Siteki

Siteki stands on top of the Lubombo plateau in eastern Eswatini, reached by a road that climbs steeply off the lowveld floor, and its name means the place of marriage, from King Mbandzeni's declaration permitting his troops to marry. The altitude makes it cooler than the sugar country below and the view west runs a long way over the lowveld. It serves the eastern district and the Mozambique border road.

Background

Siteki lies in the Lubombo district at an elevation of 619 metres. Earlier censuses listed the town as Stegi, with 612 residents in 1956 and 1,457 in 1966. The estimated population in 2013 was 6,381. Mzilikazi, on the road into town, is one of its densely populated areas. Siteki has two royal homes, a home of the Queen just before Mzilikazi and a home of the King at Emoyen. The town is served by Siteki Airfield.

Source: Wikipedia, "Siteki"

What you'll find

• The plateau position - a town on top of the Lubombo, cooler than the lowveld.
• The western view - the lowveld running away below the escarpment.
• The climb - the road rising steeply from the sugar country.
• The border road - the route east toward the Mozambique crossing.

When to go

May to September is the dry winter and clearest for the view. Summer is humid with afternoon storms. Mist covers the plateau at times.

Good to know

There is little in the town itself and it works mainly as a stopping point. Accommodation is limited. The main interest is the drive up and the view.

Nearby

Mlawula is north, and Hlane is west.

Key facts