Page 73 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 20

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Eswatini is Africa’s little gem. With that the Kingdom is one of the very Largest population of nesting
a thriving population, varying land- few countries in the world where vultures in Africa
scapes and rolling hills. The country BOTH black and white rhinos can Hlane Royal National Park is a
is a tourist favorite and amongst be found. nesting paradise. The park holds
one of the most scenic places on Africa’s largest population of nest-
the continent. However there are Longest reigning monarch in ing vultures. Hlane is the country’s
a number of interesting and out- the world largest protected area and extends
rageously wild fun facts about the King Sobhuza II, the present King’s either side of the MR3. This is what
country which many may or might father, reigned from 1899 to 1982 makes it incredible because you can
not be familiar with. and spent 82 years and 253 days spot wildlife along the side of the
on the throne. This makes him the highway as you drive by. There are
Absolute Monarchy longest reigning monarch in world different camps within the park and
Eswatini is Africa’s last absolute history. it is at this very reserve where the
monarchy and one of the few annual royal hunt called Butimba
remaining in the world. This form Youngest crowned monarch in takes place.
of government gives the head of the world
state supreme authority that super- This ironic tale is not fictional at all. Oldest mountains in the world
sedes all written laws, legislature Eswatini is also famous for having Southern Africa not only holds
or customs. By tradition, the king the world’s youngest crowned mon- some of the world’s oldest fossils,
reigns along with his mother who is arch at the time of his coronation. including those of dinosaurs, but
known as the Indlovukazi (She-ele- King Mswati III, current reigning also some of the oldest landscape
phant) while the King is reffered to monarch, ascended to the throne at formations. The Mountains in
as Ingwenyama (Lion) just 18. Eswatini’s Malolotja Native Reserve
clock over 3.6 billion years old.
Swaziland was always Eswatini Oldest Mine in the world
The year 2018 was a historical one The country is home to the world’s Host Country of Annual glob‑
for the Kingdom. The year not only oldest mine. Ngwenya Mine which ally recognized festival
signified a double celebration of is found north of the Kingdom Highly praised by CNN as one of
50 years of Independence as well considered to be the world’s oldest the “7 African music festivals you
as the 50th birthday of the head of mine with iron ore deposits that really have to see”, and also named
state, but it also marked when the constitute to one of the oldest geo- as BBC’s Top African Festival, the
country went from being Swaziland logical formations in the world. All MTN bushfire fest is globally rec-
to Eswatini overnight. Literally. that remains today of the ancient ognized. It is a music & arts festival
However, an interesting fact to note mine is a modest hole in the hillside, that celebrates creative expression
is that the Kingdom was always known as the Lion Cavern. You can whilst promoting social responsi-
considered Eswatini by it’s people. visit the mine on a guided tour from bility, stimulating the economy and
The change was only a legal affir- the nearby visitor center, which drawing talent and tourists from
mation. The name means, the place displays samples of various mineral across Africa and around the world.
or land of the Swazi/the place of deposits and a life-size diorama of This year’s festival takes place 24-26
the people of Mswati. an iron-age smelter at work, among May at Malandela’s House on Fire.
other extraordinary exhibits.
Second largest rock found here Words for Eswatini
Sibebe Rock which is located on the Two capital cities Indeed there are showers of
outskirts of Mbabane, is the world’s Mbabane is the administrative capi- blessings coming on the king-
second largest monolith (single tal while Lobamba is the traditional
piece of rock). It lags a little behind capital. It is also the seat of King dom of Eswatini and Afrika and
Australia’s Uluru. Mswati III and where the houses I pray none of us will miss them.

of parliament and other national Blessings and curses are mostly
Best big Five safari experiences institutions are situated. Lobamba is the results of spoken words, so
It is possible to observe the famous located close to the Ezulwini Valley. I pray that as Afrikans, we will
big five which consists of lion, A tourist hotspot. begin to understand and also use
leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo words to accurately shape our
in Eswatini. It is also to be noted lives and purposes.

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