Travel Diversity
Swaziland is another landlocked country in Africa. Swaziland is situated mostly in South Africa and then only a little bit into Mozambique. Swaziland is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. Swaziland is only about 200km wide and about 130km long, which makes it about a 2 hour drive North to South and an hour and a half’s drive east to West. Been able to travel the country is quite easy as you could make plans to visit everywhere.
Cultural Diversity
About 90% of Swaziland is made up of the Swazi people and the rest are either Zulu or Tsonga. They are a country run by a monarchy, they have a King and Queen who rule Swaziland. Swaziland has one of the longest running monarchies in Africa. Swaziland is a very cultural and traditional country. For example, Swaziland is well known for the “beehive” dry grassed hunts that they make and live in. This is a traditional house that they live in. One of their cultural activities is the Reed dance, which is an 8 day ceremony where all the single ladies get together; to dance and celebrate the queen (happens August/ September).
Travel Destiny
Swaziland is another Africa country famous for its hiking. There are lots of different trails for every kind of person, fit or unfit. Some of the trails you can try are the Mlawula Trails in the Lubombo Mountains and Kirkhill Trails where you can explore the Sithobela Gorge and river. A really nice thing about hiking is that you get to experience everything first hand, you get to explore the country on your own 2 feet and your body gets to use all its senses to take in the beauty of the land. Another thing about Swaziland and about most African countries is that they all have a wide variety of Safari’s you can participate in. Hlane Royal national park is the second largest national park in Swaziland. Hlane Royal national park is home to lions, elephants, rhinos’, giraffes and hippos. There are also guided or unguided tours.
General Information
Swaziland’s biggest city with the most population is Mbabane, the administrative capital. Swaziland actually has 2 capital cities, the one been Mbabane and the second been Lobamba which is the royal capital of Swaziland. Swaziland’s currency is the Lilangeni and the main language the Swazi’s speak is English and siSwati. The weather is rainy in summer and dry in winter. Even though it rains in summer the temperature can still be expected to get quite hot.
Different Activities/ Attraction
Mkhaya Game Reserve
Great Usutu River (white water rafting)
Peruse the Colourful Manzini Market
Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The Mantenga Craft Center
Mantenga Waterfalls
Accommodation
There is a variety of places to stay at in Swaziland. There are luxury places and there are adventurous places to stay at. If I was you I would try and a stay in one of their famous “beehive” huts. Some places that have been recommended are Kapola Boutique hotel, Eden Guest House and Mabuda Farm. The very south of Swaziland is home to Pigg’s Peak Casino which also has luxury accommodation to stay at. A few other options:
Travel
Swaziland has an airport, so there is easy access to get to Swaziland. If you don’t fly directly you can always use public transport from South Africa or Mozambique.
Article Written By:Roxzanne Salida
Angola