Exploring the Heart of eSwatini: A Journey Through History and Culture
Meeting Samkelo: A Warm Welcome to eSwatini
My adventure in eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) began with an intriguing and warm greeting from my driver, Samkelo, or Collen, as he goes by in English. One thing I quickly learned in eSwatini is the tradition of having two names—one in their native Swazi and one in English. It's a fascinating practice that highlights the blend of cultural pride and the necessity for global connection. I had the pleasure of spending the day with Samkelo, who, although not a formal guide, shared a wealth of insightful information about the country's history, culture, and traditions, making for engaging conversations along the way.
If you're planning a trip to eSwatini and need a reliable and knowledgeable driver, I highly recommend contacting Samkelo (Collen). He may not be a tour guide, but he certainly knows a lot about the country, ensuring interesting talks throughout your journey. You can reach him via WhatsApp at: +268 7861 4255
The Oldest Mine in the World
Our first destination was the oldest known mine in the world. Samkelo, while not a formal guide, shared many insights about the country as we made our way there, and his local knowledge made the journey engaging. Upon arriving at the mine, we were greeted by Kenneth, a former ranger turned tour guide, who took over the storytelling. Kenneth's deep understanding of the mine's history was impressive, and his sense of humor brought the facts to life. He made even the most detailed historical facts engaging and fun, providing a perfect blend of education and entertainment.
As Kenneth explained, the early humans who mined the ochre at Ngwenya were the San people, who have lived in southern Africa for tens of thousands of years. The mine itself, known as Lion Cavern, is believed to be the oldest known mine in the world. The San people began mining hematite here around 43,000 years ago, using it for body painting and cultural practices. Later, around 450 AD, early Bantu-speaking settlers arrived in the area, and for the next 1,500 years, they mined hematite and iron to create weapons and tools. Commercial mining in the area began in 1964 and ended in 1977, but there is still some small-scale mining taking place today.
Unfortunately, as Kenneth shared, it's no longer possible or safe to enter the caves, and the wall paintings once created by the San people have largely washed off due to climate change. Even so, standing near the caves, it was easy to imagine the creativity and cultural significance that once adorned these walls, leaving behind a powerful historical legacy.
Kenneth also shared a little "tall tale" about how the San people were able to hunt larger animals in the early days. He said that they somehow captured the highly venomous Black Mamba, squeezed out all the venom from it, and then applied the venom to their spears and weapons. Now, as entertaining as it was, it sounded a bit too good to be true, but hey, it was a funny story, and we all laughed so loudly that I'm sure the people in the nearby villages probably heard us!
Exploring Local Life and Traditions
After our mine visit, we headed to a glassblowing factory. eSwatini is famous for its impressive glassblowing art, but unfortunately, since it was Sunday, they were closed. On the bright side, this gave us the perfect opportunity to visit a local market and pick up some souvenirs to take home—something I definitely took advantage of!
Since it was Sunday, nearly the entire country was attending church, making for a peaceful and serene atmosphere throughout the day. The market provided a true sense of local life, with handmade crafts and vibrant artwork to remind me of the unique culture of eSwatini.
A Cultural Performance at Mantenga Village
After the market, we were off to see a traditional and cultural performance at the Mantenga Cultural Village. And let me tell you, this was nothing short of spectacular. The show was a vibrant display of Swazi culture, with a variety of traditional instruments filling the air with rhythmic sounds. From drums to marimbas, the music set the stage for the high-energy dances that followed. The performers, dressed in colorful and intricately designed attire, moved with incredible precision and grace, their movements telling stories of Swazi history and everyday life.
One of the most captivating parts was the Sibhaca dance, where groups of men energetically stomped the ground in unison, each movement powerful and expressive. The sound of their synchronized footwork, accompanied by the beat of drums, created an electric atmosphere. There was also the graceful Umhlanga dance, performed by young women, which showcased their pride in Swazi heritage through their elegant and coordinated steps. The entire performance was a whirlwind of cultural pride and celebration, leaving the audience completely mesmerized.
After the performance, we were given a fascinating introduction to the Swazi way of life by touring a traditional Swazi homestead. The guide walked us through how these homes were built using natural materials such as thatch, mud, and wood, explaining how the different huts in the homestead served specific purposes. Each hut was designated for particular family members or functions, like cooking, sleeping, or storage. Though modern conveniences have become more common, many Swazi people still live in homes like these, keeping the traditions alive and well. It was an eye-opening experience to see how these traditions have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of eSwatini.
Next Stop: Safari in Kruger National Park!
Tomorrow, new adventures await as I head back into South Africa, more specifically, to Kruger National Park for a few days of safari! I'm incredibly excited about the prospect of completing my list of the Big 5—fingers crossed for some unforgettable wildlife encounters. Stay tuned for more stories from the African wilderness in the coming days!