Journey to the African Kingdom of Swaziland, a small country made up of mountains, game-rich savannahs and bustling villages. The Kingdom is bordered by Mozambique in the east and surrounded on all other sides by South Africa; a small jewel for those looking for a luxury vacation destination.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Nguni and Sotho people whose history in this region stretches back to the 18th century and the first royal family that settled here, Nkosi Dlamini. Royal traditions still permeate the culture today and if you come at the right time you will have a unique opportunity to observe some of them such as the Reed Dance in late August/early September or the First Fruits Ceremony in December/January to bless the harvest.
Take off into the mountains of Swaziland on the many walking or hiking trails or on the back of a horse for the best opportunity to really experience the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere. Choose to paddle gently down the rivers or take your courage in hand and go white water rafting down the rapids of the mighty Usutu River. Head to the hills for some serious mountain climbing and kloofing or opt for gentle strolls in the foothills, either way, waterfalls and rock pools await your arrival.
Visit the largest group of White-backed vultures in the world when you stop in at the Hlane Royal National Reserve and look out for Africa’s rare and endangered birds at other top ranking game reserves such as the Mkhaya Game Reserve, Malolotia Nature Reserve and the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy the unspoilt wilderness that is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) as well as the clumsy hippo, gangly giraffes and many more of Africa’s magnificent creatures. Take a leisurely journey through Swaziland, the jewel in the African crown, by game drive, walking trail, a photographic safari, by canoe or angling safaris to enjoy.
Spend your nights wrapped up in luxury at upmarket hotels and lodges in Swaziland where you will be treated as kings and queens. Everything you could possibly dream of is here from fine dining to fabulous golf courses, cultural entertainment to leading casino venues and outdoor experiences to die for.
Swaziland is best known for:
Ngwenya Glass
Journey to an ancient iron ore mine dating back 43 000 years and at the base of the mountain find the craftsmen of Swaziland who have made Ngwenya Glass an internationally known name. You are welcome to watch these highly talented glassblowers at work as they craft beautiful animals and birds from recycled glass.
Swazi Candles
Visit and purchase unique, handmade candles from the world-famous Swazi Candles, situated in the Malkerns Valley in Swaziland. Even though Swazi Candles now export their products all over the world and has grown phenomenally in the last twenty years, each candle is still made and finished by hand and no two are the same.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit this pioneer conservation area, Swaziland’s oldest protected area, to explore the striking Nyonyane Mountain. Climb to the expose granite peak known as the ‘Rock of Execution’, no fear it is just a great vantage point today to look over the valley beneath. The Swazi Royal graves are found here as well as evidence of the ancient San peoples.
Off the Beaten Track:
Golf at the Royal Swazi Sun
The luxury hotel, the Royal Swazi Sun, is at the heart of some of the country’s finest offerings. The country club, casino facilities, health spa and world-class golf course keep visitors to Swaziland returning again and again. Set in a stunning location, the 18-hole championship golf course, offers a great challenge to golfers as well as fantastic views as it meanders along the slopes of the Lebombo Range.
The Reed Dance (Umhlanga)
Honour the Queen Mother at this ceremony taking place in late August or early September each year. The Reed Dance attracts young maidens from every area of the Kingdom to honour the Queen Mother. Over 20 000 maidens, mostly teenagers, gather reeds from selected areas, put on their short beaded skirts, anklets and jewellery before performing the beautiful Reed Dance.
Climb the second biggest rock in the world
Just outside of Mbabane, the capital city of the Kingdom of Swaziland, find one of the largest exposed granite domes in the world; this massive monolith with sheer, unbroken sides poses a challenge to hikers and mountain climbers. Look out for rock art along the way.
