- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Swaziland

Nestled snugly and conveniently in the between South Africa and Mozambique is Africa's best-kept secret - the Kingdom of Swaziland. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests, fertile valleys and the hot still beat of the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder through the "Switzerland of Africa".

Tours that pass through Swaziland

• Kruger and KwaZulu Safari 9 Days : Johannesburg to Durban
  
  
• Rainbow Nation  19 Days: Johannesburg to Cape Town
  
  
• Kruger & Swaziland Meander 10 Day Pretoria to Pretoria
  

Must do's

• Take a WildLife Adventures tour that includes Swaziland. Adventure tour options are Rainbow Nation - the very best of South Africa.
• If you are looking for a more luxurious trip then contact our offices for more details, or specials on travel to Swaziland and South Africa.
• Visit a traditional Beehive village and experience the local culture.
• Visit Swazilands first Wildlife sanctuary - Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary.
• Spend some time at he markets enjoying the colourful dresses of the Swazi people an either handcrafts.
  
  

QUICK FACTS - SWAZILAND

Area: 17,365 sq km
Population: 1 million
Official languages: English & Swati
Time: GMT/UTC +2
Currency: Lilangeni
Capital: Mbabane

GEOGRAPHY

Western Swaziland is high veld, consisting mainly of short, sharp mountains. These dwindle to plains in the centre and east of the country, where plantations of sugar cane dominate the landscape. To the east, the border with Mozambique is formed by the Lebombo Mountains.

HISTORY

Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. And proud of it! Led by His Majesty King Mswati III the nation rejoices in its traditions and is staunchly committed to safeguarding its rich culture, social and natural heritage for future generations. Few countries today can boast the safety, stability and peace, which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her neighbours. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to travellers.

No matter where your travels take you within the kingdom, you will meet the courtesy; friendliness and genuine desire to help and share that make it easy to see why Swaziland claims to offer the visitor "The Royal Experience."

Several centuries ago an African people of Nguni descent moved southwards from Central Africa and a group of them eventually settled, during the mid eighteenth century, in the area which is now Swaziland. The kings of Swaziland date back to some considerable time to when the Royal line of Dlamini lived in the vicinity of Delgoa Bay. The Nguni people are recorded as having entered the territory of Swaziland around the year 1600. Under the leadership from Dlamini III, settlement took place in 1750, along the Pongola River where it cuts through the Lubombo Mountains.

The land they entered was neither vacant nor sparsely populated, it was teeming with game, rich in natural resources, a haven for crop raising and cattle rearing. Trade had been transacted from the coast for many years, a powerful state of Shiselweni existed which the leaders of the Swazis sought to absorb or overcome.

CULTURE

All most 90% of the population are Swazi. Most of the other 10% are Zulu Tonga, Shangaan and European. There are also many Mozambican refugees, of both Portuguese and African descent.

The Kingdom of Swaziland today is composed of a homogeneous population who share language, culture and loyalty to their king and country. There are no tribal conflicts; the country is stable, orderly and at peace with her neighbours. Perhaps Swaziland's greatest asset is her people, who are always happy, friendly, courteous and willing to assist visitors to their Kingdom. Old Swazi traditions are carefully guarded and for this reason, colorful ceremonies frequently take place to mark specific occasions and men, women, and children in urban as well as rural areas regularly wear the distinctive national dress. The major ceremonies are the colourful umhlanaga, and the incwala. The latter ceremony much of which involves sacred and secret ceremonies entails direct participation by the King. The continuity of the monarchy contributes to the country's stability and peaceful climate while ensuring that the cultural heritage is safeguarded as Swaziland develops.

CLIMATE

Most rain falls between November and March, usually in torrential thunderstorms and mostly in the western mountains. Summers on the plains are very hot; in the high country temperatures in winter can get cool.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Malaria is common in the middle and Lowveld areas. Consult your GP about anti-malarial treatment and make sure you take it before, during and after your trip.