Swaziland info

hm, see http://www.biggameparks.org/</a> for some info about Milwane. Also visit the "house on fire" http://www.house-on-fire.com/</a>, Swazi Candles and the markets.

seb

Was in Swazi land in January - definitely enjoyed the Swazi Candles and Ngunya Glass. Went to a cultural village tour thing but it was pretty similar to something i had seen in joburg.

I went to a village tour in swaziland and it was very interesting - Private guide, that took us in a small village in the mountains. Expensive, but well worth it. Although you just have 2 days, maybe you're looking for something shorter... There is a cultural village in Elzuwini Valley (or close by)

I loved Milwane and the backpackers in it, Sondzela. There's a hiking trail up to Execution Rock, with great views, and zebras, wart hogs, and ostriches roaming the grounds. They also have a pool and grilled meals served around the fire. Dorms last fall were R55 and dinner R21. If you're into adventure sports, Swazi Trails is close by and will pick you at for caving, rafting, etc.

I also stayed at a place called Shewula, in the eastern part of the country, that was the highlight of my trip to Swaziland: http://www.shewulamountaincamp.info/.

I've never heard of Malolotja.

I was in Sondzela in April - dorms where 65?70? rand - I can't remember - breakfast was 20Rand and dinner, 30Rand
I agree, great place!!!

Wow...they raised their prices quite a bit since I was there. Still a good deal, though.

Swaziland! Aaaah!
Certainly drop into Ngwenya Glass, it's just off the main road between the most common borderpost (Oshoek), before you start descending into Mbabane (the capital of Swaziland); Swazi Candles are great too (on the Malkerns valley loop - about halfway between Manzini and Mbabane on the 'old road'). Both these places offer other handicrafts, as does the area round Mantenga (very close to the entrance to Mlilwane game park. Malalotje is wild and beautiful, but not teeming with wildlife - great walks though! Shewula, on the opposite side of the country (about two and a half hours away!) is also lovely and, if it's still there, a sunset bath in the tin bath on the rock terrace overlooking the cane fields is an exquisite pleasure not to be missed! A day's drive and Sunday lunch at Miekle's Mount, near Mhlambanyati (especially if it's raining) is also well worthwhile.
Culturewise, do visit the royal kraal at Lobamba (it's open if there is a ceremony on!) and the memorial to King Sobhuza. If you're free on a Thursday morning (early), make your way to the Manzini municipal market where many dealers trade handicrafts like basketware, beadwork, pottery and carvings (and you can buy beautiful Mozambiquean style cloth!)
A little visited but really interesting place to visit is Rosecraft, where the Swazi ladies weave beautiful mohair. It's a little out of the way, but take a picnic and enjoy it on one of the many walks, including the 'sculpture trail'. The road is not as scary as some people make out!
Sondzela (the backpackers in Mlilwane) is a great place to stay, but I'm not sure if they accept cars. If not, there is a charming little B&B at the Malandelas/House on Fire complex (also on the Malkerns loop - and which also has good handicrafts, as well as an excellent restaurant and a rather English pub - with shove-ha'penny and 'boules'!). The people at Malandela's will also be delighted to talk about other places to visit (just ask!) Even the locals who gather for sundowners on the terrace at Malandelas on any Friday will be happy to share their enthusiasm for the country. You might even visit the little Moya centre next door (don't ask too much, just visit!)
... and remember that you're getting nearly 14 Emalangeni for your pound! Swaziland is a cheap place to have a great time.
Wish I were there to share it with you! Ndlovu

Yes, Nodlo, they accept cars in Sondzela. You have to use the main camp entrance (hence doing a little safari at the same time - it's a small tared road, and it's maybe 30 min in the park, so you can see wilderbeest, zebras, ect!). They have a parking no problems