Media Trip to Eswatini's Umhlanga Reed Dance

The Eswatini Tourism Authority is excited to be offering places on a Media Trip to Eswatini (30 Aug - 3 Sept 2024) to coincide with the country’s famous Umhlanga Reed Dance.

The Umhlanga Reed Dance is one of Africa’s largest and most colourful cultural spectacles and a centuries-old tradition where the Kingdom’s maidens present their newly cut reed to the Queen Mother to protect her residence. In the words of a previous visitor: “Little can prepare you for the sheer scale of the pageantry, with column upon column of girls advancing like vast ululating centipedes across the parade grounds of Ludzidzini, each dissolving in turn into the pulsating mass of bodies around the royal kraal. Up close, it’s an almost overwhelming immersion in noise and colour, as the girls stamp, sing and sway in step, anklets rattling, naked flesh and dazzling costume blurring into a living, chanting kaleidoscope. The warrior escorts, adorned with cow tails and clutching knob-stick and shield, are sternly intent on their duties and seem contemptuous of tourists, but the girls are all smiles. It’s Eswatini’s biggest holiday and, after days of tramping the hillsides, cutting reeds and camping out, they’re determined to party.”

As well as the unique experience of the Main Day at the Umhlanga Reed Dance, participants will be given experiences around the Kingdom, sampling the stunning scenery, thrilling safaris, and rich culture this small but diverse country has to offer.

Full hosting for this trip is offered throughout Eswatini and includes transfers in and out of Eswatini from Johannesburg only. International flights are NOT included.

If you would like to apply for a place, please complete and return the attached form as soon as possible, with as much detail of confirmed exposure as possible. Places are limited and participants will be selected early next month.