Eswatini braces for month of bloom, celebration, new beginnings

By Siphesihle Dlamini

September has packed its bags. Its warm breezes, scattered showers, and that slightly impatient feeling of a season transitioning into another are all but gone.

We wave goodbye to it with mixed emotions: gratitude for the little rains, relief from the bone-chilling August winds, and a nostalgic nod to the long days of spring that made Eswatini glow with pink jacarandas and yellow mimosa trees.

But now, we must clear the path for October, the tenth month of the year, the one that traditionally wears the crown of promise.

In Eswatini, October isn’t just another month on the calendar. It’s a season, a chapter of bloom, activity, and anticipation.

It’s when the days become longer, the weather is friendlier, and the national mood more celebratory. For many, it’s the official countdown to year-end festivities. For others, it’s time to roll up sleeves and tackle last-quarter goals.

Whatever the case, October arrives like a vibrant guest at a homestead wedding: with colour, with purpose, and with no intention of leaving unnoticed.

Nature herself seems to conspire in October’s favour. The fields grow greener, the flowers open wider, and the sunsets stretch longer across Eswatini’s rolling hills.

Farmers look forward to the planting season, and schoolchildren return from their September breaks with renewed energy. October is the month when even the slow-moving Mbuluzi River seems to hum a livelier tune.

So, what does the Kingdom of Eswatini have in store for its people this month? The answer: plenty. From cultural outings to outdoor activities, from entertainment events to personal milestones, October is jam-packed with opportunities.

Festivals and Cultural Activities

While September is traditionally associated with Umhlanga and the opening of cultural ceremonies, October also has its share of gatherings. Local communities often host harvest celebrations, mini cultural festivals, and church thanksgiving services.

This is a month when families come together under lutsango (shade trees) to sing, dance, and share food. Expect drumbeats echoing from the valleys of Hhohho to the plains of Lubombo as communities celebrate life itself.

For tourists, October offers a more relaxed but equally authentic taste of Eswatini’s cultural charm. Village visits, handicraft markets, and storytelling evenings come alive, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the heartbeat of the nation.

Outdoor Adventures and Travel

With clear skies and mild temperatures, October is arguably one of the best times for outdoor exploration. Eswatini’s national parks, Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mkhaya Game Reserve, become playgrounds for both locals and visitors.

Birdwatchers have a feast, hikers find joy in the crisp air, and families take weekend drives to scenic spots like Malolotja Nature Reserve.

Young people are particularly drawn to waterfalls during October. Phophonyane Falls and Mantenga Falls become favourites for picnics, social media photoshoots, and the occasional brave swim.

Camping enthusiasts also prepare for weekend retreats under the stars.

Sports and Entertainment

October is also a sports lover’s delight. The football season heats up as local teams lock horns in league fixtures, drawing passionate fans to stadiums across the kingdom.

Netball and athletics events also make appearances, with schools and communities organising competitions.

On the entertainment front, October often serves as a rehearsal for the December party season. Expect music concerts, poetry nights, comedy shows, and fashion showcases.

Eswatini’s creators understand that October is the month when people are most eager to be out and about, and they respond with shows that turn evenings into unforgettable experiences.

Personal and Family Activities

Beyond the public events, October is a deeply personal month for many. Families use it to reconnect before the busy year-end rush. Braais (barbecues) become common weekend rituals.

Garden lovers take advantage of the good rains to plant flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. Parents begin whispering about festive shopping, while schools remind learners that exams are just around the corner.

For the younger generation, October is also a time to pursue small adventures, cycling with friends, attending community youth events, or simply discovering new cafés and hangouts in towns like Mbabane, Manzini, and Ezulwini.

Why October Feels Special

There is something symbolic about October. It’s neither the very beginning nor the very end, but it carries the essence of both. It’s the month that nudges people into action, finish that project, plant that seed, books that December trip.

October is the kingdom’s unofficial wake-up call.

Economists often point out that October is when businesses begin reporting on their annual targets, while retailers start setting up festive promotions. In that way, October is as much about work as it is about play. It’s a month of balance, where seriousness and celebration co-exist.

Things to Do in Eswatini This October

If you’re wondering how best to spend your October in Eswatini, here are a few suggestions:

Explore Nature and Adventure

• Hiking Sibebe Rock: The granite giant outside Mbabane calls out to thrill-seekers. October’s cool mornings make the climb manageable, and the reward, panoramic views, is priceless.

• Horse riding in Ezulwini Valley: Through fields, riversides, and rural trails, horse riding in October is both romantic and adventurous.

• Camping under the stars: Mlilwane and Malolotja campsites are tailor-made for cool October evenings filled with storytelling around fires.

• Cycling trails: Enthusiasts can explore dirt tracks in Pine Valley or even attempt long-distance rides across Lobamba’s scenic routes.

Cultural and Community Life

• Thanksgiving ceremonies (imigubho): Communities across the country will host family gatherings and thanksgiving events, complete with food, music, and traditional dances.

• Craft market visits: Ezulwini’s Mantenga Craft Centre and Ngwenya Glass are brimming with handmade treasures. October is a perfect time to support local artisans.

• Church concerts and revivals: October is peak time for church choirs to host harvest festivals, filling halls with harmonious gospel sounds.
Sports and Fitness

• Premier League of Eswatini matches: Football fans can expect heated rivalries in October fixtures, with stadiums like Somhlolo buzzing with chants.

• Community fun runs: October is also the season of charity runs and marathons, great for fitness and giving back.

• Tennis and golf: With spring in full swing, sports clubs in Mbabane and Manzini will see increased activity, particularly golf tournaments in Ezulwini.

• Fitness bootcamps: Parks and open fields come alive with people exercising together in October’s warm weather.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

• Poetry and spoken word nights: Cafés and lounges in Mbabane and Manzini often host vibrant open-mic events in October.

• Comedy shows: October brings laughter; expect local comedians to light up weekends with skits and stand-up.

• Fashion shows: Spring inspires style. Keep an eye on October showcases that blend tradition and modern chic.

• Live music festivals: Local artists, from Afro-soul to amapiano, will be performing at lodges and outdoor venues.

• Movie nights under the stars: Some lodges and cultural centres screen films outdoors in October, offering a magical cinema experience.
Family and Social Life

• Picnics by rivers and parks: Mantenga Nature Reserve and King Sobhuza II Park are perfect picnic spots this month.

• Braais and cookouts: The October sun practically begs for sizzling meat and laughter-filled afternoons with friends.

• Weddings and lobola ceremonies: October weekends are often packed with colourful traditional ceremonies, an activity in themselves for those invited.

• Children’s outings: Families can plan visits to places like House on Fire or Sibebe Resort for kid-friendly fun.

Wellness and Relaxation

• Spa retreats: Ezulwini’s spas offer massages and wellness therapies, October is a good time to recharge.

• Yoga and meditation retreats: Growing in popularity, retreats in scenic areas allow people to reset before the year-end rush.

• Gardening and farming: With October rains, households can plant vegetables, maize, and fruit trees. It’s therapeutic and rewarding.
Learning and Growth

• Workshops and training events: October often sees creative and professional workshops popping up in towns, photography, business skills, or digital art.

• Book clubs and library visits: As exam season looms, October also doubles as a study month, making libraries in Mbabane and Manzini lively hubs.

• Cooking and baking experiments at home: Families use October weekends to try out new recipes before the festive season.
Road Trips and Tourism

• Drive to Pigg’s Peak: With jacarandas painting roadsides purple, a road trip to the northern town is an activity.

• Ngwenya Border adventures: Many locals use October weekends for quick shopping trips to neighbouring South Africa, returning with stories and goodies.

• Discover rural Eswatini: Travel to lesser-known areas like Sithobela, Siphofaneni, or Lavumisa to discover local markets and hidden gems.

• Heritage tours: Visit the National Museum or King Sobhuza II Memorial Park to reconnect with history.

Nightlife and Social Fun

• Shisanyama nights: Outdoor eateries with live DJs thrive in October evenings.

• Club culture: Mbabane and Manzini clubs bring international DJs or host themed nights during October.

• Sunset lounges: Rooftop bars and lodges like Lidwala or Happy Valley offer relaxed October evenings.

There’s a saying that “October is the month that teaches us patience before December rewards us.” Indeed, people are beginning to look forward to festive holidays, but October ensures we savour the journey.

Its weekends are filled with weddings, its weekdays hum with productivity, and its nights sparkle with youthful laughter in town hotspots.