It might the smallest country in Africa, but it’s got the most heart. Swaziland is landlocked in Africa, bordered by Mozambique and South Africa and is divided into four different regions: Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni, also known as the high, middle, and low, and the Lubombo Plateau. Despite its small size, this country boasts brilliant landscapes.
On the flight to Swaziland, travelers get an aerial view of mountains, rainforests and deserts. After the Swaziland flight, the country is best seen on foot. The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary draws in tourists for a view of some of best animals in Africa. Many tourists book flights to Swaziland during the annual ceremony of the reed dances at the Royal Kraal, or for a walk through one of Swaziland’s street markets to purchase some of the country’s famous arts and crafts.
If there is one thing bringing visitors back to Swaziland every year it’s the people. A welcoming bunch who love a good celebration, the Swazis always make travelers feel at home.
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The landlocked kingdom of Swaziland has Mozambique as a neighbor in the east, and South Africa to the north, south and east. The climate is subtropical – warm with little rain – but the weather varies according to altitude. The Highveld, in the west, gets more rain and, occasionally, frost. Middleveld, with lush, fertile valleys, Lowveld and Lubombo, on the east, are drier with most of the rain falling between October and March.
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Peak season:
Book flights to Swaziland from June through September; these are the coolest and driest months. The Umhlanga Reed Dance Day (depending on the position of the moon) takes place in August. Independence/Somhlolo Day falls on September 6. Flights to Swaziland and hotels may be full and a bit pricey, so plan ahead.
Off season:
October to May are the wettest months of the year. October is the warmest month. Incwala Day, which marks the start of the Swazi new year, falls in December or January (depending on the moon).
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Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere. The main airport is at Matsapha, north of Manzini, and there are small airstrips dotted around the country available to take travelers on domestic Swaziland flights.
Rail and bus services are decent. Minibus taxis are also an option.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Mbabane (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Swaziland.
| | Road |
|---|
| Manzini | 0.45 |
|---|
| Nhlangano | 2.00 |
|---|
| Piggs Peak | 1.00 |
|---|
| Siteki | 1.30 |
|---|
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- Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Ezulwini Valley and covers 11,500 acres. The Ezulwini Valley is often called the “Valley of Heaven” and boasts Nyonyane Mountain, the site of Swazi royal graves. The peak known as the Rock of Execution has a grisly past. This was where, in feudal times, if you were seen to be too rich, outlaws would kidnap you, take you to the top and push you over the edge. Today, the Rock of Execution offers an energetic climb and beautiful views. Behind the mountains are the Mantenga waterfall and Usushwana Valley. There is a good network of hiking trails at Mlilwane. Spot zebras, antelope, crocodiles, giraffes, hippos and wildebeest along the way.
- Lobamba, 9 miles from Mbabane, the capital, is the center of government. The House of Parliament is here as are the National Museum (exhibits Swazi art, craft and culture) and the palace of the Royal family (the Ludzidzini Royal Residence).
- Embo State Palace is where you can see the monarchy during the Incwala ceremony and the Uhmlanga dance. These take place at the Royal Kraal in Lobamba.
- Go white-water rafting on the Great Usuthu River.
- Swazi Cultural Village is a must-see; a living museum of traditional Swazi life. The village is composed of 16 beehive huts. The Sibhaca and Umhlanga dances are performed twice-daily.
- Mkhaya Game Reserve is considered to be Swaziland’s most exclusive reserve. It has good facilities for white-water rafting, and is the best place to see the elusive white rhino.
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All visitors require a passport, tickets or documents for return or onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
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U.S. citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to two months.
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