Celebrating one of Southern Africa’s botanical treasures, the Marula Festival is one of Swaziland’s most spectacular cultural events. A tribute to the riches of Mother Nature, the Marula festival is an annual royal celebration. Every year festivities are initiated by King Mswati III and Her Majesty the ‘Indlovukazi’ the Queen Mother, who travel all over the kingdom leading the nation’s celebrations. 

The Marula festival, known locally as ‘Emaganwini’, begins in February when the fruit is harvested by women and children and continues until March. The unripe green fruit falls from the tree and is stored until it ripens to a creamy yellow colour, it is then soaked with water and sugar to ferment and make Marula beer, the traditional toast of the festival. 

The royal family is the first to sample the brew and only after they take the first drink is the rest of the nation permitted to drink and celebrations begin. The largest single celebration is held at the royal residence of Ebuhleni, where the royal family join the nation in traditional song and dance. 

The Marula tree (sclerocarya birrea) is indigenous to Southern Africa, and has been a central part of the Southern African way of life for thousands of years. In Swaziland, about 2 million Marula trees grow in forests and bush, grazing lands, fields and homesteads and are protected from felling by traditional laws which are enforced by local chiefs. 

Not just used for beer, Swazi people use every part of the Marula tree for a wide variety of domestic needs. Marula contains four times more vitamin C than oranges, and is rich in minerals and anti-oxidants. The bark of the tree has a range of medicinal uses, however it is the oil from the seed kernels that has real commercial potential due to its moisturising and conditioning properties, as a result there have been many skin care products developed using the oil as a base.

For further information on Swaziland visit: www.welcometoswaziland.com

Contact Kelly White on + 44 (0)115 9727250 or email: swaziland@geo-group.co.uk

For further media information & images, contact:

Lauraine Jordan +44 (0) 1332 553873, mobile 07904 257687

lauraine@trumpetpr.co.uk

There are two fantastic shows coming up in late January and early February to help you find your ultimate holiday. With hundreds of ideas and expert advice, you should feel inspired in no time!

Swaziland will be present at both these fantastic shows proving that it truly is an African gem and showcasing all its natural wonder, splendid wildlife and friendliest of cultures. Come and see us there to find out more about your holiday options and to uncover more about this unique and fascinating destination face to face with experts!

First up is the The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show at Olympia, London on the 28th – 29th January 2012. The Adventure Travel Show brings together an outstanding collection of specialist travel providers covering a diverse range of travel adventures, destinations, exclusive discoveries and epic journeys under one roof. From stylish small group adventures, exclusive expeditions, active escorted trips, to unusual cultural and wildlife journeys. This is the UK’s only event dedicated to discovering the world off the beaten track. Come and find a world of extraordinary travel experiences and tailor-made escapades.

The event is bursting with inspirational ideas and travel advice. Speak to the experts, get involved with our features and find your ideal adventure. Free talks, photography seminars, travel-writing seminars expedition planning and other invaluable services are all on offer.

Subscribers to our newsletter are entitled to tickets for £4 in advance saving £6 off the door price. Tickets can be purchased at www.adventureshow.com or on 0871 230 7159 when quoting “SWAZILAND”. FIND US AT STAND A1.

Shortly after this on the 2nd – 5th February is The Times Destinations travel show. Taking place in Earl’s Court, Destinations is a big show to open up your mind to the even bigger world around you. Travel companies representing almost everywhere on Earth are present to advise you on your next getaway. On the Swaziland stand you’ll find experts who know the country like no other. They can answer your questions honestly and immediately for you- just come and say hello! Check out the exhibitor list to plan your day and see the interesting variety of exhibitors you’ll be able to meet.

The show’s ‘Meet the Experts Theatres’ will play host to travel personalities, celebrities and experts. Get the best advice and information in an intimate setting. For the full timetable click here

We’re extremely happy to be able to provide you with free tickets to Destinations London- these can be requested by clicking on the following link, www.destinationsshowtickets.com, and entering this unique code: MAT

FIND US AT STAND AF84B

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