Siteki

Siteki is a nice little town in the Lebombo Mountains, close to the border with Mozambique. Because of its altitude the town has a nice refreshing climate. In colonial times the town was called Stegi, which means 'marrying place'. Late King Mbandzeni granted his troop permission to get married there and so it got its name. Siteki used to be a busy trading town, but after the border with Mozambique was closed, it has been on a dead-end street and it has been dying slowly ever since.

Siteki is well known throughout the country for its Inyanga and Sangoma School, where healers and diviners are educated and trained. The school is open to visitors. The Muti-Muti Naryre Reserve, a botanical garden where many of the herbs used by the healers are grown, is not far from town. Muti means 'magic' in the local language.

There are only a few hotels in town. Siteki is 80 km southeast of Mbabane and connected with the capital by bus. There are some excellent views from the edge of town over the surrounding countryside.