Dance into Spring
By Siphesihle Dlamini
This Sunday marks the last curtain call of August, the month that has tested our patience with chilly mornings, misty hills, and blankets that refused to let go.
For many emaSwati, August is not just another page on the calendar; it is a month that feels like a stern teacher, reminding us that life comes with both struggle and survival.
And yet, as the sun sets on this final August day, Eswatini begins to loosen its scarf, put aside its heater, and whisper a warm “Hello” to September, the official herald of spring. September in Eswatini is not just a new month. It is a promise.
A promise of colour after brown, of warmth after cold, of bloom after survival. It is that transitional moment where life stretches, yawns, and remembers that joy exists.
Eswatini is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that while much of the northern world prepares for autumn leaves, the emaSwati prepare for blossoms. September here is spring.
The countryside begins to change its attire, dry fields begin to flirt with green, flowers test their petals, and rivers, once shallow, start to shimmer under warmer skies.
August had its winds, sometimes harsh, sometimes playful but September calms them down. The mornings still ask politely for a light jersey, but by midday, the sun already demands sunglasses and cold drinks.
Farmers, who have endured the stubborn frost, finally smile as the soil begins to soften, ready to embrace seeds. Children no longer shiver on their way to school; instead, they walk with lighter steps, dreaming of December holidays that already feel closer than they are.
For emaSwati, September is layered with meaning beyond the weather. It carries culture, emotion, and lifestyle shifts. September feels like a second New Year. People start diets (again), promise to visit the gym (again), and even clean homes with a fresh kind of energy. It’s as if the month whispers: “You have another chance to do better.”
September is also a cultural crown jewel. The country often bursts into rhythm with the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance, a celebration that attracts thousands of maidens and dazzles both locals and tourists.
This event symbolises purity, unity, and pride, a reminder that Eswatini is deeply rooted in tradition, even as it embraces modernity.
By September, whispers of Christmas already begin. Shops start stacking early decorations, and conversations at taxi ranks suddenly slide from “It’s cold” to “So how are we going to afford December?) The anticipation of holidays begins here, slowly weaving into everyday conversations.
September is when people start going out again. The cold months kept most gatherings indoors, but spring invites weddings, garden parties, and weekend road trips. Parks and nature reserves such as Mlilwane and Mantenga become favourite spots for families who want to picnic under trees and watch wildlife reappear in their full glory.
September is not shy about showing off. The once-dry, golden grass starts to blush with green, the jacaranda trees in Mbabane and Manzini explode into purple carpets, and the sunsets take on a fiery orange hue, reminding the emaSwati why this small kingdom is often called the “Switzerland of Africa.”
In rural homesteads, September means fields are ploughed. The cattle bells echo in the valleys, accompanied by the laughter of children running behind oxen.
The air smells different, less like smoke from winter fires and more like dust mixed with hope. Fashion also blooms. Out go the heavy coats, in come the lighter skirts, short sleeves, and colourful prints.
For many young people, September is an excuse to show off wardrobes hidden under layers of blankets during winter. It is no wonder that fashion boutiques in Mbabane, Ezulwini, and Manzini experience a rush as shoppers prepare for spring looks.
How can emaSwati enjoy the month
Outdoor adventures
Hiking in Sibebe Rock, camping in Malolotja, or simply enjoying a braai with friends becomes the heartbeat of weekends. September weather is forgiving enough for sweat and laughter but not yet punishing like December heat.
Food and flavours
Markets begin to overflow with fresh produce. Mangoes tease with their first appearances, while avocados, bananas, and leafy greens remind emaSwati that nature is generous. September braais feel different; people grill not just meat but also share the joy of being outdoors.
Sports season
Football season regains its energy. Local teams draw bigger crowds, as people prefer stadiums to couches now that the cold has eased. And as European football heats up, fans in Eswatini gather in bars and lounges, passionately debating about Manchester United’s struggles or Real Madrid’s brilliance, all while sipping cold ciders under spring skies.
Weddings and celebrations
September has quietly become “wedding season” in Eswatini. With clear skies and warm afternoons, many couples choose this month to tie the knot. It is common to see convoys of decorated cars honking along the Mbabane–Manzini corridor, signalling yet another celebration.
Music and festivals
From local street bashes in Manzini to cultural showcases in Ezulwini, September unlocks the sound of drums and guitars. Young people start planning for bigger festivals later in the year, but already the nights hum with music, laughter, and the thrill of warmer days.
Garden and home refresh
Spring cleaning takes on a deeper meaning. Families plant flowers in their yards, paint their homes, and redecorate living rooms with brighter colours. In rural homesteads, people sweep compounds until they gleam, preparing for a season of visitors.
Road trips and scenic drives
September is perfect for hitting the road. Whether it’s a drive to Pigg’s Peak with its winding mountain routes, or a trip to the Ezulwini Valley with its art galleries and craft markets, emaSwati love exploring their country while the weather is mild and the landscapes turn green.
Birdwatching and nature walks
Spring brings life back to the skies. Bird enthusiasts gather in nature reserves like Mlilwane or Hlane Royal National Park to spot colourful migratory birds returning. Even for those who aren’t bird experts, simply sitting under a tree and hearing the morning songs feels like therapy.
Fashion and street style
September is a fashion parade. Social media timelines flood with colourful outfits, streetwear, and spring-inspired looks. Markets like Manzini’s Saturday Market or Mbabane’s craft stalls become places to show off and shop. Influencers and young creatives thrive in this season, turning sidewalks into runways.
Family reunions and braai Sundays
Perhaps the most underrated September activity is simply gathering as a family. With weather that allows both indoor laughter and outdoor games, Sundays are often spent around the fire, meat sizzling, kids running, and elders telling stories. The warmth of spring amplifies the warmth of family bonds.
Attend the Reed Dance (Umhlanga)
September is often marked by one of the country’s most iconic cultural events, the Reed Dance. Thousands of maidens gather to present reeds to Her Majesty the Queen Mother, accompanied by song and dance. For emaSwati, attending (or even just watching) is not just entertainment, it’s cultural pride on display.
Visit local art galleries and exhibitions
From Yebo! Art Gallery in Ezulwini to the Bahle Gallery in Mbabane, September is when art lovers come out in numbers. The season inspires new exhibitions and artists showcase work bursting with colour, reflecting the mood of spring.
Try Eswatini’s scenic hiking trails
Beyond Sibebe, there are hidden gems like Sheba’s Breasts hike near Ezulwini, or Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve near Piggs Peak. September’s temperatures are cool enough to hike without being drained, but warm enough to picnic at the summit.
Enjoy Eswatini’s hot springs
The hot springs in Ezulwini, popularly known as “The Cuddle Puddle,” are another September favourite. With evenings still carrying a touch of winter chill, a dip in the warm natural spring is both soothing and social.
Support local markets and craft fairs
Manzini’s market buzzes with energy in September. Tourists begin arriving for spring travel, and local crafters display handmade jewellery, traditional attire, baskets, and woodwork. Supporting these markets becomes both a shopping trip and a cultural exchange.
Explore wildlife parks
Spring is baby season for wildlife. At Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane, or Mkhaya Game Reserve, you’ll likely spot young antelopes or bird hatchlings. Families love going on game drives to see how nature revives after winter.
Host outdoor movie nights
September evenings are perfect for creativity. Communities and young people set up projectors in backyards or open fields, turning simple nights into mini cinemas. With popcorn, blankets, and stars overhead, it becomes an affordable but magical outing.
Volunteer and community projects
Spring also brings a sense of giving back. Many emaSwati use September weekends to join community clean-ups, assist at local schools, or participate in church charity events. The renewal of nature inspires the renewal of kindness.
Go fishing or picnic by the river
Rivers and dams across the country, such as Maguga Dam, have become popular picnic spots. Families bring cooler boxes, chairs, and fishing rods. Children play by the water while adults grill, gossip, or simply nap in the afternoon sun.
Embrace spiritual and wellness retreats
For those who see spring as a personal reset, September is the time for wellness. Yoga groups, church retreats, and meditation camps often use the month to reconnect with nature and faith. From Ezulwini lodges to remote mountain cabins, emaSwati find healing in September’s calm.
