INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Kingdom of Swaziland - a Royal Experience.
A tiny country with a big heart and warm,
friendly people aptly describes Swaziland - a
country that, is the only absolute monarchy
in Africa and which embraces and upholds
its own unique and ancient traditions. These
are carefully guarded and faithfully celebrated
and are just one aspect of the Kingdom that
makes it a very special place to visit.
Swaziland merits a lot more time than a
whistle-stop tour between her borders during
a one or two night stay.
The Swazi people are a single ethnic group
that comprises several clans (similar to the
Scots), who are united under the monarch.
They are peaceful, friendly and kind, and
visitors are ensured of a warm welcome that
they will always remember. Good manners
and taking time to greet people correctly and
enquire after their wellbeing are an integral
part of the Swazi character. If, as a tourist,
you learn a few basic phrases, you will berewarded with appreciative smiles and great
respect. (See phrases on page 48.)
You may find that some
Swazis will not make
eye contact. Do not be
perturbed: this is a
sign of respect, not bad
manners.
In producing Swaziland Discovery
we have attempted to provide
you with diverse ideas of
how you can enjoy the
many special
aspects of
our country,
which for the
purposes of
this guide, is
divided into its
four regions, each with
a dedicated chapter and map. These regionsare clearly defined on the centre spread map,
which will help you to find your way around.
We hope you have a wonderful time as you
explore our very special Kingdom, within
whose small area a wealth of experiences
awaits your discovery. We have so much to
offer and invite you to share the beauty and
rich heritage of our country and people, who
are rightly proud of their unique legacy.
The many Nature Reserves throughout
Swaziland protect a vast variety of animals,
birds and flora. From the magnificent “big
five” to cheeky warthogs, gentle antelope and
reptiles, Swaziland is home to virtually all
the wild animals of Africa. Our bird life is
second to none with hundreds of species,
while our diverse indigenous trees and flora
will fascinate any nature lover.The tour options within our nature reserves
include self-drive, sometimes with a
mandatory guide, tours in the reserves’ own
4 x 4 vehicles and guided horse, mountain
biking and walking trails, all with due
deference to the ecology and conservation.
With the exception of desert and sea, every
Geographical Feature of Africa’s terrain is
found within Swaziland. Magnificent
mountain scenery with rivers, waterfalls and
gorges; unique rock formations which are
among the world’s most ancient; lush and
fertile valleys plus typical African bush. All
these make up the unique beauty that is
Swaziland.
Throughout the country, men and women
are at work creating the fine Handcrafts that
are so popular with our visitors. Select from
creative basket ware in lovely colours, woodand stone carvings, glassware, exquisite
candles, batik items, jewellery and much
more. Our exclusive handcrafts will ensure
lasting memories of your visit to Swaziland
while providing lovely décor items for your
home that are sure to be a talking point.
The available accommodation
is as diverse
as our spectacular scenery. We have bush
camps, traditional huts and luxury lodges in
the nature reserves; homely B&Bs and guest
houses in the towns and villages, affordable
hotels and lodges offering high standards
plus backpacking facilities. And for those
who want the top of the spectrum, there are
the luxurious Royal Swazi Sun and Royal Villas
in the Ezulwini Valley and the Orion Hotel
near Piggs Peak with all the amenities one
could want.
So much in such a small country!