The Swaziland Reed Dance Tour

Normally, from the 23rd to the 30th of August every year

Most of the maidens who take part are in their teens, although some younger ones participate. During the first week, the young maiden gathers reeds from the specially selected areas, some of the older girls travel for a long distance, leaving the young ones to choose the reeds closer to their homes.

The day of the Reed Dance begins with bathing and grooming before appearing before the King and the Queen Mother. The girls wear short beaded skirts decorated with fringes and buttons;

Together with anklets, bracelets, necklaces, and colorful sashes.

Each sash has appendages of different colored wool streamers, which denote whether or not the wearer is betrothed. The Royal family princesses wear red feathers in their hair and lead the maidens to perform before their majesties.

Each group has its particular dance steps and sound, which mark the respect for the Monarch and his mother. Many of the girls carry torches to indicate that they have cut the reeds at night.

The reed dance attracts young maidens and young men from across the Kingdom and fosters the unity of clans, which characterizes modern Swaziland as devoid of tribal differences.

Photographs may be taken during the Reed Dance provided the permits are obtained in advance.

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up at the airport and we go for refreshments, we check in at the lodge where you will luggage, and we head straight to Ludzidzini, where the Reed Dance Umhlanga is in the SiSwati Language. This is where you will find the girls gathering at the Queen Mother’s royal village, at Ludzidzini. In Sobhuza's time, it was at Lobamba. They come in groups from the 200 or so chiefdoms and are registered for security.

Men, usually four, supervise them, appointed chiefs. They sleep in the huts of relatives in the village or classrooms of nearby schools. This is a very exciting time for the maidens. This will be enough for the day, and we will go back to our Lodge for Dinner.

Overnight Lodge

Day 2: Reed Dance

After breakfast, we depart again to where the reed dance is. Today, the girls are separated into two groups, the older (about 14 to 22 years) and the younger (about 8 to 13 years).

In the afternoon, they march to the reed beds with their supervisors. The older girls often march about 30 kilometers, while the younger girls march about ten kilometers. If the older girls are sent further, the government will provide trucks for their transport. After this, we depart for our lodge.

Overnight Lodge.

Day 3: Reed Dance

After breakfast, we depart for the reed dance. Today, the girls cut their reeds, usually about ten to twenty, using long knives. Each girl tries her reeds into a bundle. Nowadays, they use strips of plastic for the tying, but those mindful of tradition will still cut grass and plant it into rope. We depart for the lodge.

Overnight Lodge

Day 4: Reed Dance Continue

After breakfast, we depart for the reed dance. In the afternoon, the girls set off to return to the Queen Mother’s village, carrying their bundles of reeds. Again, they return at night. This is done “to show they traveled a long way”. We depart for the lodge.

Overnight Lodge

Day 5: Reed Dance

After breakfast, we depart for the reed dance. A day of rest where the girls make final preparations for their hair and dancing costumes. After all that walking, who doesn’t deserve a little pampering?

Overnight Lodge.

Day 6: Reed Dance

After breakfast, we depart for the reed dance, which is a big day where the reed dance takes place. The girls are dancing in costumes, such as beautiful dances and songs! First day of dancing, from about three to five in the afternoon. The girls drop their reeds outside the Queen Mother’s quarters. They move to the arena and dance, keeping their groups and each group singing different songs at the same time.

Overnight Lodge

Day 7: Reed Dance, Second Last Day

The second and last day of dancing. His Majesty the King will be present.

Day 8: Reed Dance, Last Day

After breakfast, we check out and head to Ludzidzini, which is the last day of the reed dance. King commands that several cattle (perhaps 20 -25) be slaughtered for the girls.

They receive pieces of meat and go home. We depart for the airport, where you will be taking your flight back home.

Valid Passports Essential

Please advise your Nationality, as Lesotho has visa restrictions on certain countries.

Included:

Accommodation
Entry Fees
Mineral Water
Transport in 4x4 Vehicles
Driver/Guide Fees

Excluded:

Drinks & Meals
Personal Expenses
Personal Insurances
Walks/Hikes
Tips to Guide