Hhohho Region
Manzini Region
Shiselweni Region
Lubombo Region
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This landlocked country was a British protectorate until 1968 when it was given full independence. Today it's a monarchy in which the King has final authority. The Swazi people are open and friendly and the scenery is outstanding with a choice of five National Parks to visit. Everyday life is based on traditional culture and strong African beliefs.
Banking hours are normally from 08H30 to 15H30, Monday to Friday and 08H30 to 11H00 on Saturdays.
The official currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), which is equal to 100 cents.
The South African Rand (notes only) is also accepted as legal tender.
The international dialling code is +268. There are no town codes but add a zero for cell phone numbers.
220V AC, 50Hz and three-pin plugs are used with round terminals
Bulembu
To the West of Pigg's Peak, and at the end of a 19km scenic gravel road, you will find Devil's Bridge which is on the slopes of Swaziland's highest mountain, Emlembe.
Ezulwini Valley
So named after the Zulu word for "Paradise". It is here that you will find King Mswati III's residence. The fabulous climate of the Ezulwini Valley lends itself to the outdoor activities one can experience in this beautiful valley. The Great uSutu River offers the adrenalin junkie incredible white water rafting while also offering the fisherman excellent fly-fishing water. The Valley is well-known internationally for its excellent golf courses.
Lobamba
Lobamba is the spiritual capital of Swazi Nation and home to the Houses of Parliament. It is situated in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley
Mliwane
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is close to the border of Manzini, about a 15minute drive from Mbabane. It is the most frequently visited game reserve in Swaziland and can be explored on foot, 4x4 or horse back.
Mbanane
The political capital of Swaziland.
Ncwala (Festival of the First Fruits)
Ncwala (first fruits) is the most sacred and colourful of Swaziland's annual festivals, held in late December and early January. The festival takes place over three weeks; the first period commences at the new moon when the Bemanti clan journey to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique to collect the foam of waves, which is believed to have healing powers. Upon their return to the king's palace, they hold a ceremony called "Little Ncwala". Wearing traditional outfits, they chant sacred songs.
When the moon is full, "Big Ncwala" commences with a huge journey by young men from all over the country, who gather branches from the "Lusekwane" tree to construct a sacred bower in the royal garden. A sacred ox is driven out of the King's kraal, captured and slaughtered, ready for the next day's feasting.
The next day, warriors and guests assemble in the royal compound clothed in traditional dress of animal skins and grass skirts. The warriors dance around the sacred bower, luring the King from outside. Eventually he emerges to perform his sacred dance, dressed in full splendour, with his face painted and hair plumed. The excitement builds as the King is then handed the first harvested pumpkin of the season. He eats it and throws the rind into the crowd, who erupt with excitement, singing and dancing.
The fifth day is dedicated to rest and meditation, to be followed by a huge bonfire on the sixth day, when articles are burned to represent the beginning of a new year.
The Swazi people have a strong allegiance to their king, who forms the central part of the Ncwala ceremony.The festival is a chance to honour the royal family as a source of fertility for the nation.
The Umhlanga (Reed Dance)
Held in August or early September each year The Umhlanga (or Reed Dance) takes place. It is the second most important ceremony and is specially for unbetrothed maidens to pay homeage to the King and Queen Mother. The ceremony, which attracts young maidens from every corner of the Kingdom of Swaziland and parts of South Africa, provides the occasion for them to honor and pay homage to the Queen Mother. Most of the maidens who participate are in their teens, although there are some younger girls who take part. During the first week the young maidens gather reeds from specially designated areas, most of the older maidens travel a long distance, while the younger ones are left to collect reeds closer to their homes. The girls wear short beaded skirts decorated with fringes and buttons; together with anklets, bracelets and necklaces, and colorful sashes. Each sash has appendages of different colored wool streamers; these denote whether or not the maiden is betrothed (promised to marry) and which regiment ( group) she belongs too. The red feathers in their hair recognize the Royal Family Princesses. They lead the maidens to perform for the King and Queen. Each group has its own particular dance steps and song which marks their respect for the Monarch and his mother. It is quite common for the King to choose another wife during this Ceremony.
Inyatsi City-to-City MTB Classic
Held between Mbabane and Manzini - the route is changed annually and this element of surprise is what has made this race different from most other MTB races.
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Goba Border Post
The Goba border post in the district of Namaacha, in the southern Mozambican province of Maputo, linking Mozambique to Swaziland has officially opened to the movement of people and goods 24 hours a day. Goba border is also another transit point to and from South Africa via Swaziland. The border post is equipped with computers for passport and trade document checks. Goba border post also shortens by 50 km the distance between Maputo and Mbabane, the political capital of Swaziland, and by 100 km the distance between Maputo and the South African coastal city of Durban. Meanwhile, Di-Stefano Honwana, provincial director of Immigration, said the border post of Ressano Garcia, will not open 24 hours before 2010, adding that it would still extend opening hours during Christmas and Easter Holidays.
Pigg's Peak
Between 1882 and 1954 gold was mined in this area, discovered by William Pigg. Now the main industry is timber.
Malkerns
This small rural town is named after Malcolm Kerns who operated a trading store here in the early 1900's. The area's arts and crafts (candles, pottery and weaving), pineapple plantations and sheer beauty of the surrounding hills are what makes Malkerns a memorable destination.
Manzini
The capital city, and known as the Hub of Swaziland.The Mavuso Trade Centre can be found here, where major promotional events take place, such as the International Trade Fair.
This area was one of the first in Swaziland to embrace Christianity when the Methodist Wesleyan Mission settled in Swaziland. The oldest intact place of worship in Swaziland can be found on the way to Mahamba Gorge between Nhlangano and the Mahamba border. It is a Gothic style Methodist Church built in 1912
Simunye
Simunye is home to Mlawula Nature Reserve and also to the Hlane Nature Reserve. Hlane meaning "Wilderness" in Swazi. It is Swaziland's largest game reserve. The land of Simunye was once used as the Royal hunting grounds. That which is not game reserve, is now sugar cane farmlands, for which Swaziland is well-known. Arguably the best par 3 golf course in the country can be found at Simunye Country Club, with its magnificent views of the Lemombo Mountains.
Siteki
You will find Siteki, lying in the heart of rural Swaziland approximately 2 hours away from Mbabane by car. Siteki means "marrying place" in Swazi. Mbandzeni, the great grandfather of the present king, gave his troops permission to marry in Siteki. Healers and diviners are trained at the well known Inyanga and Sangoma Government School in Siteki. The healers collect their herbs for their "muti" from the "Muti Muti Nature Reserve" close to Siteki.
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