Lobamba

Lobamba, densely populated rural area, central Swaziland, southern Africa. According to traditional Swazi customs, Lobamba is the residence of the Ndlovukazi (“She Elephant”; i.e., the Queen Mother) and is thereby the spiritual home of the Swazi nation; in addition, it is the legislative capital of the country. Situated in the eastern Ezulwini valley in the Middle Veld, Lobamba lies 11 miles (18 km) south of Mbabane, the modern administrative and judicial capital of Swaziland, and almost at the country’s geographic centre. Lobamba stands on the site of a previous royal village, called Nkanini.

As the principal royal kraal (an enclosed dwelling area belonging to a family) of the Swazi, Lobamba is the site of parliamentary buildings, an official residence of the king, the offices of the Swazi National Council, the National Archives and Museum, and the National Stadium. The two most important cultural events of Swaziland, the sacred Incwala (National Ceremony) and the Umhlanga (Reed Dance), are held annually at Lobamba. The Mlilwane Game Sanctuary and the Gilbert Reynolds Memorial Garden are situated about 6 miles (10 km) northwest. Pop. (1997) 3,625.