The Kingdom of Eswatini: Our First African Experience (4K)

Embark on an exciting journey with me as I explore Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) for the first time, showcasing the country's astonishing natural beauty, vibrant cities, and authentic cultural experiences.
Our adventure begins at Shonalanga Lodge in Dombeya Game game reserve, where giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and warthogs freely roam. Experience life up close with nature, as we wake up to the sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
We then venture into the nearby city of Manzini, getting a glimpse of the city's vibrant lifestyle and the offerings of a typical supermarket. I take you through the bustling streets, giving you an authentic peek into the daily life in Eswatini's urban centres.
Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide Lunga from Nolu Tours, we traverse the markets in Mbabane, Eswatini's capital. We dive deep into the heart of Eswatini's culture as we explore the country's top attraction - the local cultural village.
Our Eswatini journey is enriched by a day spent with Phumie Mamba, the son of a local clan leader. We explore the Mamba Kingdom and gain an understanding of rural life and politics in Eswatini.
Next, we're on a self-drive tour to discover some of the country's hidden gems. A visit to the Hlane Royal National Park reveals an impressive collection of wildlife - white rhinos, wild lions, elephants, and more.
Finally, we cross the border into South Africa for an excursion to Kruger National Park, a journey that adds to the richness of our Sub-Saharan experience.
This video is a blend of a vlog and a documentary, featuring my first-hand accounts, interviews with local guides, and some breathtaking footage of a country very few people know much about.
Whether you're an armchair tourist, seeking travel inspiration, or considering a visit to Eswatini, join me as we discover some of what the beautiful nation of Eswatini offers travellers.
Contact details for those featured:
Dombeya Game Reserve: www.dombeya.org, [e-mail], [phone]
NoLu Tours (Lunga):
www.nolutours.com, [e-mail], [phone]
Phumie Mamba
[e-mail], [phone]
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⌚TimeStamps:
00:00 Introduction (Switzerland)
01:20 We've arrived
03:44 Dombeya
09:46 Manzini
11:10 Bushfire
12:21 Mbabane & Cultural Village
17:37 Mamba Country
22:11 Self Drive + Hlane Royal National Park
27:21 A final adventure
28:10 Final Words
__________________________________
ABOUT US 👫:
We're an Aussie couple who gave up great jobs in Los Angeles to live a location independent life and travel the world. Ricky has worked in the tourism industry for many years and has visited over 70 countries (living in 4 of them) and Nat is a master's qualified teacher. Together, we've been living this lifestyle since mid 2019. We both share a passion for travel and experiencing new places and cultures. We usually spend at least 1 month in the places we visit and do our best to seek out an authentic experience and take in the natural beauty of the region.
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❂ Feel free to share any feedback, tips or suggestions in the comments.
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LINKS ⌨️
For more about us (and my 14 years living around the world) please visit: 👉lifedunndifferently.com/
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🔵 Instagram: / lifedunndifferently
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📧 Email: [e-mail]
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RELEVANT HASHTAGS 🔎
#Eswatini, #Swaziland, #dombeya #SubSaharanAfrica, #TravelVlog, #TravelDocumentary, #AfricanWildlife, #GameReserve, #HlaneRoyalNationalPark, #KrugerNationalPark, #SouthAfrica, #Mbabane, #Manzini, #TravelInspiration, #EswatiniCulture, #RuralLifeEswatini, #MambaKingdom, #NoluTours, #EswatiniTourism, #AfricanAdventure, #EswatiniTravelGuide, #FirstTimeInAfrica, #Eswatini4K, #ExploringEswatini
TAGS 🔎
Eswatini, Swaziland, Sub Saharan Africa, Dombeya Game Reserve, Travel Documentary, African Wildlife, Game Reserve, Hlane Royal National Park, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Mbabane, Manzini, Travel Inspiration, Eswatini Culture, Rural Life Eswatini, Mamba Kingdom, Nolu Tours, Eswatini Tourism, African Adventure, Eswatini Travel Guide, First Time In Africa, Eswatini 4K, Exploring Eswatini

[@philandsuereynolds4853]

I spent 12 years of my life in Swaziland. My brother was born there and is still a Swazi national. It was the most amazing place to grow up in. Previous videos have focused on the degradation of the country and made me very sad. So, this video has restored my faith in my homeland. The Swazi people are amazing and so kind - I am glad to see that you witnessed that. I lived there when King Sobhuza was on the throne. He was a brilliant man who looked after his people. This son, is not a man of his people but, the people themselves have thrived in spite of him. I may go back now I have seen this video. My father is buried there outside of Manzini.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Hi Phil and Sue Thanks for the lovely comment! I was eager to showcase the positives of Eswatini - regardless of what the leaders do, there's still a beautiful country with great people and the world needs to see this side as well! Hopefully it encourages more people to visit and can bring greater prosperity to the people. I hope you get the chance to go back and thanks again for your kind words.

[@BM-dr4eu]

I hope that his Majesty denies you entry on account of being ungrateful little turds

[@BM-dr4eu]

My comment was removed but the (disguised) hateful comment by Phi and Sue was described as ‘lovely’?

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

KZbin may have removed comments but I have not. I’ve deliberately tried to avoid politics and my reply mentioning lovely was in response to the comments on my video.

[@mgilija1588]

Didnt even know we had such a beautiful country. Thank you for this great portrayal of eSwatini.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

You're welcome and your country is stunning!

[@trevorjubindabandlovu7262]

thanks for showing the world a haven on earth .....LONG LIVE eSWATINI lONG LIVE HIS MAJESTY THE KING

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Cheers Trevor. Loved our time in Eswatini.

[@sarabrett2119]

What a wonderful video! Thank you for making such an effort to do our beautiful country justice. I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to live here, and particularly, in Dombeya as soon as we build. Hope to see you back one day.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks a lot Sara. Appreciate the kind words. How exciting to be building in Dombeya! So lucky!!

[@henryseilbea8440]

Thanks for saving our beautiful animals

[@jorgels400]

Wow amazing video I was looking the Africa map and found that country so I went to KZbin and found this video Thanks again for the video I was there for a minute

[@pntiwari4937]

One of the best country. Thanks for showing us the beauty of ESWATINI. A beautiful country. Thanks from India

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

It's my pleasure

[@mangalisomatsebula5859]

Thank you for visiting our country

[@thegreasemonkey3000]

You've convinced my partner I to visit the kingdom of Eswatini. We were unsure of our next move after mozambique so this video definitely sold us! Thankyou If anyone knows any good budget accommodation options around the country, we would love to hear! James and Ellie

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

haha I love it. Thanks a lot James and Ellie - hope you both have the best time and good luck finding accommodation.

[@nonsikeleocleopatra377]

What a beautiful Vlog. You have inspired me as a Swazi to explore my country a lot more.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thank you, that's really nice to hear. Have fun!

[@user-vu1tq2tu4x]

Just two weeks ago we booked this rental for a few days next December. I clicked your video to see more about Eswatini and was amazed to see the rental in the first few minutes of your video. Nearly gave my husband a heart attack when I saw the rental lol. Great video, now it’s clear we need more than 3 nights in this beautiful country. Never enough time, I’ll be checking out the rest of your trip. Looking forward to catching up on your travels.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Great to hear. Say hi to Stephanie for us and have a fantastic visit!

[@dombeyagamereserve2196]

Thanks so much for the absolutely gorgeous footage- and the beautiful portrayal of Eswatini! We hope to see you back at Dombeya one day soon!

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

So happy you like it and nice to have our time captured to enjoy for years to come… and we hope to get back one day! 🙏

[@caim3465]

I like eswatini, good example of a non-muslim absolute monarchy

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Politics is quite contentious there but I really enjoyed my visit and meeting the people

[@kwanelevilakati]

Thank you for the beautiful video.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

You're very welcome mate. Cheers!

[@jahblo666]

Great video! I will go there in June and this video helped me a lot.. I intend to stay at the same place, which is lovely.. pity that it got more expensive than you mentioned :D

[@BM-dr4eu]

Thank you for an honest and unbiased documentary (not too many of those on the subject of Eswatini/Swaziland 🙏🏽

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

My pleasure - I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@ProvidenceMsomi-do1cn]

Have you seen Piggs Peak park? It's so beautiful there and I didn't see it on this video.

[@getbusydrizzy5296]

Thank you SO MUCH fpr this video. Im considering going there after Brazil so i appreciate the video

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

A pleasure. I hope you make it over there!

[@williamwebbs1952]

Absolutely great vlog today 👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿 Eswatini is Gorgeous

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks a lot William. Spending a month in Eswatini was the best decision!

[@cybomakh210]

This was so beautifully done. Thank you!!

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

You're so welcome!

[@chrislewis2491]

Really interesting - and great editing!

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks a lot Chris! Getting plenty of practice in before NZ!!

[@redhammer9910]

Excellent presentation, beautiful country and now on my bucket list. Thank you.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Hey good to hear from you mate. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you make it there one day

[@dr.kashifulhaq6372]

Wow Man. Beautiful Vlog. I wonder where you were before, just came across your video.❤ Please do make more vlogs on Africa. Thanks.❤

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks a lot mate. I am working on one now so hopefully won't be too long 😁

[@dr.kashifulhaq6372]

@@LifeDunnDifferently thanks for the reply

[@fitnessbeyond70steveluder42]

When you said a small place in Africa I just thought dirt,dust and poverty. Absolutely amazing that it seems well cared for by passionate locals probably better than a lot of country Australia.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

I’d be lying if I said a part of me didn’t expect that before arriving. I reckon most of us are probably guilty of making false assumptions about unknown countries.

[@sebentilezanini1085]

Now you know that you have been fed garbage for far too long.... I am a Swazi and proud African. And I am on a quest to challenge the Western media narrative in my husband' s country.... And they all sound like you until they visit. Tell your friends, family and all who care to listen....

[@PureDetour]

Great Job!

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thank you 🙏

[@princesstamara6364]

Wow! Eswatini it's really a beautiful country thanks for uploading the video...I welcome you to Uganda East Africa

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thank you, it really is a beautiful place. I hear Uganda is stunning and hope we make it there one day too!

[@saneleshabangu9787]

❤

[@ROYAL_LION218]

We dont use US Currency from this point forward. Its outlawed. Gold and silver coins with my stamp.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks for sharing

[@gravedigger9313]

I know Stephanie Lady from Virginia

[@shivashankar7573]

1st comment and 2 nd like from India love from Bangalore 🌍💕👍👌

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thank you so much 😀

[@BapheleleMabuza]

Where is the place it a beautiful experience from watching the video

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

The lodge or the country 🧐

[@carawhite9618]

I dont know why im watching a video of my own country 😂

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

🤣🤣🤣 hope you liked it

[@lilianetv1482]

Worse place for a woman to live and be born but the place look beautiful

[@neilarmitage6632]

I've lived here for 10 years. Plenty Ups and downs. I am considering relocating back to South Africa. But SA is in a mess which is escalating by the day. So I'm confused at this point. Swaziland has good people but bad ones also. Very unreliable. Very difficult to deal with. Which makes life hard. You never know where you stand.

[@neilarmitage6632]

On the surface they are all smiles and display a happy demena. Beware of the Wolf in sheep's clothing. Very shallow people. They look to suck your talents and usefulness. When they don't need you or have found someone more lucrative they will ignore you. I learned never to get close to them, keep them ato a far distance.

[@njakes3001]

​@@neilarmitage6632 Damn that sucks. Regardless of the subjective nature of your analysis, this is your truth and it must be acknowledged. As a Swazi I wish it were different and hope you will meet at least one person to change your opinion, even minutely. All the best.

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Hard for me to comment on that as over 4 weeks, you can only learn so much about a country. nonetheless, my experience was a positive one and I met many lovely people.

[@Melanated4ever]

​@@neilarmitage6632Sound as Europe or America and Asia!

[@jorgels400]

Wow amazing video I was looking the Africa map and found that country so I went to KZbin and found this video Thanks again for the video I was there for a minute

[@LifeDunnDifferently]

Thanks so much mate. Happy to hear you enjoyed it!