Swaziland is a landlocked nation located in southern Africa. It maintains a border with Mozambique in the southeast. It is currently known as Eswatini, although it was once known as the “Little Switzerland of Africa” since its English name sounds similar to Switzerland.
With its lush mountains, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls, this ostensibly small country includes several animal sanctuaries with elephants, lions, Buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros, as well as gorgeous natural terrain, so if you prefer hiking and being close to nature, this would be a fantastic option.
Swaziland has preserved its traditions, customs, and festivals. Some of these may be found in Incwala. The three-week kingship rites in December and January, Umhlanga in the final or first week of August, and the lively reed dance ritual involving substantial organization are the unique ceremonies.
Lobamba
Lobamba is Swaziland’s most significant structure. It is located in the lovely Ezulwini Valley. The Parliament House, the National Museum, and additional government structures, such as the Royal Kraal of the Royal Village of Lobamba, may also be found.
The Parliament House is open to the public. However, the National Palace & the enormous Embo National Palace were not. The National Palace was completed in 1978 and is mostly utilized for ceremonial purposes.
If you like sports, you may go to the Somhlolo Stadium in Lobamba. Important cultural and sporting events, national festivities, music events, dance performances, and public speeches by the King occur here. If you are lucky enough to capture one, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Hlane National Royal Park
The Hlane Wildlife Sanctuary is among the few sites where visitors may observe lions, elephants, and rhinos. It is home to the vast bulk of the country’s fauna. The lions reside in their enclosure and may only be viewed on a guided tour. This reserve is particularly ideal for birdwatchers since it is home to diverse species, such as Africa’s biggest breeding group of white-backed vultures.
Some activities available include guided mountain riding based on cultural trips to local Swazi communities, overnight bird watching, completely contained jungle hikes, and animal viewing. You may also enjoy yourself without power at the camp or in a conventional lodge with torches. In a self-catering stone lodge, you may experience the second category with contemporary conveniences.
Swazi Market, Mbabane
Mbabane, Swaziland’s subtropical capital, is home to the Swaziland Market, a must-see for travelers shopping for gifts. The major retail street of the town is located at the southern end of Allister Miller Street. Fresh cuisine, ceramics, hand-woven wicker baskets, masks, traditional attire, soapstone sculptures, and beading are available at the vendors. The Traditional Medicine Centre is fascinating since it sells wonderful healing lotions and potions.
Tintsaba Crafts, located close to the Piggs Peak Hotel, offers other Swazi products like baskets, jewelry, and fabrics. It’s a terrific location to shop if you want to appear elegant. The picturesque Pine Valley, north of Mbabane, is a fantastic final stop. As a result, they lead the Wombeluze River and pass past multiple waterfalls. It’s a wonderful spot to stroll or ride a bike because the weather is pleasant all year.
Mlilwane Wildlife Reserve
The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is among Swaziland’s most established and well-known wildlife reserves. It is located in the lovely Ezulwini Valley. It was established by Ted and Elizabeth Reill, who converted their property in Mlilwane into a wildlife sanctuary under the assistance of King Sobhuza II.
Initially, plants and animals had to be transported from afar. More than 400 birds and numerous species, including zebras and colobus monkeys, crocodiles, warthogs, caracals, hippos, and antelopes, live at Mlilwane Reserve.
You may go on wildlife drives, nature walks, mountain biking rides, and horseback rides, learn about a village’s culture, or swim in the rest camp’s pool. If you’re watching for a place to stay, there are modest chalets, classic Swazi beehive-style huts, and high-end mountain top lodges to pick from.
Mlawula National Park
Because it is located between the lowlands & the Lebombo Mountains, the Maura Nature Reserve is lovely and home to diverse flora and animals. The fauna is diverse due to the diverse environment. There are 60 kinds of small and big animals, including Bushmills, impala, and hornbills, with tortoises, 350 bird species, countless insects, and a diverse variety of vegetation.
Initially, animals and plants had to be transported from afar. Mlilwane Reserve, on the other hand, presently has over 400 bird species and other animals, including zebras, colobus monkeys, crocodile warthogs, caracals, hippos, and antelopes.
In reserve, you may go on wildlife drives, nature hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, learn about a village’s culture, or swim in the lake at the rest camp. People may stay in self-contained chalets, native Swazi beehive-style huts, or high-end mountaintop resorts.
Mkhaya Wildlife Reserve
They established the Maya Wildlife Sanctuary to safeguard endangered species such as the white and black rhinoceros. In a park, Buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and birds are also safe. During the day, you may make appointments for guided safaris, and if you wish to remain, you can spend a fantastic night in the lit stone lodge of the Maya Game Reserve’s Stone Camp.
Winnie Valley is a nature preserve.
A wildlife refuge in the Weini Valley in the center of Swaziland is home to Mount Nigerian, zebra, and various birds. An excursion here is a terrific idea, and you may ride horses, ride bikes, dine at a restaurant, swim, view birds, hike, and do other activities. You’ll have a good time with any of these activities.
A national museum
Lovely gardens envelop the modest National Museum in Lobamba and offer various exhibits regarding Swazi history, culture, and wildlife. Visitors may study the history of the region by gazing at traditional attire and hearing about the significance of each item.
There are further lectures on local species and pictures of typical low or high-mountain ecosystems from various viewpoints. Outside the museum is a model of a Swazi kraal village with thatched cottages where you may learn about the area’s culture and history.
