Lobamba

Lobamba in the Ezulwini valley is where the parliament of Eswatini sits and where the Queen Mother's residence stands, making it the country's traditional and legislative centre while Mbabane handles administration. The national stadium, the parliament building and the royal village are all here, and the Reed Dance and the Incwala ceremony take place at the royal enclosure. Photography around the royal areas is restricted.

What you actually see

• The parliament building - the legislature, separate from administrative Mbabane.
• The royal village - the Queen Mother's residence and enclosure.
• The national stadium - where the large national ceremonies are held.
• The Ezulwini setting - the valley the whole complex sits in.

When to go

Year round. The Reed Dance falls around late August or early September and Incwala around December or January. Ceremony dates are set by the moon and announced late.

Honest expectations

Photography around the royal residence is restricted and rules must be followed. Much of the area is not open to visitors on ordinary days. Ceremony dates are announced late and cannot be planned far ahead.

Nearby

Mantenga is west, and Mlilwane is south.