A landlocked country comprising only 17,364 square km, Swaziland packs a lot of attraction for its small size. The country is probably best known for its colourful culture and its warm and friendly people. An annual highlight is the traditional “reed dance”, during which time unwed girls pay tribute to the Queen Mother and are encouraged by the king to keep their morality and unity as a nation. Taking place towards the end of August, the exact date each year remains a secret until close to the time.

Swaziland also boasts incredible bird life, largely owing to its richly diverse geography of lowlands, mountains and marshes, and its many reserves. The most popular conservancies are Mlilwane Game Reserve, rich in antelope and traversable on foot, and Hlane Royal National Park, whose main attractions are lion and rhino. Conservation is very important to the Swazi people, their animals are protected and monitored by ongoing conservation projects.

Unique and colourful crafts are another hallmark of the Swazis. At Ngwenya Glass you can take a tour and watch glass blowing in action, while the Swazi candle factory has artisans at work handcrafting the finest candles to be found anywhere.

Swaziland Highlights

• Hlane Royal National Park
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sibebe Rock