the iconic Sibebe Rock, rising majestically against the azure sky. 

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Mabuda Guest Farm: A Dreamy Escape in the Eswatini Mountains

 
   
 

Settled atop the majestic Lubombo Mountains in Eswatini, Mabuda Guest Farm is not just an accommodation; it is an experience. Nicknamed “Place of Dreams”, this working farm offers a tranquil escape amidst breath-taking scenery, rich farm life and genuine Swazi hospitality.

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Benka Lifestyle Luxury Country Cottages: A Majestic Retreat in the Heart of the gorgeous Ezulwini Valley

 
   
 

Nestled within the captivating embrace of the Swazi-Lizkhar Equestrian and Wildlife Estate in Ezulwini Valley, Benka Lifestyle Luxury Country Cottages beckons travellers to a haven of natural beauty, unparalleled views and tranquillity in superb comfort.

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Escape. Explore. Experience… Bulembu Country Lodge.

 
   
 

Bulembu Country Lodge beckons travellers seeking a unique blend of comfort, adventure, and historical exploration. Bulembu is a small town located in north-western Hhohho region of Eswatini, twenty kilometres west of Piggs Peak. More than just a place to stay, Bulembu is an experience, transporting guests to a bygone era while offering modern amenities and breathtaking scenery.

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Shows

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Eswatini explores the Dutch Market at the Vakantiebeurs Show in The Netherlands

 
   
 

Eswatini Tourism Authority recently explored the Dutch market by participating in the Vakantiebeurs Travel Trade and Consumer Show. The show was held in Utrecht in The Netherlands from 10 -14th January 2024.

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The Caravan Show: positioning Eswatini as a top-of-mind destination

 
   
 

The Eswatini Tourism Authority participated in the Beeld/Caravan Show in Midrand, South Africa in late February. This event presents a significant opportunity to showcase Eswatini’s tourism offerings to a large and targeted audience of potential South African visitors.

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Eswatini scoops Best International Stand at Fikani International Tourism Expo

 
   
 

Triland, a tourism marketing and consulting firm specialising in promoting travel destinations in Eswatini, Mpumalanga Province in South Africa and Mozambique, was awarded the prestigious “Best International Stand” award at the Fikani International Tourism Expo. The expo, held annually in Mozambique, is a premier event showcasing tourism products and services from Africa and beyond.

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Further News

 
   
 
 
 
 
 

Eswatini opens doors for the Easter Holidays

 
   
 

As we steadily approach the Easter holidays, the #UnwrapAnUnforgettableEasterAdventure campaign aims to reignite domestic, regional and international tourism during the time of spiritual renewal and family gatherings - by showcasing Eswatini’s diverse offerings.

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Eswatini Tourism Authority Spreads Love at Esitjeni Care Centre of Valentine’s Day

 
   
 

In a heart-warming display of community spirit, the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) extended their #LoveEswatiniGives campaign beyond Valentine’s Day by visiting the Esitjeni Care Centre on Valentine’s Day. Carrying essential supplies, including food, toiletries, and clothing, the ETA Team brought smiles and a sense of care to the residents of the centre.

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Eswatini Tourism: From Scourge to Sojourn - A Statistical Snapshot

 
   
 

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly threw a wrench in Eswatini’s tourism industry, sending international arrivals plummeting and casting a shadow over GDP. However, like a resilient Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Kingdom embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery, achieving impressive rebounds in both areas.

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Not discovered Eswatini yet?

"Africa in a nutshell.”


It may be a cliché but there is no better way to describe Eswatini (Swaziland). This tiny nation - one of Africa’s last monarchies - packs in an extraordinary variety of riches. Nature lovers can track down rhinos in the wild lowveld or seek out rare birds in the rugged highveld. Historians can visit the world’s oldest known mine at Ngwenya or follow the colonial trail of the early settlers. And culture vultures can thrill to the Umhlanga and other festivals, as Eswatini celebrates its ancient traditions in spectacular style. Activities ranging from safaris, horse riding and river rafting to golf and thermal spas offer excitement and relaxation in equal measure. What’s more, Eswatini is friendly, safe and so compact that nowhere is more than two hours’ easy drive from the capital. 


So what are you waiting for? Africa’s most perfectly formed nation offers you a warm Swati welcome.


 
 
 
 
 
 

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