Hhohho – named after the royal capital of King Mswati II
The region takes its name from Hhohho, the royal capital built in the north under King Mswati II, who expanded Swazi territory to the north and west. Earlier the area was inhabited by the Khoisan, and later Bantu settlers of Nguni and Sotho origin established homesteads here; in the early nineteenth century King Sobhuza I moved his capital and built a royal centre in the Ezulwini valley, the valley of heaven, chosen for its fertility, its rivers and its protection from invasion. Clans such as the Gama, Mnisi, Magagula and Maseko were incorporated into the Swazi state. Today the region covers 3,625 square kilometres, has 14 tinkhundla, and its centre is Mbabane. Share your stories with the community.