Located between Mozambique and South Africa, Swaziland is one of the popular wildlife safari destinations in southern Africa.The small land locked country boasts five ecologically diverse national parks, including Hlane Royal national Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mkhaya Game Reserve. Mkhaya, a private sanctuary, is one of the few places in the region to view the rare and almost extinct black rhino in the wild.
Besides offering numerous opportunities for game watching, Swaziland’s parks and nature reserves provide some of the most picturesque sceneries in the area. The friendly, laid-back people are perhaps the country’s greatest draw, and despite their own hardships take pride in their hospitality.
Swaziland is one of the world’s remaining monarchies, with a parliament whose main function is to advise the king. The monarchy itself is a very traditional institution that radiates in every aspect of the Swazi life.
The Swaziland Reed Dance, Unhlanga, is the country’s premier tourist attractions. Unhlanga is a yearly traditional style ball wherein some 20,000 of the most eligible virgins in Swaziland step out (almost naked) for edification of the King, who selects from among them his new wife.
When To Go:
Swaziland is best visited during the dry winter months (May and October). You are advised to pack warm clothes because temperatures can extremely fall during the nights.
Quick Facts About Swaziland:
Time: GMT/UTC + 2
Area: 17,365 sq km
Capital: Mbabane
Borders: South Africa, Mozambique
Seasons: Rainy (December to April), winter (May to August), drier and cool (September to November).
Population: 1.1 million
Visa: Not required for most nationalities
Telephone: Country code 268; international code 00
Languages: English, Swati
Currency: Lilangeni (E)