ESWANTI ~ Black Mbuluzi River - Hlane Royal National Park~

... Nice view of one of the main rivers of Eswanti that flows through lush, green landscapes... many visitors come to the Mbuluzi River for its scenic beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the sun casts a golden hue across the water and the surrounding hills... it provides also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini... the river is a significant landmark for the local communities, and visitors can learn about the traditions and customs that have been preserved over generations... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo and Design: Dirk Schwager
The river has two main sources: one in the northern highlands of Mbabane, called Black Mbuluzi, and the other in the central highlands near Manzini, known as White Mbuluzi. 

During its course, the river passes through renowned nature parks such as Hlane Royal National Park and Shewula Nature Reserve. The Hlane Royal National Park has an area of 22,000 hectares and consists mainly of forest fields with a number of very old trees. Lions, elephants, white rhinos, giraffes, jackals, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, monkeys and various types of antelope also live in the park, as well as a variety of bird species.

Stamps:

Insects

(Issued 02-04-2012)

Trees of Swaziland

(Issued 23-01-2007)

ESWANTI ~ Mlilwane wildlife Sanctuary - Lobamba ~

... Plenty lovely views of a Wildlife Sanctuary situated in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley also known as the "Valley of Heavens"... it is Eswatini's pioneer conservation area and a beautiful, secluded sanctuary that has been seeing visitors for decades... a wonderful oasis for wildlife... endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game... walking, cycling and horse riding is permitted and there are many vehicle and walking trails... it is small, the oldest and most visited of the three wildlife sanctuaries... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Jacques Marais - Big Game Parks Photographic Library
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares, and its conservation efforts resulted in the saving of over 22 species from local extinction across the three reserves in Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). It was here in 1961 that Ted Reilly – whose father had settled at the property in 1906 – first took action to save what remained of the kingdom’s wildlife, converting it into a sanctuary and rounding up animals from elsewhere around the country before they were hunted out. 

Mlilwane means Little Fire, a reference to the many fires started by lightning strikes on Mlilwane Hill.

Wildlife to be seen include hippo, crocodile, Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, impala, blesbok, reedbuck, warthog, grey duiker and three species of mongoose and a variety of birdlife. 

 

Stamps

Insects

(Issued 02-04-2012)

Trees of Swaziland

(Issued 23-01-2007)

ESWATINI ( SWAZILAND) ~ The Big Five ~

...  Beautiful postcard💚... always impressive the "Big Five" on one postcard... they are some of Africa's most iconic animals: the Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo's and Rhinos... the origin of the Big Five is in the 1900s... the white settlers went on hunting safaris... the Big Five refers to the most difficult African beasts to catch on foot and the degree of danger involved... nowadays Safari tour companies have turned this into a clever marketing term, as today it is more about choosing which lens to shoot them with😊... while on safari, the Big Five are on every traveler's list...  Big Thanks Isabelle! (✿◠‿◠)

Swaziland is a small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19thC, independence was granted 1968. 

Ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, it is the only remaining monarchy in Africa. The new name Eswatini means “land of the Swazis” was made into effect in 2019, by the King. 

Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of Independence & the 50th Anniversary of the Birth of King Mswati III  

(Issued 18-03-2018)

ESWATINI ( SWAZILAND) ~ The Reed Dance Ceremony ~

 .. No better way to start a new blog year than with a fantastic new African country👍😀... it is one of Africa's smallest countries, slightly larger than half the size of Belgium... the Reed Dance is one of the most spectacular and well-known of Swaziland's cultural traditions... every year, thousands of young women dance bare-breasted before the royal family at the end of a week-long ritual... the girls wear short beaded skirts, adorned in colourful anklets, necklaces and sashes... the Reed Dance is a visual celebration of the girl’s camaraderie, solidarity and chastity... the most important aim of this ceremony is to encourage the girls to delay any sexual activities until marriage... thus limiting the possibility of HIV and helping in the fight against the AIDS epidemic... Big Thanks Isabelle!! (✿ ♥‿♥) 

Swaziland is a small landlocked kingdom in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19thC, independence was granted 1968.

Ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, it is the only remaining monarchy in Africa. The new name Eswatini means “land of the Swazis” was made into effect in 2019, by the King. 

 

Stamps:

Butterflies Defenitives

(Issued 17-03-1987)

Road Safety

(Issued 25-01-2005)