Hosting eSwatini’s royalty for over two centuries, the country’s traditional seat of power is home to Incwala and Umhlanga ceremonies, as well as the King Sobhuza Memorial Park and National Museum.
Hea
ding east out of the Ezulwini Valley, the MR103 crosses the Lusushwana River – a tributary of the Great Usutu – and rises up a gentle incline. At the top, a broad avenue on the left leads to the National Museum, Somhlolo Stadium and King Sobhuza II Memorial Park. On the right, beyond the ramshackle cluster of Lobamba village, is the royal kraal at Ludzidzini, ringed by the plains on whichthe nation gathers for the annual Incwala and Umhlanga. This whole area is known as Lobamba and has been playing host to Swaziland’s royalty for over 200 years.
(Photo: King Sobhuza Memorial Park © eSwatini Courtesy of eSwatini Tourist Board)