Swaziland Holidays
Africa
Swaziland is mostly surrounded by South Africa, but also has a border with Mozambique. It’s one of the world’s last remaining states where what the king says, goes, and the Royal Family are pretty important here. If you aspire to marry into royalty, then attend the Umlanga festival. Thousands of young women dance and sing for the king, in the hope that he’ll select one of them to be a wife. Even if you don’t fancy him much, you can still enjoy the spectacle! Swaziland is a great destination for adventure holidays, hiking and seeing wildlife.
What to Do in Swaziland Africa
The Swazi game reserves are excellent. At Mkhaya, you can’t drive around on your own, but book a stay in one of the open-sided cottages and arrive day and night drives with a ranger – you’ll be able to get out of the vehicle and get close to rhinos and elephants. You can also try white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River. Even if you miss the main festivals, you should definitely try and catch some traditional Swazi music and dancing. You can see these at the Ezulwini Valley, which is also a great place to buy crafts – visit the Gone Rural project to ensure that the cash from your souvenirs ends up in the pockets of the locals.
Swaziland Holidays Guide
Mbabane, Swaziland’s capital, is a great place to start. It’s more relaxed and safer than many African capitals
The Mantenga Valley, which has craft centres and a nature reserve, and Lobamba are an easy day trip from Mbabane. Lobamba is the site of the kraal of the Swazi king – the Umlanga and Ncwala, a festival of Swazi warriors, are held here. You can go fishing and boating at Big Bend. Piggs Peak is a centre for hiking. Manzini is the commercial centre of Swaziland – nearby, you can stay in traditional huts where you’re encouraged to sleep and eat like locals.