The Kingdom of Eswatini may be the smallest in the southern hemisphere, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of Africa’s biggest adventures.
Eswatini, officially renamed from Swaziland in 2018, is a small, landlocked absolute monarchy in Southern Africa.
Tradition is still a prominent feature of this proud nation. In the Royal Valley at Lobamba, witness the Umhlanga dance, where 40,000 girls cut reeds in offering to the queen mother. The celebration – high in energy, loud in voice and bright in colour – lasts for eight days and is the cultural event of the year.
Antelopes and zebras run among the rugged rolling hills of the Malolotja Nature Reserve, so whether you choose a walking safari, tree top canopy tour or mountain bike to see the splendour, it remains one of the few remaining places on earth to catch sight of the endangered black rhino in the wild.
Those after a memento will be well served with vibrant, handmade arts and crafts, which are on sale at the country’s local markets. For visitors wishing to unwind, the Kingdom boasts a little luxury too. First-class spa resorts offer massages, treatments and thermal springs, while 18-hole championship golf courses and even casinos mean that you’re never short of adventure in the Royal Valley.
On four wheels is the best way to discover the beauty of Swaziland. North of Mbabane, the road to Luve is known as Pine Valley. From a distance, the granite heights of ‘Bald Rock’ dominate the landscape and the green vale, while up-close the Black Umbeluzi River shows itself with dramatic waterfalls.The Malolotja Falls are here too. The 89-metre spectacle is the largest waterfall in Swaziland and a must see while visiting the park. For visitors after even more water-based excitement, there is the chance to tame the wild white rapids of the Great Usutu River with a raft.
The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland , is a small landlocked country, with a total area of just over 17,000 square kilometres. The country is broken down into four climatic regions: Middleveld, the Highveld, Lowveld and Lubombo Plateau, and its seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the dry season here, and the summer months (November – March) are marked by thunderstorms and rain, with an average temperature of around 20°C. Several rivers, such as the Great Usutu River, flow through the country.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is part of a wider selection of SOUTH AFRICA holidays and accommodation.
