The Enchanting Highlands of Piggs Peak

• HelloSawubona
  [Sah-woo-boh-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [Hahm-bah kah-hleh]
• YesYebo
  [Yeh-boh]
• NoCha
  [Chah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela/Yebo
  [Ngee-yah-cheh-lah/Yeh-boh]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [Ngee-yah-bohn-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [Oo-hoh-loh]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [Oon-jah-nee?]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [Ngee-yah-pee-lah. Weh-nah?]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [Oo-hoo-loo-mah ee-see-ngi-see?]
• I don't understandAngifuni kuwazi
  [Ahn-gee-foo-nee koo-wah-zee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgicela ukubona imenyu, ngiyacela
  [Ngee-cheh-lah oo-koo-boh-nah ee-mehn-yoo, ngee-yah-cheh-lah]
• I don't eat meatAnginakudla inyama
  [Ahn-gee-nah-koo-dlah ee-nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Ongakhalela!
  [Ohn-gah-khah-leh-lah!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgicela ukulipha
  [Ngee-cheh-lah oo-koo-lee-pah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [Oo-see-zoh!]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [Hahm-bah!]
• Call the Police!Vula ipulazi!
  [Voo-lah ee-poo-lah-zee!]
• Call a doctor!Vula umkhatsi!
  [Voo-lah oom-khah-tsee!]
• I'm lostNgikhohlwe
  [Ngee-khoh-khlew-eh]
• I'm illNgisemuhla
  [Ngee-seh-moo-hlah]

• I'd like to buy...Ngicela ukuthenga...
  [Ngee-cheh-lah oo-koo-teh-ngah...]
• I'm just lookingNgikhuluma nje
  [Ngee-khoo-loo-mah nje]
• How much is it?Kuyacela kunqoba?
  [Koo-yah-cheh-lah koo-n-goh-bah?]
• That's too expensiveKulula kakhulu
  [Koo-loo-lah kah-khoo-loo]
• Can you lower the price?Ungayeka isilinganiso?
  [Oo-ngah-yeh-kah ee-see-lee-n-gah-nee-so?]

• What time is it?Ngicela kuyini manje?
  [Ngee-cheh-lah koo-yee-nee mahn-jeh?]
• It's one o'clockKuyakhula manje
  [Koo-yah-khoo-lah mahn-jeh]
• Half past (10)Kuyakwati (10)
  [Koo-yah-kwah-tee (10)]
• MorningEkuseni
  [Eh-koo-seh-nee]
• AfternoonEmva kwesontweni
  [Ehm-vah kweh-sohn-tweh-nee]
• EveningEkugcineni
  [Eh-koo-gci-neh-nee]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [Ee-zoh-loh]
• TodayNamuhla
  [Nah-moo-hlah]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [Koo-sah-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [Koo-nyeh]
• 2Kubili
  [Koo-bee-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [Koo-tah-too]
• 4Kune
  [Koo-neh]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [Koo-hlah-noo]
• 6Kukhona
  [Koo-khoh-nah]
• 7Kude
  [Koo-deh]
• 8Kunye Kune
  [Koo-nyeh koo-neh]
• 9Kukhulu
  [Koo-khoo-loo]
• 10Kunye Nenkulu
  [Koo-nyeh n-ehn-koo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Kuze kubonakala...
  [Koo-zeh koo-boh-nah-kah-lah...]
• What's the address?Kuyini i-adresi?
  [Koo-yee-nee ee-ah-dreh-see?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungangibonisi (emephu)?
  [Oo-ngah-ngih-boh-nee-see eh-meh-poo?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuyini ibhasi elilandelayo?
  [Koo-yee-nee ee-bhah-see eh-lee-lahn-deh-lah-yoh?]
• A ticket (to ....)Itikiti (ku ....)
  [Ee-tee-kee-tee (koo ....)]

In the late 19th century, European settlers discovered gold in the area now known as Piggs Peak. This discovery attracted a wave of prospectors and miners, leading to the establishment of one of the earliest gold mines in Eswatini. The gold rush was short-lived, but it left a lasting impact on the local economy and development of the region.

Piggs Peak was named after an early prospector named William Pigg, who established the town during the gold rush. The settlement quickly grew into a bustling mining town, with infrastructure and amenities springing up to support the influx of miners and their families.

By the early 20th century, the gold deposits in Piggs Peak had been largely exhausted. The decline of gold mining led to economic challenges for the town. However, the community adapted by shifting focus to other industries, including forestry and agriculture, ensuring the town’s survival and continued growth.

The colonial era left a distinct architectural legacy in Piggs Peak, with several buildings reflecting European styles. Structures such as the old mining offices and colonial-era homes provide a glimpse into the town's past and the influence of British and other European settlers.

The local Swazi culture remains a vibrant and integral part of Piggs Peak. Traditional ceremonies, dances, and festivals are regularly held, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Swazi people. The Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala (First Fruits Ceremony) are notable events that attract visitors and highlight the deep-rooted traditions of the area.

As gold mining waned, Piggs Peak found new economic strength in the forestry industry. The town became a hub for timber production, with vast plantations of pine and eucalyptus trees. The forestry industry provided jobs and revitalized the local economy, playing a crucial role in the town’s development throughout the 20th century.

Today, Piggs Peak is a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The town offers a range of activities for visitors, from exploring the scenic landscapes of the surrounding highlands to visiting historical sites and experiencing the local culture. Modern Piggs Peak continues to evolve while preserving its unique historical and cultural identity.

Piggs Peak is located in the northern part of Eswatini. The nearest international airport is King Mswati III International Airport in Manzini, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Manzini, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Piggs Peak. The journey by road typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Manzini to Piggs Peak, which offers a more affordable travel option.

Piggs Peak is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the region, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. Public minibuses, known locally as kombis, operate within the town and connect to nearby areas. Renting a car is also a convenient option if you wish to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Eswatini is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Piggs Peak, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Piggs Peak, but ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling to more remote locations.

Piggs Peak is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Piggs Peak does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Piggs Peak. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and traditional homesteads. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Using both hands is a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Piggs Peak like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Swazi crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve for beautiful hiking trails and the chance to see local wildlife. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional Swazi dance or cultural event if one is taking place during your visit.