Overview
Most of the maiden who take part are in their teens, although there are some younger ones who participate. During the first week the young maiden gather reeds from the specially selected areas, some of the older girls travel for a long distance, leaving the young ones to choose the reeds closer to their homes.
The day of the reed dance begins with bathing and grooming prior to appearing before the King and the Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts decorated with fringes and buttons;
Together with anklets, bracelets, and necklaces, and colorful sashes.
Each sash has appendages of different colored wool streamers, those denote whether or not the is betrothed. The Royal family princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead the maidens to perform before their majesties. Each group has its own particular dance steps and sound which marks the respect for the Monarch and his mother. Many of the girls carry torches to indicate that had cut the reeds at night.
The reed dance attracts young maidens and young men from across the Kingdom and foresters the unity of clans which characterizes the modern Swaziland as devoid of tribal differences.
Photographs may be taken during the reed dance provided the permits are obtained in advance.
• Culture shock: Medium
• Group size: from 1 to 25 people
• Pickup location: From any Hotel and any guest houses around Ezulwini Valley, Mbabane, Manzini. Let us know your area – to some far places a pick up fee may apply.
• Drop-off location: Drop off can be at the same place unless there is a different arrangement.
• Pickup time: (8.00 AM – 8.30 AM)
• Drop-off time: (4.00 PM – 4.30 PM)
Itinerary
The itinerary is as follows but we have added the other attractions of this tour because the the Reed Dance ceremony does not start until midday or around lunch time.
Stop 1
We will pick you up from your place of stay and head down to Manzini and have breakfast in the market where you can try the local dish while you are learning the local language. Look around the Market and shop around for about 45 minutes.
Stop 2
Head over to Swazi candles- this is a hive of shops its all under one roof. You will have the colorful candles crafted by local artist by hand it’s a must see Not only is there a stunning variety of thousands of candles on display in the factory shop but visitors are welcome to watch the candle making process in the work shop.
With the area you will find the following shops-Swazi sense natural soap, rose craft, sambane café, Kwazi swazi, baobab Batik and also lots of open market stalls.
Stop 3
Malandelas Complex will tend to calm you down and you will feel like have having coffee in the restaurant but there won’t be enough time.
Visit Gone rural, baobab batik shop, House on fire to see the impressive house of entertainment in Swaziland .
Stop 4
We can also combine it with the Cultural village where we will have a tour of the village with the guide explaining the Swazi culture and the Swazi family set up.
See the Swazi traditional Dance performed by both Male and females- you can join then at the end of the performance and have fun.
We are now going to head straight to the Reed Dance ceremony where we will change into our traditional gear ( provided we were able to get more attire) for every one.But only for those who would like the dress code for the Swazi people.
Cancellation Policy
31days cancellation before arrival 100% refund
30days cancellation before arrival 75% refund
15days cancellation before arrival 50% refund
3days-24 hrs cancellation before arrival 0% refund
No refund for Bad weather cancellation
Gallery
Your Leader
Myxo Mdluli
Myxo mdluli is the mastermind behind the creation of this amazing experience, he is now 48 years old and still going strong in his passion to meet travellers from all over the world, he is a well-travelled person himself if you compare him to his fellow local people.
Myxo’s love of travelling makes it much easier to communicate well with him, he is very easy going and very friendly person if you really need your visit to this country to be amazing start do insist that you want to at least meet him for a short time before he goes off to do other chores, but you may be lucky that he will have time and spend it with you during your entire stay. He is speaks a few languages, this makes him understand other cultures… you will truly enjoy meeting him.
Make a Booking
Please use the form below to make a booking enquiry. Your message will be sent to our team and a representative will contact you very soon to discuss your booking.
Other Eswatini Tours
