Introducing Swaziland
Swaziland might be among the smallest countries on the continent and one of Africa's remaining monarchies, but there's more than novelty value on offer here. You can almost feel South Africa's undercurrents of tension fade away when you cross the border into friendly, easy-going ittle Swaziland, making it a relaxing stopover on the trip between Mozambique and South Africa. And it's surprising how much there is to do here - the royal ceremonies, excellent wildlife reserves and superb scenery should be more than enough reason to come.
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Try Hlane Royal National Park for an eyeful of white rhinos, lions and antelopes - camping options are available for overnight stays. You may not want to stay overnight in the somewhat dull Mbanane, but you may well pass through on your way to the Ezulwini & Malkerns Valleys, the former renown for its picturesque scenery and the latter for its handicrafts.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Where & how!
by jem73 28 May 2012
Hi! I'm off to Durban this week & need suggestions of a poss route - I'll have about 15 days to play with and def want to see Valley of…
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Re: Suggest Bazbus or renting car between CapeTown & Kruger? (Then to Namibia)
by John_in_Brum_UK 28 May 2012
BazBus doesn't go closer to Kruger than Joberg. However, its does seem to offer a [Kruger package|http://www.bazbus.com/itinerary/BB1129_4…
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info about buses
by lolaserra 26 May 2012
Hi again! this time the topic is about buses... The idea is to make a round trip: Jo'burgh, Durban, St Lucia, Mbabane, Maputo, Jo'burgh.…
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Swaziland
Things to do
- All things to do (32)
- Activities (3)
- Entertainment (2)
- Restaurants (8)
- Shopping (6)
- Sights (7)
- Tours (6)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Swaziland
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1 Mkhaya Game Reserve
Mkhaya Game Reserve Spot black rhinos in the wild, one of Africa’s great wildlife experiences.
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2 Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys
Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys Revel in a royal experience in the regal heartland of Swaziland and splurge on some handicrafts.
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3 Usutu River
Usutu River Shoot the rapids or drift down the river through stunning gorges on a novel white-water rafting trip.
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4 Malolotja Nature Reserve
Malolotja Nature Reserve Trek in this tantalising reserve, a genuine, unspoiled wilderness.
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5 Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Wander through the peaceful wilderness and relax in its comfortable bargain lodges.
Fast Facts about Swaziland
- Borders
- Visa
Not required for most nationalities
- Time
GMT/UTC + 2
- Telephone
Country code 268; international code 00
- Money
Lilangeni (E); US$1 = E7.4
- Seasons
Rainy (December to April), winter (May to August), drier and cool (September to November)
- Area
17,365 sq km
- Population
1.1 million
- ATMs
Only in Mbabane
- Capital
- Budget
US$25 to US$55 a day
- Languages
English, Swati
Our favourite Swaziland Blogs (beta)
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Special Update from the Field: Beaches, Safaris + Cambodian Glamour Shots
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 1 April 2011
Compiled by Alexis Ditkowsky, KF14, South Africa Kiva Fellows are nothing if not creative. We’ve gone to elaborate lengths to convince you that it can be hard to visit borrowers and that when we’re not trekking for miles, we’re doing elaborate calculations or dealing with databases and reporting. In truth, it’s all a front for an extended holiday from our regular lives. You thought our recent Carnival coverage represented a change of pace? Think again!
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Stories of flying
Blog: Sophie's World - 29 December 2010
Recently, a friend of mine was on a plane hit by lightning. Seemed scary enough, but the pilot had quickly explained very calmly that it was nothing to worry about....Stories of flying is a post from Sophie's World
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Ezulwini Valley
Blog: A Leap Into The Dark - 25 July 2010
Perched just outside Mbabane, following the MR103 highway, the Ezulwini Valley extends down as far as Kwuluseni.
