THE HHOHHO REGION
Covering the western part of Swaziland from
the north and running southwards to the
centre, Hhohho was named after the
capital of King Mswati II, who expanded
the Swazi territory to the north and west, taking in the districts of
Barberton, Nelspruit, Carolina and Piet Retief. These areas were
later acquired by what was the Province of Transvaal and today they
form part of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.
PIGGS PEAK
The northern town of
Pigg’s Peak is named after William Pigg who
discovered a gold reef in the area. Gold was mined there between. Gold was mined there between
1882 and 1954 and although this was initially successful, the venture
never really took off. Today, forestry is the main industry and tourism
has also grown significantly since the development of the Maguga
Dam. The road is the main route into Swaziland from the world-
famous Kruger National Park so the hotels and lodges in the area
are ideal stopovers for visitors.
The luxurious Orion Piggs Peak Hotel, about 10 km north of Piggs
Peak, is a popular and convenient destination for travelers going to
and from the Kruger National Park to the north. It offers stunning
views over the area, a casino and all the facilities one would expect
from an hotel of this category. The nearby Peak Fine Craft Centrehas diverse and interesting shops that are
well worth a visit. They offer high quality
locally produced craft items and there is a
restaurant with spectacular views over the
area. Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and
Nature Reserve is also in the vicinity and is
clearly signposted with two entrances into the
reserve, one near the hotel and one a few
kilometers to the south.
Mrs Pigg nee Hogg: Legend tells that when William Pigg gave up prospecting for gold around the town name after him, he settled in South Africa next to a family by the name of Hogg. The other belief is that he married a Miss Hogg. The truth of the matter is apparently that Pigg Jr. married the neighbour’s daughter who was indeed Miss Hogg.
BULEMBU
The historic mining village of Bulembu to
the west of Pigg’s Peak lies at the end of a
19 km scenic drive on a gravel road that
takes the visitor near Devil’s Bridge on the
slopes of Emlembe, the highest mountain in
Swaziland. This village nestles at the foot of
the mountain near the now defunct asbestos
mine. The houses of the mine’s MD and
senior management have been beautifully
renovated, while retaining their original
character, and now form part of the delightful
resort known as Bulembu Country Lodge.
More energetic guests may take the hiking
trail that leads to the summit and the views
provide more than adequate reward for the
effort. They may then relax in the evening
and be entertained with dances by local
residents. The road from the Bulembu border
to Barberton in South Africa has been tarred
and the section from Bulembu to Piggs Peak
is earmarked for upgrading to further
develop tourism in the area.
Projects to empower the local communityinclude an orphanage for children whos
parents have been victims to HIV/AIDS an
crafts are being taught by a textile speciali
in an effort to create income earnin
opportunites.
The Phophonyane Love Story:
Phophonyane Nature Reserve north of
Piggs Peak holds the legend of a young
Swazi warrior who, to gain his love’s
hand in marriage, had to present her with a
leopard skin. While hunting on the
Gobolonglo Mountain, he was seized by
witches who turned him into a white flower to
bloom and die forever among the mountain
grasses as punishment for trespassing. The
grieving maiden’s inexhaustible tears form the
Phophonyane River and Waterfall that lie within
the reserve.
MAGUGA DAM
Just south of Piggs Peak to the left (the sawmill
is your landmark) is a scenic loop road that ,
leads to the Maguga Dam, a major
Maguga Dam,Maguga Dam,
development on the Komati River that has
been pivotal in expanding agricultural
activity, particularly crops grown under
rrigation. The Maguga area offers diverse
development opportunities and has become
a significant tourist attraction in its own right.
Along this road is a community-run view site
on the right and further on to the left the
View Point Restaurant with a lovely view over
he spillway, which is particularly spectacular
when the water rushes over. Just along the
oad on the right is Maguga Lodge, set at
he southern bank of the dam with stunning
views.
Shortly afterwards, along a road to the left,
s the Swazi Ark of Arts and Crafts, a craft
centre and restaurant which is well worth the
wo kilometre drive off the main road.
Water-related sports projects are planned for
Maguga dam, including an angling club
and boating opportunities.
NGWENYA AREA
Hawane Resort, a family leisure centre along
the Mbabane road from Pigg’s Peak towards
the MR3 highway comprises chalets and a
backpackers’ barn, an ethnic restaurant and
activities including horse trails, quad and
mountain biking, fishing and adventure
sports.The resort is set in indigenous
landscaped gardens against the magnificent
backdrop of the peaks of Malolotja.
The Oshoek/Ngwenya border with South
Africa at the south-west of Hhohho is thebusiest point of exit and entry and is served by the MR3 highway
which now bypasses Mbabane and links to the Ezulwini Valley
Matsapha and Manzini.
Ngwenya, Ngwenya,
Shortly after the border is a turnoff to the village of Ngwenya, hom
Ngwenya, Ngwenya,
of the famous glass factory and several quality craft shops within th
centre. The Ngwenya Mountain is the site of the world’s oldest mine
which dates back 43,000 years, and the vast crater created by iron
ore mining during the last century.
THE OLDEST MINE IN THE WORLD
More than 27,000 years have passed since ancient man was busy chipping away at the side of the Ngwenya Mountain in the north-west section of the area that would eventually become known as Swaziland.
The word Ngwenya is siSwati for crocodile and the mountain is so-called because of it resemblance to a huge basking reptile of that species
These bushmen were taking out pieces of iron ore (haematite), from which they extracted red ochre to smear on objects or people to signify fertility, purity and sanctity. Specularite, a glistening black oxide or iron, was also among the diggings and was used to ward off evil or as a cosmetic.
The primitive miners confined their work to the mountain's summit for fear of the great horned snake, the god of the underworld, who lived at its heart.
Thousands of artifacts have been excavated from the site, today known as the Lion's Cavern, over recent years and radio-carbon testing of charcoal nodules has established that this is indeed the earliest known mine in the world.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
The Ngwenya Tour - duration: about 3.5 hours plus lunch. The village of Ngwenya lies off the new highway between Mbabane and the main border between Swaziland and South Africa, about 20 minutes drive from the city. Up the Ngwenya Mountain, named for its resemblance to a basking crocodile, is the oldest excavation in the world, which dates back 43,000 years . There is also a massive canyon, surrounded by the imposing hills of Malolotja, created by the 20th century commercial iron-ore mining that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. Although mining in the area ceased in 1980 it remains a major point of interest. Visit the site of the world's oldest mine and learn more about it at the excellent Visitor Centre. The area is well sign posted from the highway and about two hours should be allowed for this tour.
Nearby is the Ngwenya Glass factory and shop where glass blowers, trained in the Swedish method, create lovely items from recycled glass. It is the only factory of its kind in southern Africa and visitors may watch the hand-made items being made from a balcony overlooking the work area. At the adjacent shop a wide variety of glasses, bowls, ornaments and other items may be purchased at factory prices. Enjoy a light lunch or snack at the coffee shop then stroll through the attractive gardens that lead to a craft centre where African crafts, weapons and artefacts are to be found, along with ceramics, clothing and charming hand-carved rocking horses.
MBABANE - THE CAPITAL CITY
Mbabane, which is also the country's administrative capital, is the largest city in the region. It was founded in 1903 when Swaziland became a protectorate under the British, who chose the site in preference to Bremersdorp (now the city of Manzini), which was the capital under the Transvaal Administration. It is set among the spectacular mountain scenery of the Dlangeni Hills at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Mbabane, the meaning of which is believed to originate from a "small and bitter highveld plant" that grew in the area, is named after Chief Mbabane Kunene, whose clan occupied the Dalriach farm, which is now a major residential area. The origins of the town can be traced back to 1887 when Bombardier Mickey Wells, recorded as being the first European settler and who by all accounts was something of a character, opened a primitive hotel and restaurant in the area.
Today the modern, somewhat eclectic city offers diverse facilities, including excellent shopping, banking, vehicle hire and other facilities at the two shopping centre, the Swazi Plaza and the Mall. Shops include the original African Fantasy, which stocks a wide range of high quality crafts, clothing and souvenirs. There is also Visioncare, a first class optometrist, which has capacity to produce same day prescriptions on the premises and which has additional branches in Manzini and Matsapha. Swanks, a leather goods and luggage retailer is, among other things, useful if you need extra suitcases for all those souvenirs! Both shopping centres have ample secure parking with modern supermarkets as their anchor tenants.
Inevitably Mbabane is seeped in history, although the renaming of the street names in recent years has sadly obscured much of the legend. The original main road, Dzeliwe Street, which features many of the original old tin-roofed buildings, was previously named Allister Miller Street after the man of that name. This flamboyant character, who came to Swaziland in 1888 when Mbabane was merely a dusty hollow, was a man of many talents - journalist, author, politician and cartographer. He charted the first topographical maps of Swaziland and founded the Times of Swaziland newspaper in 1897, among other achievements.
Other interesting features along this Street are the old lamp at the corner of Dr. Shishayi Road, named after the late Dr. Shishayi Nxumalo who was a prominent and popular figure in post-independence Swaziland. The lamp was once a feature of London's Waterloo Bridge and was obtained for Swaziland with funds raised by the Overseas League. The Old Secretariat, a lovely Cape Dutch style building is located opposite the City Inn, a conveniently positioned, family-owned hotel.
At the end of the street is the famous Mbabane Market, whose character was obliterated with the demolition of the old tin buildings, which have been replaced by a somewhat soulless concrete structure. However, the charming handcrafts and fresh fruit and vegetables continue to be sold by the friendly "market mamas" who rule the roost.
For visitors staying in the Mbabane area, there is a wide choice of bed and breakfast and other residential establishments, such as Brackenhill Lodge, Fair Lady Mountain Cottages, Green Valley Guest House and Ekulindzeni. All are set in lovely gardens with views of the surrounding mountainous scenery.
Leaving Mbabane, you will arrive at the top of the Malagwane Hill where the MR3 Highway begins. Further along is the turnoff to the Mountain Inn, a charming hotel owned by the same family as the City Inn. This hotel overlooks some of the country's most spectacular views, embracing the Ezulwini Valley and the famous twin peaks of Sheba's Breasts and Execution Rock.
THE EZULWINI VALLEY - THE TOURISM MECCA
The scenic Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) lies at the bottom of the Malagwane Hill along the Mbabane/Manzini highway. This is the Kingdom's main tourist area, where excellent hotels and restaurants are to be found, together with craft outlets, many activities and other attractions.
Lobamba, the spiritual and cultural centre of the Kingdom, is home to many interesting places, including the National Stadium, the Houses of Parliament, the National Museum and Archives, and the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park. Near Lobamba is the Lozitha Royal Palace with its distinctive minaret styled roof, which represents traditional Swazi beehive huts.
Along the main road is Ludzizini. This replaced Lobamba as the traditional capital when King Mswati III ascended the throne in 1986 and is the royal home of the Queen Mother.
The Valley of Heaven, as Swaziland's main tourism centre is known, offers a wealth of attractions to visitors and is an ideal base from which to explore the Kingdom. From Mbabane, proceed along the highway, enjoying the magnificent scenery as you descend into the valley. This lush sub-tropical area, overlooked by the Mdzimba Mountains to the north, has hotels of all descriptions, from the magnificent Royal Villas, as well as the luxury Royal Swazi Sun and its sister hotels the Ezulwini Sun and Lugogo Sun, to luxury lodges. These include Mantenga Lodge near the Mantenga Nature Reserve and Timbali Lodge with its unique Boma Restaurant, very comfortable suites and beautiful gardens. The famous Calabash Restaurant is located next to the Timbali entrance and here you can enjoy fine continental food of international standard. Near by, for those who favour comfortable rustic surroundings, is Buhleni Farm, a B&B set in lovely grounds.
Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge is located within the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also several affordable and comfortable bed and breakfast establishments such as Lidwala near the Mantenga turnoff.
Here are just a few of the places you may want to visit.
- Shops within the Sun International hotel complex include African Queen and Living in Africa, where quality clothing and souvenirs are available, as well as a wealth of fine reading material. There is also a beauty spa at the Royal Swazi Sun.
- Visit the roadside markets with their wide selection of crafts and
souvenirs sold by friendly vendors. These include Bhule Besibuko
Semaswati, a long complex on the left just after the Ezulwini Sun
Hotel, and Buhle Bakho Make at the Gables Shopping Centre. - The Swazi Market, (signposted to the left after the long roadside market) specialises in promoting Swaziland's crafts overseas. Their showroom offers a diverse selection and tourists are welcome to purchase individual items there.
- The fascinating and diverse shops at Mantenga Craft Centre.
- There are restaurants to cater for every taste and nightclubs that provide entertainment into the small hours of the morning.
- Try your luck at Southern Africa's first ever casino at the Royal Swazi Sun which has tables, slot machines and a salon privé.
- For golfers, there is the challenging international standard 18-hole golf course with superb views at the Royal Swazi Spa. Those wishing to improve their game may take lessons from the pro there, or practice at the golf driving range, which is further along the road on the left.
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's oldest nature reserve and is known as the Mother of Conservation in the Kingdom. Visitors may stay overnight in a variety of accommodation, enjoy game drives and walking and horse riding trails, as well as cultural experiences. Reilly's Rock, Chubeka Trails and Sondzela Backpackers are located within Mlilwane. The sanctuary plays a pivotal role in local tourism and also supports neighbouring establishments. (See advert inside front cover). Mantenga Nature Reserve embraces the Cultural Village where visitors may learn about traditional Swazi life and customs.
- Mantenga Nature Reserve embraces the Cultural Village where visitors may learn about traditional Swazi life and customs.
- You could also contact Taman Tours for a guided day or multi-day excursion anywhere in Swaziland, covering the many aspects of the country, whether of a historical, conservationist or cultural nature. They cater for individuals or groups with emphasis on value and exceptional service.
Sheba's Breasts: The distinctive twin-peaks are clearly visible from the Malagwane Hill as the traveler descends from Mbabane into the Ezulwini Valley. The rock formations are named after the legendary beauty and mysterious Queen of Sheba from Ethiopia, who supposedly seduced King Solomon. The author J. Rider Haggard, who traveled through Swaziland as secretary to Sir Theophilus Shepstone in the 1880s, was inspired by the peaks and it is believed that he wrote his famous "King Solomon's Mines" while staying at the private Kapola Estate. His lesser-known novel "She" was also inspired by the Queen of Sheba. Legend tells that Sheba's Breasts are the site of King Solomon's mines.
Execution Rock is another unique rock that overlooks the Ezulwini Valley, forming a backdrop to The Gables Shopping Centre. It is easily viewed from the Mantenga Cultural Village and is located within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, from where self-guided hiking trails to the summit offer a spectacular 360 degree view of the Valley. Chubeka Trails' "Rock of Execution Horse Trail" is a unique excursion.
The rock derives its name from the custom of a century ago, when wrong-doers accused of crimes such as witchcraft and murder were made to walk to the summit and plunge to their deaths. This venture inevitably required some assistance from the Swazi warriors on the ascent and, understandably, a prod from a spear to facilitate the downward journey. Happily, this custom was done away with some time ago..
Lobamba -The Royal Experience
Lobamba, the spiritual and cultural centre
Lobamba,Lobamba,
of the Kingdom, is home to the National
Stadium, the Houses of Parliament, the
National Museum and Archives, and the
King Sobhuza II Memorial Park. Near
Lobamba is the Lozitha Royal Palace with its
distinctive minaret styled roof, which
represents traditional Swazi beehive huts.
Along the old main road towards Malkerns
Eludzidzini. Eludzidzini.
is Eludzidzini. This replaced Lobamba as
Eludzidzini. Eludzidzini.
the traditional capital when King Mswati III
ascended the throne in 1986 and is the royal
home of the Queen Mother.
Suggested Itenarary
The Mantenga Experience
There are numerous attractions within the
Mantenga area, the entrance to which is
clearly sign posted to the right towards the
Gables. Visit the Mantenga Craft Centre with
its fascinating shops that offer a wide variety
of local art and craft items, or book for an
adventure adrenalin sport or a safari at Swazi
Trails. There is also a Tourism Information
Office in the centre and nearby is Legends
Backpacker Lodge, a popular stopover with
the young and young at heart.Within the Mantenga Nature Reserve is the
Cultural Village, which falls under the
Swaziland National Trust Commission, and
where visitors may learn about day-to-day
life in a traditional Swazi homestead and
enjoy vibrant dance shows. There is also
tented accommodation, restaurants and, of
course, the breathtaking Mantenga Falls.
Conservation & Culture
Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland's oldest nature reserve and home to Reilly's Rock, which is surrounded by the Royal Botanical Gardens. These are inhabited by a variety of endangered antelope species. Also within Mlilwane is Sondzela Backpackers, where the country's thriving backpacker industry took root.
The Mantenga Nature Reserve with the magnificent waterfalls and the Cultural Village, where traditional dancing takes place. Within the Cultural Village, which is operated by the Swaziland National Trust Commission, is a luxury tented camp and a restaurant. Enjoy walking and hiking trails, including a guided hike to Sheba's Breasts, and bird watching.
Lobamba - The Royal Experience
About 1.5 km. after The Gables on the left is
the turn-off to the royal area of Lobamba,
which is regarded as the kingdom’s spiritual
home. Eludzidzini, the residence of theQueen Mother, is near the main entrance to
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary further along the
ourist route towards Manzini. This is where
King Mswati III summons his people to advise
on various issues and to listen to their
uggestions regarding administration,
enabling all Swazis to express their views.
Eludzidzini is also where the sacred IncwalaCeremony is held each year in December,
as well as the colourful Umhlanga (Reed)
Dance in September. Lozitha Royal Palace,
located along the road beyond the MR3
Highway link, was King Sobhuza II’s
residence but today is used only for
ceremonial and official occasions.
Conservation and Culture
Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s
oldest nature reserve and home to Reilly’s
Rock, which is surrounded by the Royal
Botanical Gardens. These are inhabited by
a variety of endangered antelope species.
Also within Mlilwane is Sondzela
Backpackers, where the country’s thriving
backpacker industry took root.
Go to the Mantenga Nature Reserve with its
magnificent waterfalls and the Cultural
Village, where traditional dancing takes
place. Adjacent to the village, which is
operated by the Swaziland National Trust
Commission, is a luxury tented camp and a
restaurant. Enjoy walking and hiking trails,including a guided hike to Sheba’s Breasts,
and bird watching.
The Cultural Tour
TTurn left into the Lobamba area at the
National Stadium, which is easily seen from
the main road. This is where major sporting
events and celebrations take place and where
Mswati III was crowned King in April 1986.
The late Pope John Paul II addressed the
people of Swaziland at Somhlolo in 1988.
Turn right at the roundabout and you will
pass the Houses of Parliament, and then
arrive at the National Museum and the King
Sobhuza II Memorial Park, both operated by
the Swaziland National Trust Commission,
whose headquarters are also located there.
They offer interesting displays of Swazi
memorabilia, as well as King Sobhuza’s
grand old limousines, while a traditional
homestead enables visitors to learn about
Swazi life. A qualified guide will conduct tours
of these attractions.
NATURE RESERVES:
Phophonyane near Pigg's Peak - beautiful riverine walks surrounded by mountains and waterfalls, small animals and impressive bird life plus accommodation and a restaurant in a beautiful ambience.
Malolotja, the largest nature reserve in the country, falls under the Swaziland National Trust Commission and is located between the western border with South Africa and the Piggs Peak Road towards Ngwenya. It teems with game, bird life, fish and flora, offering hiking trails, the highest waterfall in the country and giant potholes. Accommodation is in log cabins and at campsites along the hiking routes.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Ezulwini is part of the Big Game Parks group and the oldest nature reserve in Swaziland. It offers camping, accommodation, a restaurant and a wonderful atmosphere at the Rest Camp with its hippo pool, cheeky warthogs and restaurant. There is diverse game and bird viewing and several activities, such as walking, mountain biking and horse riding trails. Overnight tented and cave trails are also available for the more adventurous hikers, cyclists and riders.