National Museum, Eswatini (Swaziland) - Travel journal
Every time a customer books one of our holidays and opts in to our Trip for a Trip scheme, we organise a day trip for a disadvantaged young person somewhere around the world to see their local tourist sites, often for the first time.
Responsible Travel customers are helping disadvantaged children from All Out Africa’s neighbourhood care points see specimens and artefacts at the National Museum Museum in Eswatini (Swaziland), often for the first time in their lives.
Our latest trip to the National Museum in Eswatini (Swaziland) - 27th June 2019:
In total, 27 children visited the museum. They were from Mlindazwe and Mahlanya Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children saw lots of stuffed animals, King Sobhuza's car collection and the late King's memorial. One of the children said this about their day: "Oh how I wish we could come back tomorrow on a similar trip." We have worked with our partner in Eswatini, All Out Africa, to devise a trip for children who attend the local Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) centres. These centres were started by local communities and most of the children who attend have lost a parent, or in some cases are orphaned. Travelling by minibus and stopping for lunch ensures a fun packed day out for the children, plus they see some of the local heritage sites that, too often, only tourists to their country have the privilege of viewing.
This Museum has an essential role in preserving past traditions and culture for future generations. In 1974 the International Council of Museums (ICOM) defined the museum as a "non-profit making institution in the service of society and of its development and open to the public" (ICOM 1974). The objectives of the Museum are:
The Museum was built in 1972. Two small rooms house the exhibition area. In 1986 a storage room, workshop, photography dark room and a temporary exhibition area was constructed. This area completes the ethnography section. In 1990, the government approved and funded the construction of the showroom and natural history wing. The showroom houses three royal cars used by King Sobhuza II.
SAMPLE ITINERARY OF NATIONAL MUSEUM VISIT:
What the children can see:
Some of our favourite parts of the day:
Quotes from the children
"I saw a stuffed snake and monkeys. I also saw the late King Sobhuza II’s statue and his cars and all cars were coloured black."
- Mfanukhona Manana
"I saw a picture of King’s Sobhuza’s II riding in one of his cars. I also saw a frog."
- Vezo Mavuso
"I was happy about the trip because it was my first time to go to the National Museum. I saw stuffed animals namely zebra, lion, birds and also got the chance to see the late King Sobhuza II statue."
- Langelihle Dlamini (age five)
"I was very happy on my first trip because we saw a lot of things. They showed us 'Sikhumbuto' (the remembrance light) of the late King Sobhuza II. I also saw a stuffed lion and zebra. I also enjoyed viewing the cars of the late King."
- Yenzokuhle Khumalo (age six)
"My kids were very excited about what they saw on their trip. The best thing and what they enjoyed most were the cars of the late King Sobhuza II. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!"
- Teacher Mgazi (teacher)
"I was happy with the trip. I saw a stuffed zebra, snake and baboon. I also saw the statue of the late King Sobhuza II. I was also excited when I saw the cars of the late King."
- Siphesihle Dalmini (age six)
"I saw a lion and zebra at the National Museum. We saw a man-made dam at the King Sobhuza II memorial. A soldier was asked to march in front of us, which was exciting."
- Thabani Kubheka (age six)
"They saw stuffed animals such as birds, lions, crocodile, snakes and zebras. The kids were also excited in seeing the King Sobhuza Memorial. The classic cars of the Late King Sobhuza II. As well as the pictures of the Late King Sobhuza II was also amazing."
- Teacher
Other trips that we have run to the National Museum:
26th June 2019:
49 children aged four to six years old visited the museum. This was a combined trip from two Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP): Mlindazwe and Ezulwini. The children saw old pictures of the late King and his beautiful old black cars. One of the children said this about their day: "It was an amazing morning, thank you teacher Gugu for organization this for us. Thank you Malume (Uncle) for driving us this morning. I really enjoyed the black cars that were owned by the late King Sobhuza 11."
25th June 2019:
In total, 26 children visited the museum. They were from Bethany Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children saw lots of stuffed animals, King Sobhuza's car collection and the late King's memorial. One of the children said this about their day: "What a great day it was on this trip. We need to do this again. I was amazed to see the stuffed animals. I also enjoyed the late King Sobhuza 11 King Memorial Park, the salute and black cars."
20th June 2019:
Today 42 children aged between four and six years old visited the museum. This was a combined trip from two Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP): Mlindazwe and Ekuzukekeni. The children found the King's memorial park very exciting! One of the children said this about their day: "I had an amazing morning with my classmates. It was FUN FUN FUN!!! And we really learnt a lot about our history."
18th June 2019:
25 children visited the museum. They were from Mlindazwe and Mvutjini Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children enjoyed a cultural day and saw traditional Swazi huts. One of the children said this about their day: "I was really happy to see the old cars. I got the chance to see the late King’s pictures on the wall at the memorial park. This will be such good memory for me."
17th June 2019:
On this day, 2 Neighbourhood Care points combined from Nkhanini and Mlindazwe to visit the museum. This was a total of 25 children aged between four and six years old along teachers, volunteers and All Out Africa supporting staff. At the memorial park the children got the chance to see the light that is lit as a remembrance of the late King. One of the children said this about their day: "The best part for me was the historic pictures of the late King Sobhuza 11 at the memorial park. I also enjoyed seeing the late King's cars."
8th August 2017:
In total, 31 children visited the museum. They were from Bethany Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old along with six adults (two NCP teachers, one cooking lady, one volunteer and two All Out Africa supporting staff). The children saw lots of interesting historic objects including pictures of previous Prime Ministers in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
3rd August 2017:
On this trip, 15 children from Nkhanini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus six adults (including one NCP teacher, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Lihle Mamba, one of the children, said this about their day: "I saw a black snake, birds, lions and a crocodile. Saw King Sobhuza II four black cars and his huge statue."
17th July 2017:
Today, 15 children from Mlindazwe Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus seven adults (including one NCP teacher, one teaching assistant, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Andiswa Dlamini (age six) said this about the trip: "The trip was successful and very exciting for me. I was very excited when I saw the cars of the late King Sobhuza II. When I grow up I want to have a similar car like the one I saw. I also enjoyed the food that we ate today."
28th & 29th June 2017:
In total, 50 children (25 on each trip) from Ezulwini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus eight adults (including one NCP teacher, one cooking lady, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff for each trip). Cebolenkosi Gamedze (age six) said this about their trip: "I was amazed with all the stuffed animals that I saw, namely a crocodile, snake, lizard and zebra. I was also happy to get the opportunity to view the pictures of the Late King Sobhuza II at the memorial Centre."
23rd & 26th June 2017:
In total, 40 children (20 on each trip) from Ekuzukekeni Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus five adults (including one NCP teacher, two cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Ebony Dlamini (age five) said this about their day: "I saw lion, zebra, birds and women who were wearing Swazi Traditional clothes. We also sang for the nice ladies at the National Museum."
16th June 2017:
On this trip, 20 children from Mvutjini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus seven adults (including one NCP teacher, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and two All Out Africa supporting staff). A supporting teacher on this trip said this about their day: "The children's happiness and excitement is beyond words and for once my care point classroom attendance was full."
About our partner organisation:
All Out Africa is a social enterprise comprising of a group of companies and a non profit based in South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique and Botswana. It caters for people looking for a wide variety of African experiences, from volunteering, tours, research, internships, and University field studies, whilst at the same time, building sustainable long term projects.
All Out Africa is serious about giving back to the community and the environment. That is why they set up a foundation to help expand and sustain their project development. This includes support to the six care centres for vulnerable children, a sports development program for local children and youth, community building projects, child sponsorship program to support vulnerable children at primary and high school levels to assist them with school requirements, and facilitate conservation research projects at the wildlife and marine research centres. All Out shares their passion for Southern Africa’s people, places and wildlife with the world and offers adventures that change lives.
Responsible Travel customers are helping disadvantaged children from All Out Africa’s neighbourhood care points see specimens and artefacts at the National Museum Museum in Eswatini (Swaziland), often for the first time in their lives.
In total, 27 children visited the museum. They were from Mlindazwe and Mahlanya Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children saw lots of stuffed animals, King Sobhuza's car collection and the late King's memorial. One of the children said this about their day: "Oh how I wish we could come back tomorrow on a similar trip." We have worked with our partner in Eswatini, All Out Africa, to devise a trip for children who attend the local Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) centres. These centres were started by local communities and most of the children who attend have lost a parent, or in some cases are orphaned. Travelling by minibus and stopping for lunch ensures a fun packed day out for the children, plus they see some of the local heritage sites that, too often, only tourists to their country have the privilege of viewing.
This Museum has an essential role in preserving past traditions and culture for future generations. In 1974 the International Council of Museums (ICOM) defined the museum as a "non-profit making institution in the service of society and of its development and open to the public" (ICOM 1974). The objectives of the Museum are:
- To collect all natural and man-made objects that reflect both natural and cultural heritage of the Swazi and Southern African peoples;
- To document all specimens and objects collected;
- To conserve and preserve using the best means possible all items in the collection;
- To exhibit for public information, materials in its collection;
- To serve as an informal education forum for school groups, refugee camps and adult education centres.
The Museum was built in 1972. Two small rooms house the exhibition area. In 1986 a storage room, workshop, photography dark room and a temporary exhibition area was constructed. This area completes the ethnography section. In 1990, the government approved and funded the construction of the showroom and natural history wing. The showroom houses three royal cars used by King Sobhuza II.
What the children can see:
- Historic pictures and cars
- Stuffed animals
- Statues of the Late King Sobhuza II
- Pictures of previous Prime Ministers in the Kingdom of Eswatini
- Money notes that were used in the past
- Pictures of the late King Sobhuza’s II wives
- Pictures of the current King Mswati III
- Pictures of the Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala and our current Prime Minister Dr Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini
- An old telephone that was used a long time ago
- The flag of the Kingdom of Eswatini with different colours
Some of our favourite parts of the day:
- Seeing the historic cars
- Seeing stuffed animals
- Seeing the historic cars of the late King Sobhuza II and pictures
“
- Mfanukhona Manana
"I saw a picture of King’s Sobhuza’s II riding in one of his cars. I also saw a frog."
- Vezo Mavuso
"I was happy about the trip because it was my first time to go to the National Museum. I saw stuffed animals namely zebra, lion, birds and also got the chance to see the late King Sobhuza II statue."
- Langelihle Dlamini (age five)
"I was very happy on my first trip because we saw a lot of things. They showed us 'Sikhumbuto' (the remembrance light) of the late King Sobhuza II. I also saw a stuffed lion and zebra. I also enjoyed viewing the cars of the late King."
- Yenzokuhle Khumalo (age six)
"My kids were very excited about what they saw on their trip. The best thing and what they enjoyed most were the cars of the late King Sobhuza II. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!"
- Teacher Mgazi (teacher)
"I was happy with the trip. I saw a stuffed zebra, snake and baboon. I also saw the statue of the late King Sobhuza II. I was also excited when I saw the cars of the late King."
- Siphesihle Dalmini (age six)
"I saw a lion and zebra at the National Museum. We saw a man-made dam at the King Sobhuza II memorial. A soldier was asked to march in front of us, which was exciting."
- Thabani Kubheka (age six)
"They saw stuffed animals such as birds, lions, crocodile, snakes and zebras. The kids were also excited in seeing the King Sobhuza Memorial. The classic cars of the Late King Sobhuza II. As well as the pictures of the Late King Sobhuza II was also amazing."
- Teacher
”
49 children aged four to six years old visited the museum. This was a combined trip from two Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP): Mlindazwe and Ezulwini. The children saw old pictures of the late King and his beautiful old black cars. One of the children said this about their day: "It was an amazing morning, thank you teacher Gugu for organization this for us. Thank you Malume (Uncle) for driving us this morning. I really enjoyed the black cars that were owned by the late King Sobhuza 11."
In total, 26 children visited the museum. They were from Bethany Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children saw lots of stuffed animals, King Sobhuza's car collection and the late King's memorial. One of the children said this about their day: "What a great day it was on this trip. We need to do this again. I was amazed to see the stuffed animals. I also enjoyed the late King Sobhuza 11 King Memorial Park, the salute and black cars."
Today 42 children aged between four and six years old visited the museum. This was a combined trip from two Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP): Mlindazwe and Ekuzukekeni. The children found the King's memorial park very exciting! One of the children said this about their day: "I had an amazing morning with my classmates. It was FUN FUN FUN!!! And we really learnt a lot about our history."
25 children visited the museum. They were from Mlindazwe and Mvutjini Neighbourhood Care Points (NCP) aged between four and six years old and were accompanied by teachers and All Out Africa supporting staff. The children enjoyed a cultural day and saw traditional Swazi huts. One of the children said this about their day: "I was really happy to see the old cars. I got the chance to see the late King’s pictures on the wall at the memorial park. This will be such good memory for me."
On this day, 2 Neighbourhood Care points combined from Nkhanini and Mlindazwe to visit the museum. This was a total of 25 children aged between four and six years old along teachers, volunteers and All Out Africa supporting staff. At the memorial park the children got the chance to see the light that is lit as a remembrance of the late King. One of the children said this about their day: "The best part for me was the historic pictures of the late King Sobhuza 11 at the memorial park. I also enjoyed seeing the late King's cars."
In total, 31 children visited the museum. They were from Bethany Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old along with six adults (two NCP teachers, one cooking lady, one volunteer and two All Out Africa supporting staff). The children saw lots of interesting historic objects including pictures of previous Prime Ministers in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
On this trip, 15 children from Nkhanini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus six adults (including one NCP teacher, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Lihle Mamba, one of the children, said this about their day: "I saw a black snake, birds, lions and a crocodile. Saw King Sobhuza II four black cars and his huge statue."
Today, 15 children from Mlindazwe Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus seven adults (including one NCP teacher, one teaching assistant, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Andiswa Dlamini (age six) said this about the trip: "The trip was successful and very exciting for me. I was very excited when I saw the cars of the late King Sobhuza II. When I grow up I want to have a similar car like the one I saw. I also enjoyed the food that we ate today."
In total, 50 children (25 on each trip) from Ezulwini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus eight adults (including one NCP teacher, one cooking lady, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff for each trip). Cebolenkosi Gamedze (age six) said this about their trip: "I was amazed with all the stuffed animals that I saw, namely a crocodile, snake, lizard and zebra. I was also happy to get the opportunity to view the pictures of the Late King Sobhuza II at the memorial Centre."
In total, 40 children (20 on each trip) from Ekuzukekeni Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus five adults (including one NCP teacher, two cooking ladies, one volunteer and one All Out Africa supporting staff). Ebony Dlamini (age five) said this about their day: "I saw lion, zebra, birds and women who were wearing Swazi Traditional clothes. We also sang for the nice ladies at the National Museum."
On this trip, 20 children from Mvutjini Neighourhood Care Point (NCP) aged between four and six years old visited the museum, plus seven adults (including one NCP teacher, three cooking ladies, one volunteer and two All Out Africa supporting staff). A supporting teacher on this trip said this about their day: "The children's happiness and excitement is beyond words and for once my care point classroom attendance was full."
About our partner organisation:All Out Africa is a social enterprise comprising of a group of companies and a non profit based in South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique and Botswana. It caters for people looking for a wide variety of African experiences, from volunteering, tours, research, internships, and University field studies, whilst at the same time, building sustainable long term projects.
All Out Africa is serious about giving back to the community and the environment. That is why they set up a foundation to help expand and sustain their project development. This includes support to the six care centres for vulnerable children, a sports development program for local children and youth, community building projects, child sponsorship program to support vulnerable children at primary and high school levels to assist them with school requirements, and facilitate conservation research projects at the wildlife and marine research centres. All Out shares their passion for Southern Africa’s people, places and wildlife with the world and offers adventures that change lives.
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