As September gives way to October, the Kingdom of Eswatini enters a month renowned for bloom, festivity, and renewed energy. Known locally for its vibrant jacaranda and mimosa blooms, October signals a transition toward warmer days, longer evenings, and a season of both activity and reflection.
For residents, the month brings more than favourable weather.
Farmers anticipate the planting season, schoolchildren return from breaks, and communities prepare for a series of cultural and recreational events.
Even the Mbuluzi River, which meanders lazily through the landscape, seems to echo the liveliness of the season.
Cultural gatherings take centre stage across the country.
While Umhlanga and other traditional ceremonies are typically September highlights, October features harvest celebrations, local festivals, and church thanksgiving services.
Families convene under lutsango trees to sing, dance, and share meals, while drumbeats reverberate across Hhohho’s valleys and Lubombo’s plains. Visitors can explore handicraft markets, storytelling evenings, and village ceremonies that offer an authentic experience of Eswatini’s cultural heartbeat.
Outdoor enthusiasts find October ideal for exploration. National parks, including Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mkhaya Game Reserve, see a surge of activity.
Birdwatchers, hikers, and families flock to scenic locations like Malolotja Nature Reserve, while waterfalls such as Phophonyane and Mantenga become popular destinations for picnics and social gatherings.
Camping under the stars, cycling trails in Pine Valley, and horse riding in the Ezulwini Valley also draw locals and tourists alike.
Sports and entertainment flourish during the month. Football fixtures, netball tournaments, and athletics events engage communities, while concerts, poetry readings, comedy shows, and fashion events offer nightly entertainment. Retailers and businesses similarly ramp up activity in preparation for year-end festivities.
October is also a personal season. Families reconnect, gardens are tended, and individuals pursue leisure and small adventures. For many, it is a time of balance—where work, celebration, and personal growth intersect.
In Eswatini, October is more than a calendar month; it is a symbol of renewal, opportunity, and communal vitality, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace its vibrancy and promise.
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