Swaziland – The Smallest African Country with Major Attractions

The nation of Swaziland, one of lasting monarchies in the continent, is consecrated with many attractors despite being the small one in size. This nation is basically visited as a resting halt on the way to/from Mozambique and South Africa. It allures visitors with its surprising royal ceremonies, admirable wildlife reserves, and fantastic scenery.

I think the said sights are simply more than sufficient to plan a memorable trip to this country. Because, even I had planned with my friends on these reasons too that have tremendous potential to maintain the holiday mood on a package tour.

Prime Attractions

Mbabane

Mbabane pronounced as mba-baa-nay is quite a resting place rather than an exploring one, as there is hardly anything remarkable to view or perform. As it is located amidst the Dlangeni Hills, the environs are calm and scenic. It is precisely this only sight that makes visitors stop and relax here despite of its dullness. The best time to be here is in summer or in fact this is the only place to be for enjoying its cool air.

Not spending much of our time, we then headed for the nearby Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys that had a lot to offer obviously in its comparison with Mbabane.

Ezulwini & Malkerns Valleys

The Ezulwini Valley begins close to Mbabane and stretched down to the Lobamba village that is situated at a distance of 18 km. Being the residence of the Swazi monarchs, maximum sight seeing is only near the village of Lobamba. The different views include that of the verdant greenery and slopes. However, these pretty sights are vanishing due to the building of hotels and other projects. Next, the Malkerns Valley that is situated nearby is worth a visit for its famous handicrafts.

Hlane Royal National Park

This national park is simple awesome located in the northeast region. Minibus taxis that are heading towards Simunye can lift you at park’s entrance charging you $0.70, as the park is only at a distance of 7 km from Simunye.

You need to pay the entrance fees of $3.50 and see to it that you remember the park times – 6 am to 6 pm. It is famous for its low-key wildlife watching including white rhinos, antelope species, elephants, and lions. Explore the guided trekking trails at $5 per person, 120 seconds wildlife day drives for minimum two people at $20 per person, a cultural village trip along with the dance shows for at least four people at $6.20 per person, and hiring a mountain bike at $9 per hour. If you wish to stay overnight, there are good camping sites.

Bird Watching

This is among the most relaxing and loving activities for nature lovers. The best time for this is early morning during which birds hunt for their food throughout the day and therefore, are easy to search and see. If you are in search for interesting species, be sure that you are aware of its details such as appearance, sounds, behavior, and habitat along with secrecy and patience. Even, do have the guts to travel to remote places to explore the new species in addition to the number of birds that are already seen.

Game Viewing

The nature reserves are just awesome locations for Big Five game watch. You can opt to ride in a game viewing vehicle or can freely walk in the area on properly noticed guided or self-guided tracts.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months for the journey are from May to June or October. Do not come during the rainy reason that is from December to April.

Tip

While visiting during the ideal time, carry something warm such as warm clothes and shawls with you.

Accommodations

At Hlane Royal National Park

• Ndlovu camp takes per person $5.50 for a camp site and $26 per person for a self-catering cottage. It is a nice and rural camp having a restaurant and no electricity.
• Bhubesi camp takes $27 for simple and $54 for deluxe cottages with electricity. Bookings for both are done at the Royal Swazi Big Game Parks office.

At the Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys

• Buhleni Farm Chalets at Ezulwini
• Brookside Lodge at Malkerns