… Book already awarded 4.8 stars
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– The wonders of Eswatini have been documented!
Compiled by authors James Bainbridge, Robert Balkovich, Jean-Bernard Carillet, Lucy Corne, Shawn Duthie, and titled ‘Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini’, the discovery and tourism book was officially released on January 5, 2023.
According to the Lonely Planet website, a home for the discovery book, the book describes how South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini (Swaziland) are a microcosm of the African continent, containing dramatic mountain ranges, golden crescent beaches, wildlife-stalked wildernesses, vibrant cities and centuries of history.
“The incomparable city of Cape Town, where Table Mountain overlooks markets, museums and the townships sprawling towards the vineyard-clad mountains and grand Cape Dutch estates of the Winelands, tops most travellers’ lists alongside Kruger National Park, legendary home of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino).
“Between this impressive duo, the region is rich in cultural experiences and outdoor activities, from learning about Basotho and Xhosa culture at Lesotho’s mountain lodges and the Wild Coast’s backpacker retreats, to exhilarating offerings such as the Garden Route’s Bloukrans Bridge Bungee, Graskop’s cable gorge swing and numerous zip-line canopy tours. With an excellent road network and tourist industry, offering memorable accommodation, restaurants, tours and safaris to all budgets, this is one of Africa’s most exciting destinations,” reads the book summary.
When sought for comment, the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini, speaking as a Heritage Specialist, always says it was high time for emaSwati to document its own wonders.
“Eswatini needs to institutionalise a department that will document all the wonders of the country.
“Outsiders keep on documenting our wonders and this may lead to inaccuracies at times. We need to document our own work,” said Dlamini.
Environmentalist Bob Forrester said Eswatini has potential of creating tourist high traffic because of the Mountains that lie in Malolotja, as they have proof of early life and there are many new discoveries in those mountain ranges.
