Swaziland Tourist Places to Visit in Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Swaziland Tourist Places to Visit in Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Swaziland is an African country, bounded on three sides by South Africa and on the east by Mozambique. Lobamba is the legislative and Mbabane is the administrative capital and largest city of Swaziland. Swaziland is Africa’s one of the smallest country in terms of both population (1,106, 000 people, 2014 estimate) and area (17,364 sq. km.). Swaziland follows the monarchial system, in which king holds the supreme power of taking prominent decisions (the current king is King Mswati III). Swaziland is one of the member countries of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the Southern African Development Community.

History of Swaziland:

The history of Swaziland dates back to the middle of the 18th century, when the Swazi Kingdom was founded, led by Ngwane III. Following the outcome of the Anglo-Boer War, Swaziland became a part of British protectorate in 1903 and remained until 1968 when Swaziland gained emancipation from the British rule.

Getting Swaziland:

Matsapha Airport is the prime and only international airport in Swaziland, situated 1 km away from the city of Manzini. The airport is served by Airlink and Swaziland Airlink with scheduled flights from/to Johannesburg in SA. Generally, rental cars are available at the airport.

The major cities of Swaziland, Mbabane and Manzini can be reached by bus from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Minibuses are the primary options to get around Swazi cities, while taxis and rental cars are the secondary options.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Swaziland:

Culturally, Swaziland is an identified country, its prominent national events like Umhlanga and Incwala are famous even among bordering countries also.

Glass and wax products are the commonly purchased items by visitors in Swaziland. Maize-based delicacies and grilled chicken dishes should be tasted in Swaziland.

Things to do in Swaziland:

Mountain biking
Horse riding
Camping
Safari

What to see in Swaziland?

Hlane Royal National Park:

The Hlane Royal National Park is the largest national park of Swaziland, spanning over an area of 30,000 hectares. The park is blessed by the mix and opulent of floral and faunal species, including typical White-backed Vulture birds. Manzini is the closest city to the park, situated around 65 km away.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:

Situated near Lobamba city, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is noted as the oldest protected area of Swaziland, which holds the dignity of the most often visited reserve in Swaziland. The sanctuary offers many fine outdoor activities, including mountain biking and horse riding.

Somhlolo National Stadium:

The Somhlolo National Stadium is a multi-use stadium, situated in the city of Lobamba and is mainly used for soccer matches. Constructed in the year 1968, the stadium features artificial turf surface and has a capacity of 20,000 spectators.

Mkhaya Game Reserve:

Established in 1979, the Mkhaya Game Reserve is a renowned game reserve in the southeastern part of Swaziland. The reserve is especially famous as a great bird watching destination and the popular birds include Purple-crested Turaco, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, Pygmy Kingfisher and Narina Trogon.

Mlawula Nature Reserve:

Covering an area of 16,500 hectares, the Mlawula Nature Reserve is home to a large group of bird population, nearly 350 species. It is situated in the north-eastern part of the country.

Other places of interest in Swaziland include:

Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Hawane Nature Reserve
Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
Chubeka Trails
Swazi Candles

When to visit Swaziland?

Swaziland characterizes diverse climatic regions Lowveld, Lubombo, Middleveld and Highveld. Relatively, Swaziland receives rainfall throughout the year, highly during the summer months. The best time to visit Swaziland is from June to August.

Where to stay in Swaziland?

Blessed with rich dense forest and wildlife, Swaziland draws a substantial number of tourists throughout the year, which has resulted into the upgradation of the country’s hospitality industry. Most hotels are located in the cities of Mbabane, Manzini and Ezulwini. The prominent hotels in Swaziland (Mbabane) are listed below: