� � � � � � �Africa’s Last Absolute MonarchyIntact Ancient TraditionsBoundless Ceremony & Heritage

� � � � � �Big Five Game and Endangered SpeciesIntimate Viewing Experiences4x4, Walking & Horseback SafarisPhenomenal Variety of Birdlife

� � � � � � Majestic Mountains, Valleys, GorgesWaterfalls & Real African Bush

BIG HEART - BIG GAME - BIG HERITAGE - BIG SCENERY - ONE SMALL & FRIENDLY COUNTRY

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Mkhaya Game ReserveThe reserve is home to four of the Big Five. It is the only reserve in Swaziland with buffalo and black rhinoand offers visitors a private game park experience. Walking safaris to track both black and white rhino are aspecial, and unique highlight. This is Swaziland’s premier reserve, and there are only 12 upmarketaccommodation units available.

Mlilwane Wildlife SanctuarySwaziland’s first game park, opened in 1964, is very scenic and an outdoor lover’s paradise. The park doesnot have any dangerous animals apart from hippo, which are one of the main attractions, but this meansvisitors are free to explore on foot, on mountain bikes or by car. Accommodation is available in en-suitebeehives, rest camp huts, self-catering units, camping and at Sondzela backpackers. Visitors can stay atReilly’s Rock, an old colonial house in the park. The park features a botanical garden and is home to variousbird and animal species. Chubeka Trails offers various horse riding trails from hours to days.

Lubombo ConservancyThis 60 000-ha area is the greatest concentration of Nature Reserves in Swaziland with wonderful scenery, alarge diversity of animals, birdlife that is second to none and numerous indigenous plants and trees. TheConservancy includes the following:

Hlane Royal National Park:Home to four of the Big Five (including lions), the Hlane Royal National Park offers a range of activities forvisitors. The park is open to day visitors but also has accommodation in self-catering units, cottages and theBhubesi Camp. Visitors to the park can take part in white rhino tracking; sunrise, sunset and day walks; gamedrives and self-drive game viewing. The park offers mountain biking trails, one of which is a sun-up cycle.

Mbuluzi Game Reserve:This private game reserve development is bordered by the Mbuluzi River andthe Lubombo mountain range. It offers walking trails, game viewing, birdwatching, cycling and fishing. Accommodation is available in four lodgesand a campsite.

Mlawula Nature Reserve: Covering an area of about 16 500ha, the reserve has the impressiveLubombo Mountains running along its boundary. Beautifully scenic, there isa diverse variety of fauna and flora. Accommodation includes luxury en-suite tents, a cottage and a campsite. There are 54km of road open tovisitors for game viewing and 10 walking trails ranging from 1.5km to a full-

day hike. Other activities include fishingand guided walks.

Shewula Mountain Camp:This was the first ever community tourism project in Swaziland. The campoffers visitors accommodation in seven rondavels that are either suites ordormitories. A number of activities are available including sharing storiesand watching cultural dancing around the fire, hiking, mountain biking, avillage visit, games with the local community, visiting projects like theorphanage programme in the community and donkey cart

Malolotja Nature ReserveThis reserve is one of Swaziland’s finest and is the last unspoilt mountain wilderness left in thecountry. Extending to over 18000 hectares, Malolotja features stunning scenery of rugged gorges andhidden forests and a wide variety of fauna and flora. Visitors can choose between day hiking trailsand overnight trails that are two to three days long. Mountain biking is also possible at the reserve aswell as catch-and-release fishing. Malolotja is also home to Swaziland’s first official tree top canopytour, which consists of 11 elevated forest platforms, 10 slides and a 50-metre long suspension bridgethat crosses the Majolomba River.

Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature ReserveA wonderful reserve of beautiful riverine walks surrounded bymountains and waterfalls. The reserve’s rich naturalvegetation and year round water attracts smallmammals and very impressive birdlife. There arewell marked trails of varying lengths andwonderful river pools to bathe in. The lodgeoffers accommodation in cottages, tents andbeehive huts, all with pleasant views of thesurrounding reserve.

BIG GAME &BIG NATURE

Ludzidzini Royal Village - Umhlanga & IncwalaLudzidzini is the Queen Mother’s royal residence. It is not open to the public except during theUmhlanga or ‘Reed Dance’ – the ‘headline’ event in Swaziland’s traditional cultural calendar. The ReedDance is an eight-day ceremony that involves some 20,000 unmarried girls cutting reeds and presentingthem to the Queen Mother, after which they dance. The King is present on the last day of dancing. It is atruly wondrous event to witness. The Incwala can be translated as ‘first fruits ceremony’ because part ofthe ceremony is that the King tastes the new harvest. But this is only one aspect of the ceremony. EverySwazi can take part in the public parts of the Incwala, although many parts are sacred and only involvethe key figures. The highlight is the fourth day of the Big Incwala.

Mantenga Falls Nature Reserve & Cultural VillageThe best known falls in Swaziland are located in the Mantenga Nature Reserve. The Falls areSwaziland’s largest in terms of the volume of water. Visitors can explore the reserve by foot, onmountain bikes or by car. The reserve is also home to the Mantenga Cultural Village, which offersvisitors a vibrant and energetic learning experience. It is a living museum of old traditions andrepresents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850s. It comprises 16 huts, kraals and byres for cattleand goats, reed fences and other structures. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the people in thevillage and can do so by grinding maize, plaiting mountain grass or joining in the Swazi song and dance.

Ngwenya Mine & Ngwanya GlassNow part of the Malolotja Nature Reserve, Ngwenya is the site of the oldest known mine in the world, LionCavern, dating back 43,000 years. The view from the mine into the Steynsdorp Valley is breathtaking.There is also a fascinating visitors’ centre which offers educational displays on the history of the mine. In operation for more than 23 years, the Ngwenya Glass factory has become one of the most populartourist spots in Swaziland. On weekdays, visitors have the opportunity to witness the art of glassblowingfirst hand. A showroom, where the glass items can be purchased, is on the property. All of the items aremade of 100% recycled glass. There is also a craft centre featuring a number of shops that sell locallymade products and curios.

Nsangwini Rock Art CentreThe Nsangwini Rock Shelter is the largest example of San art in the country and is said to provide the

most comprehensive display in Swaziland. 4000 years ago theSan people used this Highveld area for spiritual rituals and forrecording iconic moments in their lives through etchings on

the ancient rocks. The paintings are remarkably clearand informative interpretations are given by

members of the Nsangwini community,who manage and maintain the site.

House on FireAn awe-inspiring performance area and art gallery with a distinctly unique flavor, including, at its core, asunken ‘Afro-Shakespearean Globe Theatre’. Located within Malandela’s- itself a uniquely creativevenue offering experiences that inspire the imagination and refresh the spirit. The centre offers

everything from quality food and great shoppingto a world class entertainment venue and

accommodation.

MAJESTIC CULTURE & TRADITIONS

Swaziland Tourist Office UKTel: 0115 9727250

swaziland@geo-group.co.uk

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CultureA tiny country with a big heart and warm, friendly people aptly describesSwaziland – a country that is the only absolute monarchy in Africa andembraces and upholds its own unique and ancient traditions. Both themonarchy and the people of Swaziland actively maintain and preserve aremarkable cultural heritage that is probably unmatched anywhere in Africa.The famous Umhlanga (Reed Dance) and Incwala are traditional

ceremonies that involve tens of thousand of Swazis, and attract visitors fromall over the world. But traditional attire, ceremonies and dancing are to be

found throughout the country at all times of the year.

SceneryWith the exception of desert and sea, every geographical feature of Africa’sterrain is found within Swaziland: magnificent mountain scenery with rivers,waterfalls and gorges; unique rock formations which are among the world’smost ancient; lush and fertile valleys, plus typical African bush. From westto east, Swaziland moves from mountainous Highveld, though Middleveldto Lowveld, and then rises again to the Lubombo mountains. Altitudes vary

from 21 to 1800 m (70 to 6000 ft) – yet the country’s east and west bordersare less than 200 km (125 miles) apart.

WildlifeThe many Game Parks and Nature Reserves across Swaziland protect avast variety of animals. From the magnificent ‘Big Five’ to warthogs,antelope and reptiles, Swaziland is home to virtually all the wild animals ofAfrica. The emphasis in these parks is to provide visitors with a moreintimate wildlife experience. This is no place for mass tourism and convoysof vehicles but instead, walks to learn about the bush and track rare

species like black and white rhino. As well as traditional 4x4 and walkingsafaris, some of Swaziland’s reserves can also be explored by mountain bike

and on horseback.

Adventure ActivitiesSwaziland’s mountains, valleys, rivers and other natural wonders make it theideal choice for those seeking activities, and even high adrenalineexperiences. At the calmer end of the scale, simple treks and hikes areavailable in the nature reserves and scenic areas, to get a first handexperience of the natural beauty of the country. For those prefering to beseated, horse trails, mountain biking and even quad biking are on offer. And

the adrenaline really starts pumping for those who choose the treetopcanopy tour, adventure caving or white water rafting.

HandicraftsSwaziland has a remarkably impressive range of traditional arts and craftson display. Throughout the country men and women are at work creating thefinest handicrafts that are so popular with visitors. Creative basket ware invibrant clours, wood and stone carvings, glassware, exquisite candles,batik items, jewellery – all uniquely Swazi. In many places that they are onsale, there is also chance to see the craftspeople at work and marvel at

their intricate skills.

BirdsWith its massive variety of landscapes and habitats, birdlife in Swaziland issecond to none. Around 500 species have been recorded in this tiny nation– a figure on a par with nearby Kruger Park (which covers a much largerarea). These include numerous specials, from the rare blue swallows of theHighveld to the vulture colonies of the Lowveld. A number of Reservesboast very impressive numbers of species, but there are good birding areas

all over the country.

----Local Communities

The Swazis are a proud and extremely friendly people. They welcome visitorswith a beaming smile and take pleasure in showing off their beautifulcountry. As well as a number of community-run tourism initiatives, visitorsare able to experience daily life in Swaziland by calling in at a localhomestead, where they will be made very welcome.

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