eSwatini announces dates for the 2025 Umhlanga Reed Dance!

eSwatini Tourism has officially confirmed the dates for the 2025 Umhlanga Reed Dance, the most iconic cultural festival in eSwatini. This year’s event will begin on 02 September 2025, with the main day (Day 7) taking place on Monday, 08 September 2025. On this day, the grand ceremony will unfold in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba. Notably, 02 September 2025 will be observed as a public holiday in eSwatini.

Photography guidelines for tourists:
Visitors are welcome to witness and photograph the festivities on Day 6 and Day 7. These days feature two of the most visually striking moments:

• The colourful procession of maidens carrying freshly cut reeds to the Royal Residence.
• The spectacular mass dance in the main arena on the final day.

The Umhlanga Reed Dance, or simply Umhlanga, is a centuries-old Swazi tradition honouring purity, unity, and respect for the monarchy. Unmarried and childless young women from across the Kingdom of eSwatini present newly cut reeds to the Queen Mother to fortify and protect her residence. This symbolic act is followed by days of celebration through singing, dancing, and cultural rituals.

Tens of thousands of maidens, led by Swazi princesses, gather at the Queen Mother’s village dressed in vibrant traditional attire – beaded skirts, colourful sashes, and ceremonial accessories. They sing, dance, and perform in front of thousands of spectators, embodying the spirit of cultural pride and unity. King Mswati III attends the main day to honour the maidens and, on occasion, may use the event to court a future bride.

For travellers, the Reed Dance is offering:

• Authentic cultural immersion into one of Africa’s most respected royal traditions.
• Unique photography opportunities of one of the largest traditional gatherings in Southern Africa.
• A chance to explore Lobamba and the surrounding attractions in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley.

Travel tip: Accommodation in and around Lobamba fills up quickly during this period, so book early to secure your spot for the most iconic cultural festival in eSwatini.

 

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Southern Africa: Consensus outlook for the major rainfall season from October 2024 to March 2025!

The Southern African Development Communtiy (SADC)* has released the official statement from the Twenty-Ninth Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29), which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 26 - 28 August 2024 to present a consensus outlook for the major rainfall season from October 2024 to March 2025.
According to the statement, the bulk of the SADC region, including Mauritius and central Madagascar, is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for most of the period of October to December 2024. The north-western part of the Republic of Congo (DRC) will experience where above-normal rainfall, while the remainder of the region, including the island states of Comoros and Seychelles, is likely to normal to below normal rainfall during this period of the 2024/25 season.
The period January to March 2025 is expected to have normal to above normal rainfall for most of the region. However, the south-western fringes of South Africa, south-eastern and western most of the Republic of Congo (DRC), north-western Angola, Tanzania, northern Zambia, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique and central western tip of Madagascar, as well as the Comoros and the Seychelles, are expected to experience normal to below-normal rains. Northern Madagascar is likely to receive above normal rainfall during this period of the 2023/24 rainfall season.

The temperature outlook covering the period from October 2024 to January 2025 indicates a highly likelihood for above normal temperatures in most parts of the whole SADC region.

Rainfall forecast for October to December 2024:

• Northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Central DRC, northern fringes of Zambia, eastern most Malawi, Tanzania, most of Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Southern DRC, Angola, most of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, western fringes of Zimbabwe, north-eastern South Africa, southern Mozambique and eSwatini
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Southern Namibia, southern Botswana, most of South Africa and Lesotho
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Southern Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Central Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Northern Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Mauritius
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Rainfall forecast for November 2024 to January 2025:

• Western DRC and north-western Angola
• Increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Central and southern Angola, eastern most DRC, North-western Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, most of Namibia western Malawi, central to southern Mozambique, eSwatini and north-eastern South Africa
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Central to south-western Angola, western coastal Namibia, most of central South Africa and Lesotho
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Bulk of Tanzania, eastern Malawi and northern Mozambique
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Southern Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Northern Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Mauritius
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Rainfall forecast for December 2024 to February 2025:

• Northern fringes of Tanzania
• Increased chances of below-normal rainfall
• Northern DRC
• Increased chances of below-normal rainfall
• Most of Tanzania, north-eastern Mozambique, northern tip of Malawi, southern most DRC and Angola
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• South-eastern Angola, most of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, most of South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, and most of Mozambique
• Increased chances of normal to above normal rainfall
• South-western Namibia and south-western South Africa
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Southernmost Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Most of Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal
• Mauritius
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Rainfall forecast for January to March 2025:

• Western DRC and north western Angola
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Eastern DRC, southern Angola, most of Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, most of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and most of Mozambique
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• South-western South Africa
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Tanzania, eastern fringes of DRC, northern fringes of Zambia, northern Malawi and northern Mozambique
• Increased chances of normal to below normal rainfall
• Southernmost Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Central Madagascar
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Northern Madagascar
• Increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Mauritius
• Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Increased chances of normal to below-normal raifall                   

* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

eSwatini: The dates of the Umhlanga Reed Dance 2024 have been announced!

eSwatini Tourism has confirmed the dates of the 2024 Umhlanga Reed Dance. The biggest cultural event in eSwatini is set to start on  27 August 2024, with the main day (Day 7) set to take place on Monday (02 September 2024). It will be on this day when the main ceremony occurs, with the dancing attended by His Majesty King Mswati III. 02 September 2024 will be a public holiday in eSwatini.
Tourists visiting the Umhlanga Reed Dance are allowed to take photographs on Days 6 and 7 (main day) – as the maidens walk to deliver the reeds to the Royal Residence, and then as they dance in the main arena. 

The Reed Dance ceremony, also known as "umhlanga", is a centuries old tradition where the eSwatini's unmarried and childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. The highlight of the event is the reed-giving ceremony. Tens of thousands of maidens from eSwatini, led by Swazi princesses, gather at the Queen Mother's royal village, the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, dressed in traditional attire; bright short beaded skirts with colourful sashes revealing their bare breasts to dance and sing and celebrate the unification of the Kingdom’s women. King Mswati lll, who sometimes makes use of the occasion to publicly court a prospective fiancée, joins the celebrations to pay tribute to the maidens.  

Southern Africa: Consensus outlook for the February to June 2024 rainfall season!

The Southern African Development Communtiy (SADC)* has released the official statement from the Twenty-Eighth Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-28), which took place in Maputo (Mozambique) from 29 to 31 January 2024 to present a consensus outlook for the February to June 2024 rainfall season over the SADC region. This period is covering the transition from summer wet season to winter dry season over most of the region, “long rains" season in regions characterised by bi-modal rainfall (northern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and eastern part of Tanzania) and transition from summer dry season to winter wet season in the south-western tip of Africa. According to the outlook, most member states in the northern half and the southeastern parts of the SADC region are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for most of the period from February to June 2024, except for central parts of the region and south-western parts where normal to below-normal and below-normal rainfall are expected. Above normal rainfall is expected over the north-eastern parts of the SADC region during the March 2024 to May 2024 period. The north-western and south-eastern parts of the region are expected to receive normal to below-normal rainfall during the April 2024 to June 2024 rainfall season. During this period, the central parts of the SADC region are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. Below normal rainfall conditions are expected to persist over the western regions of the SADC region, mostly in Botswana, Namibia, southern Angola and south-western South Africa throughout the forecast period.

February - April 2024

• Northern half of Angola, DRC, northern Zambia, northern Malawi, Tanzaniaand northern Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Southern half of Angola, northern fringes of Namibia, north-eastern Botswana, southern Zambia, Zimbabwe, southern Malawi, and most of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Most of central Namibia and most of western Botswana and northwestern fringes of South Africa
• Increased chances of below normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Southern fringes of Botswana, extreme southern parts of Zimbabwe, most of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini and southern fringes of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Southern Namibia and south-western South Africa
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• North and central Madagascar
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Southern Madagascar
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Mauritius
• Normal rainfall with increased chances above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall

March to May 2024

• Western half of DRC and northern half of Angola
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Eastern half of DRC, western half of Tanzania, northern Zambia, and north-eastern fringes of Angola
• Increased chances of above normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Eastern Tanzania, eastern Malawi, and northern Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Most of southern half of Angola, northern Namibia, central and southern parts of Zambia, south-eastern fringes of DRC, south-western Malawi, northern Botswana, the bulk of Zimbabwe, extreme north-eastern fringes of South Africa and central and southern parts of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall
• Central and southern parts of Namibia, western Botswana, and western South Africa
• Increased chances of below normal rainfall
• Southern fringes of Botswana, extreme southern tip of Zimbabwe, most of South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and southern fringes of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Comoros
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Madagascar
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Mauritius
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall

April to June 2024

• North-western tip of Namibia, most of Angola, DRC, northern tip of Zambia and western tip of Tanzania
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Southern tip of Angola, most of Namibia, western fringes of Botswana and western parts of South Africa
• Increased chances of below normal rainfall
• South-eastern Angola, southern tip of DRC, extreme north-eastern part of Namibia extreme western tip of Zimbabwe, most of Botswana, most of Zambia, northern Malawi, most of Tanzania, most of South Africa, Lesotho, most of Eswatini, northern and southern tips of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Northern Eswatini, north-eastern South Africa, eastern part of Botswana, most of Zimbabwe, southern fringes of Zambia, southern Malawi, most of Mozambique
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall
• Comoros
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Madagascar
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of below-normal rainfall (High Confidence)
• Mauritius
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall
• Seychelles
• Normal rainfall with increased chances of above-normal rainfall

* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Southern Africa: Rainfall season (October 2023 - February 2024) outlook!

According to the findings of the Twenty-Seventh Annual Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-27), most member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)* are likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall for most of the period from October 2023 to December 2023. The north-western part of Angola, much of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the southern half of Tanzania, north-eastern Zambia, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, the Comoros, eastern Madagascar, and Mauritius are expected to experience normal to above-normal rains during this period. The northern half of Tanzania and the Seychelles are likely to receive above normal rainfall between October 2023 and December 2023.

The period December 2023 to February 2024 is expected to have normal to above normal rainfall for the bulk of the SADC region except for the south-western fringes of Namibia, south-western South Africa, the southern part of Zimbabwe, the eastern half of Botswana, northern South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique where normal to below-normal rains are expected. Southernmost Madagascar will likely receive below normal rainfall during this period. The Seychelles is likely to receive above normal rainfall between December 2023 and February 2024.

* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

eSwatini: The dates of the Umhlanga Reed Dance 2023 have been announced!

eSwatini Tourism has confirmed the dates of the 2023 Umhlanga Reed Dance. The biggest cultural event in eSwatini is set to start on the 29 August 2023, with the main day (Day 7) set to take place on Monday (04 September 2023). It will be on this day when the main ceremony occurs, with the dancing attended by His Majesty King Mswati III. 04 September 2023 will be a public holiday in eSwatini.
Visitors are welcome to visit the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance, but are vastly outnumbered by the participants! This is a traditional event that allows spectators, not one that exists for spectators.

The Reed Dance ceremony, also known as "umhlanga", is a centuries old tradition where the eSwatini's unmarried and childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. The highlight of the event is the reed-giving ceremony. Tens of thousands of maidens from eSwatini, led by Swazi princesses, gather at the Queen Mother's royal village, the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, dressed in traditional attire; bright short beaded skirts with colourful sashes revealing their bare breasts to dance and sing and celebrate the unification of the Kingdom’s women. King Mswati lll, who sometimes makes use of the occasion to publicly court a prospective fiancée, joins the celebrations to pay tribute to the maidens. 

Southern Africa: Rainfall season (October 2022 - March 2023) outlook!

According to the findings of the Twenty-Sixth Annual Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-26), most member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)* are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for the period from October to December 2022. However, the north-western part of Angola, bulk of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), United Republic of Tanzania, northern Zambia, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles are likely to experience normal to below normal rains.

click to enlarge

During the period from January to March 2023 most of the SADC Region is expected to receive normal to above normal rains, except for northern Angola, bulk of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), northern half of United Republic of Tanzania and the bulk of Madagascar. Central Mozambique, southern Malawi, northern half of Zimbabwe, most of Zambia, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), south-eastern half of Angola, bulk of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa, and western parts of Lesotho are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during the first three month of 2023. 

* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

eSwatini: The dates of the Reed Dance 2022 have been announced!

eSwatini Tourism has confirmed the dates of the 2022 Umhlanga Reed Dance. The biggest cultural event in eSwatini is set to start on 30 August 2022, with the main day (Day 7) set to take place on 05 September 2022. It will be on this day when the main ceremony occurs, with the dancing attended by King Mswati III. 05 September 2022 will be a public holiday in eSwatini.
Tourists visiting the annual Reed Dance are allowed to take photographs on Days 6 and 7 (main day) – as the maidens walk to deliver the reeds to the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, and then as they dance in the main arena.

The Reed Dance ceremony, also known as "umhlanga", is a centuries old tradition where the eSwatini's unmarried and childless females present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. The highlight of the event is the reed-giving ceremony. Tens of thousands of maidens from eSwatini, led by Swazi princesses, gather at the Queen Mother's royal village, the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in Lobamba, dressed in traditional attire; bright short beaded skirts with colourful sashes revealing their bare breasts to dance and sing and celebrate the unification of the Kingdom’s women. King Mswati lll, who sometimes makes use of the occasion to publicly court a prospective fiancée, joins the celebrations to pay tribute to the maidens.

Festive Season 2021/22: Extended operational hours at South Africa's five land border crossings!

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) extends operational hours at some of the busiest Ports of Entry (POE) by between two and seven hours, making some of them to operate for 24 hours. This is to enable a continuous processing of truck drivers. Other travellers will be processed during the hours that fall outside the curfew. The Ports of Entry (POE) that have been approved to operate for extended hours during this Festive Season are:

• Mpumalanga
• Lebombo (South Africa - Mozambique)
• current hours of 06:00 – 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 09 December 2021 - 10 January 2022
• Oshoek (South Africa - eSwatini)
• current hours of 07:00 - 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 10 December 2021 - 31 January 2022
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Kosi Bay (South Africa - Mozambique)
• current hours of 08:00 - 17:00 will be extended to 07:00 - 18:00 from 15 December 2021 - 10 January 2022
• Free State
• Caledonspoort (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 15 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 23 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 24 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 02 January 2022
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 03 January 2022
• Van Rooyenshek (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 15 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 17 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 23 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 24 December 2021
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 02 January 2022
  

Southern Africa: Rainfall season (October 2021 - March 2022) outlook!

According to the findings of the Twenty-Fifth Annual Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-25), most member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)* are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for most of the period October to December 2021. The north-western part of Angola, the bulk of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), western and southern Madagascar, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, the western fringes of Namibia and South Africa, the south-western part of the United Republic of Tanzania and north-eastern Zambia are likely to expect normal to below-normal rains.
The bulk of the SADC member states, except for the south-western fringes of Angola and the western fringes of Namibia and South Africa, are expected to have normal to above normal  rainfall between January 2022 to March 2022.
The period from October to March is the main rainfall season over most of Southern Africa.

* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Southern Africa: Rainfall season (October 2020 - March 2021) outlook!

According to the findings of the Twenty Fourth Annual Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-24), most member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)* are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for most of the period from October 2020 to December 2020. Normal to below-normal rains are expected for north-western Angola, the bulk of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), most of eastern Madagascar, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania and north-eastern Zambia. The period from January 2021 to March 2021 is expected to have normal to above normal rainfall for the entire SADC region. The period from October to March is the main rainfall season over most of Southern Africa.

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* Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC): eSwatini receives the "Safe Travels Stamp"!

The Kingdom of eSwatini has been awarded the "Safe Travels Stamp" of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for its recently implemented Health & Safety protocols (pdf) brought in to give travellers the confidence to travel to and around the country as safely as possible when borders reopen. eSwatini is one of the first destinations in southern Africa to have received the "Safe Travels Stamp".The "Safe Travels Stamp" is the first ever global safety and hygiene stamp, which allows travellers to recognise destinations and businesses around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
The protocols were defined following the experience of WTTC members in dealing with the coronavirus and based on the best available medical evidence. It follows guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA) and is also backed by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global private sector of travel and tourism. It is known for being the only forum to represent the private sector in all parts of the industry worldwide.

Coronavirus pandemic: eSwatini to gradually ease the partial lockdown!

The Government of eSwatini has announced that it will gradually ease the partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which was intially introduced on 27 March 2020 and extended for another three weeks on 15 April 2020, from 08 May 2020. In line with similar measures recently taken by other countries in the region and the world, the country will allow the the gradual opening of selected businesses. Social, sports and entertainment activities and gatherings remain banned in eSwatini until further notice. Public transport will be allowed to operate at 70% capacity in a controlled manner and time. It will be mandatory for all passengers to wear a mask. Schools will remain closed.
Senior citizens and those that suffer from lingering chronicd iseases are advised to stay at home. Younger citizens are also urged to stay at home. Everyone else should also stay home except for workers in the permitted businesses and for citizens  strictly looking for food or medical attention. Schools in eSwatini will remain closed.
The Government of eSwatini will also introduce measures to demarcate high risk areas, so that specific interventions to affected areas, such as testing, fumigation and decontamination of public spaces, can efficiently be carried out.

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Coronavirus pandemic: eSwatini has extended the lockdown by 21 days! [update]

update (24 April 2020): The Government of eSwatini on 22 April 2020 has reversed a decision to relax coronavirus restrictions after infections almost doubled to 31 in one week.

The Government of eSwatini has extended the partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus by 21 days. The decision to extend the countrywide confinement, which became effective at midnight on 15 April 2020, was announced by Prime Minster Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini in a televised broadcast on the evening of the same day. According to the Prime Minister, the extended lockdown in eSwatini is a partial lockdown and allows low-risk non-essential businesses to operate under strict hygiene conditions. The initial lockdown in eSwatini was due to end on 15 April 2020. As of today (17 April 2020), the country has recorded 16 cases of Covid-19 with eight recoveries.

PARTIAL LOCKDOWN EXTENSION - COVID-19 15 April

PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT PARTIAL LOCKDOWN EXTENSION - COVID-19 The Kingdom of Eswatini has embarked on a robust drive to transform the economy and set this country on a path towards sustainable growth and stability. This noble mission is shared and supported by EmaSwati from all corners of our Kingdom.

Coronavirus pandemic: eSwatini to close its ports of entry for travel!

The Kingdom of eSwatini is set to introduce a 20-day partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Effective 27 March 2020, people in eSwatini will not be allowed to leave their homes except to buy food, medical supplies, make use of banking services or seek medical attention. Non-essential travel between towns, cities and regions in eSwatini is also not permitted, except for medical reasons or to provide or acquire essential services. The army and the police will be deployed to ensure compliance with all these measures. Chiefs and traditional authorities will take a leading role in enforcing these measures in their communities.
Following the announcement by the South African Government of a lockdown, only goods and cargo as well as returning citizens and legal residents will be allowed to enter eSwatini through the country's border crossing points. Returning citizens and residents of eSwatini will be subjected to a mandatory 14 days quarantine at designated locations except for those who are able to self-isolate. Foreign nationals coming from "high-risk countries are already restricted from entering eSwatini until further notice since eSwatini declared National Emergency in response to the coronavirus panedemic on 17 March 2020.

Festive Season 2019/20: Extended operational hours at South Africa's 11 busiest land border crossings!

South Africa's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is set to extend operational hours at the country's 11 busiest land border crossings to avoid delays over the festive season (04 December 2019 - 13 January 2020). During the festive season, high volumes of people are usually recorded at South Africa's borders with Mozambique, eSwatini and Lesotho. The DHA, as well as the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Services (SARS), will deploy additional officials at selected ports of entry during the festive season. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) implores all travellers leaving and entering South Africa to ensure that all their travel documents are in order to avoid unnecessary delays at the border crossings. These include passports, visas, health certificates, permits for specified goods, plants and animals and vehicles insurance and bank authorised cross-border documents for vehicles.

Mpumalanga

• Lebombo (South Africa - Mozambique)
• current hours of 06:00 – 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 13 December 2019 - 13 January 2020
• Mananga (South Africa - eSwatini)
• current hours of 07:00 - 18:00 will be extended to 07:00 - 20:00 from 21 - 24 December 2019
• Jeppe's Reef (South Africa - eSwatini)
• current hours of 07:00 - 20:00 will be extended to 07:00 - 22:00 from 21 - 24 December 2019
• Oshoek (South Africa - eSwatini)
• current hours of 07:00 - 00:00 will be extended to 24 hours from 19 - 21 December 2019
• Mahamba (South Africa - eSwatini)
• current hours of 07:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 07:00 - 00:00 on 21 December 2019 & 24 December 2019
  

Eastern Cape

• Qacha's Nek (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 07:00 - 20:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 22:00 from 21 - 24 December 2019
• current hours of 07:00 - 20:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 20:00 on 25 December 2019
• Tellebridge (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 05:00 - 23:00 on 13 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 05:00 - 23:00 on 17 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 05:00 - 23:00 from 22 - 24 December 2019

KwaZulu-Natal

• Kosi Bay (South Africa - Mozambique)
• current hours of 08:00 - 17:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 20:00 from 13 December 2019 - 09 January 2020

Free State

• Van Rooyenshek (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 20:00 on 20 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 20:00 on 23 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 24 hours on 24 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 05 January 2020
• Caledonspoort (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 14 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 24 hours on 21 December 2019
• current hours of 06:00 - 22:00 will be extended to 06:00 - 00:00 on 01 January 2020
• Monontsha Pass (South Africa - Lesotho)
• current hours of 08:00 - 16:00 will be extended to 08:00 - 18:00 from 14 - 15 December 2019
• current hours of 08:00 - 16:00 will be extended to 08:00 - 18:00 from 21 - 24 December 2019
• current hours of 08:00 - 16:00 will be extended to 08:00 - 17:00 from 28 - 31 December 2019
• current hours of 08:00 - 16:00 will be extended to 08:00 - 17:00 from 01 - 03 January 2020
  

eSwatini Tourism released eight new official tourism videos! [update]

update (26 November 2019): eSwatini Tourism has released an additional video titled "South East Eswatini - Wildlife Up Close".

eSwatini Tourism has released a number of videos about eSwatini, previously known as Swaziland and one of Lonely Planet's top countries for travel in 2020. All eight videos are focussing on different topics of tourists interests - from culture to scenery, wildlife and activities as well as regional highlights. Switch the video to full screen, put your headphones on, lean back and enjoy about 13 minutes about the Kingdom of eSwatini. Kudos eSwatini Tourism.

Lonely Planet: eSwatini is one of the top countries for travel in 2020!

According to Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2020", the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) is one of the top countries to visit next year. The country is ranked fifth after Lonely Planet's top country of the year, Bhutan, England, North Macedonia and Aruba. The largest travel guide book publisher in the world names the following reasons why eSwatini is one of the top destinations for the coming year:

Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife, the newly named Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of Southern Africa’s most underrated (and least visited) destinations. A new international airport, as well as improved road infrastructure between it, conservation areas and the capital, are aimed to increase visitor numbers in the years ahead – get here in 2020 to ensure yourself a front seat. The varied landscapes within its parks and reserves provide one exciting revelation after another, whether it’s zip lining, trekking, whitewater rafting or mind-blowing rhino encounters. Mix in a pervading sense of peace and enthralling cultural festivities and you’ll be smiling all the way home. [src.]

Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel" is produced annually as a guide to the top destinations, trends and experiences for the upcoming year. The Top 10 lists in "Best in Travel" were compiled by teams of experts, who took into account special events going on next year, recent developments in each country/region/city, and new things for travellers to see or do.

Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2020" - Top Countries:

1. Bhutan
2. England
3. North Macedonia
4. Aruba
5. Kingdom of eSwatini
6. Costa Rica
7. The Netherlands
8. Liberia
9. Morocco
10. Uruguay