"Swaziland"
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small landlocked country of mountains and
valleys, approximately 17 000 square kilometres, situated in the South East
of Africa. It is bordered on the South, West and North by South Africa and
on the East by Mozambique. The country, primarily inhabited by Bantu
Speaking Swazi, is named after King Mswati 2nd, after whom the Swazi’s also
take their name. The official languages are SiSwati and English.
Swaziland has one of the best climates in the world. This is due to its four
distinctive geographical regions and their elevations. Visitors to Swaziland can find
a suitable cool or warm area within the country.
The Lowveld of Swaziland is typical
African Bush with thorn trees and grass lands where temperatures can reach
40deg.C in the summer months. One of Swaziland's main exports is Sugar. The towns of Mhlume, Simunye
and Big Bend in the Lubombo area grew up around the sugar refinery's. They
are well worth the visit for the traveller who wants to experience a
little more i.e.: Tiger fishing at van Eck dam in Big Bend.
The Lebombo plateau is along the Eastern
Border at an elevation of 600 metres.
The Highlands, where the
Capital Mbabane is
situated, along the North and Western Border at an elevation of 1200 metres
is cool in the summer and cold during winter. There is a wide variety of Swaziland
accommodation available in Mbabane, from
Back Packing Lodges to
Guest
Houses. The Highlands are renown for the Ezulwini valley. It is here you
find some of the finest
Hotels and
Lodges
for accommodation in
Swaziland. There is a championship golf course, a casino and loads of
curio shops.
King Mswati III lives in Lobamba which is in Ezulwini.
The Ezulwini valley is one of the most picturesque parts of Swaziland.
The Middleveld,
where Manzini is located, has temperatures in between the Highlands and the Lowveld. Manzini is the Industrial and Commercial centre of
Swaziland. It is often referred to as the Hub of Swaziland. Just north of
Manzini is the International Airport Matsapha.
Accommodation in Swaziland will be found to suit all tastes. Hotels, Lodges, Guesthouses,
Bed and Breakfast, Caravan and Camping Grounds in the numerous Game Parks,
Self Catering Chalets, Hot Mineral Water Spa’s, as well as budget friendly
Backpackers Lodges and Hostels. Swaziland Accommodation can be found in, or near, all the Main
Cities as well as off the beaten track.
Swaziland is the ideal gateway for travellers between Kwazulu Natal and
Mozambique, as well as the Kruger National Park and Gauteng. Travelers using
this route - there is no better – will discover a whole new Country proud of
its Swazi culture and Swazi traditions. The ideal stop over for those travelling long
distances. Swaziland is an exciting tourist destination offering a diverse
range of attractions and activities. It offers everything a visitor could wish
for. One would have to visit a number of different countries, or travel vast
distances, to experience what Swaziland offers.
The annual Reed Dance (Umhlanga) is always a big attraction drawing
visitors and photographers from far and wide. This is one of Swaziland’s
traditional events, as is the First Fruits Ceremony (Incwala). Other
activities include Hiking, Game Viewing. Bird Watching, Fly Fishing,
Visiting Historic Sites, Driving along Scenic Routes, White Water Rafting,
Visiting the numerous Game Parks and Water Falls, Sports, Visiting the
diverse Arts and Craft Centres/Factories.
To assist the visitor we have split Swaziland into Areas of Interest.
Namely:- Oshoek/Ngwenya to Mbabane, Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, South and
West, East and South East, North East and North West.
Swazilive wishes you a pleasant stay in the Kingdom of Swaziland.
