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SOUTH AFRICA
The Kingdom of Swaziland and South Africa are two countries situated in the very southern area of the African Continent. Learn the history and culture of these countries as you explore some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Be mesmorizied by the breathtaking landscapes. See picture galleries of the magical animals that inhabit these lands. Discover the amazing post apartheid metamorphisis in South Africa. Visualize the incomparable natural beauty of Swaziland; one of Africa's best kept secrets. Listen to the National Anthems of these countries and watch travel videos; all from the comfort of your chair. I am positive that after you visit this site, you will understand why millions of people around the globe are drawn to this area.
SWAZILAND
GEOGRAPHY
Swaziland is a small peaceful country directly adjacent to South Africa. It also borders Mozambique to the East. This picturesque country has mountains and many rolling hills, with rich fertile soil. There are fruit trees that grow here in abundance. You can find tropical fruit like pineapple; guava's; mango; papaya (locally known as papau); avacadoes; custard apple (apple/pear and custard flavour combination); lychees and many more. This is a small country measuring only 17,000 square kilometres. The population was last estimated at 1.1 million. The capital city is Mbabane. Another bustling city just below Mbabane is Manzini. Manzini is the most populated area. One of the most visited tourist areas in Swaziland is the Ezulwini Valley; due to it's temperate climates. For it's beauty and climate it is called Ezulwini Valley which directly translated means "Valley of Heaven". This is is where the majority of the tourist attractions are located; such as hotels, casino's and restaurants.
History:
What many people do not know is that Swaziland is a small monarchy. It is one of three monarchies in the continent of Africa. The other two being Lesotho (formerly Basutuland) and Morocco. Swaziland however is the only "Absolute" monarchy in Africa. Currently ruling is His Majesty King Mswati the third, who became King at the age of 18 when his father King Sobhuza passed away in 1986. Swaziland was once a British colony, yet gained it's independence in 1968. Today Swaziland is an independent monarchy that is rich in unique culture and diversity.
Currency:
The form of currency used is the lilangeni. The exchange rate is more or less equivalent to the South African Rand. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere and ATM machines are available almost anywhere including gas stations in remote areas.
Languages spoken:
English is widely spoken within the country; especially for business, government and tourist transactions. The traditional language is Siswati, which many residents of the country use for everyday communication. It is very closely related to Zulu spoken in South Africa. Many of the words sound the same, except for a slightly different pronunciation. Here are some common phrases in siswati:
Hello - Unjani or Sowubona
Goodbye or go well - Hamba hahle
It is hot today - Guyashisa namuhle
I am fine - Ngikhona
I am fine, thank you - Ngikhona ngiyabonga
Have a safe trip - Neluhambo loluphephile
yes - Yebo
no - Cha
please - Ngiyacela
thank you - Ngiyabonga
excuse me - Lucolo
I am sorry - Ngiyacolisa
I love you - Ngiyakutsandza
How much is this - Kubita malini loku?
National Anthem
Listen to this unique anthem. Click below on the YouTube video. This is only an instrumental version, so here are the lyrics with an English translation. The Siswati language is pronounced basically as it is spelt. Hope you enjoy. Enjoy this captivating video brought to you by the Swaziland Tourism Board. It is an exceptional video with a lot of accurate content of exactly how Swaziland is today. There is still the mix of the old world culture with the modern world. This characteristic is what makes visiting Swaziland a truly magical experience. TOURIST HOTSPOTS:
These are well worth checking out. A number of these tourist attractions and places to stay are friends of the family, so I can personally endorse their excellent amenities and incomparable customer service.
1. Summerfield Botanical Gardens & Resort
This oasis is located in the Malkerns region; which has one of the most temperate climates in the country. This makes for a perfect resort location. Enjoy the images below. You are welcome to click on the images if you want to see them enlarged. They are just a taste of the luxury and grandeur you will find at Summerfield. Here you will visualize images of the beautifully landscaped grounds; five star accomodation; and one of the main dining areas with fabulous decor. Summerfield has a sumptuous Sunday buffet brunch with a European flavour. You can also order a la carte Sunday or any day of the week with a great menu to choose from. If you are planning on travelling to this area, you should not miss out on a visit to Summerfield
Visit their website:
Summerfield Resort
2. Take a trip to the ocean
Although Swaziland is not situated on the oceanfront, it is only a short drive on a beautiful paved highway to the most spectacular beaches of Mozambique. Although Mozambique has had a history of struggles both politically, and economically; it is returning to it's former glory with resorts that are unbelievable. There are even cruise ships one can take from South Africa to these outstanding five star resorts in Mozambique. You may need a visa if travelling to Mozambique; so be sure to check with your travel agent before going. Swaziland also has very close proximity to the popular and incomparable beaches of Durban South Africa. You can arrive there within only a four to five hour drive. Check out these beaches in the South African area of this site. 3. The Royal Swazi Sun Hotel; Casino & Spa.
This Hotel is ultra luxury. It is located in the temperate climate of the Ezulwini Valley. It offers superb accomodation; beautiful golf facilities and a spa to pamper you after a hard day of playing in the sun. Have a extraordinary dinner in their restaurant or perhaps try your luck at the popular casino. Visit this site here to visualize all that they have to offer.
The Royal Swazi Sun
4. Mantenga Falls & Cultural Village
This is a popular tourist attraction not only for the falls but for the cultural experience you will enjoy. In order to preserve the Swazi culture they have traditional huts and captivating performances of local dance. A worthwhile place to check out. View this site here
for a look at the CULTURAL VILLAGE OF MANTENGA
Also here is a site which has a beautiful image of the falls. If you scroll through, you can also view pictures of the Mantenga Cultural Village along with one of the game parks mentioned below; the Mlilwane Game Reserve. MANTENGA FALLS
5. Game Parks.
Some of the reasonably priced game parks will take you on a the safari of your wildest dreams. You can see the BIG FIVE. A term used commonly in these Southern countries to describe the main five animals that can be found here. They are the elephant; lion; leopard; rhinocerous and the wild buffalo. To go on a safari in either Swaziland or South Africa is truly a magical experience. One that will leave a lasting impression on you for the rest of your life.
Here is a list of places to go on a safari in Swaziland:
Mlilwane Game Reserve with a variety of accomodation choices. This Game Park was one of the first established in Swaziland. This game park brings back memories for me when I was a child. We went here on a school field trip. There was a large bird that ate my lunch; so needless to say, this was a memorable experience. There are a variety of accomodations to choose from. Visit this site for more information
MLILWANE GAME RESERVE
Hlane Game Reserve is a more back to nature game reserve. They have beautiful furnished rondavel's (cute round houses with thatched roofs) with their own three piece bathroom. There however is no electricity on these premises in order to provide you with a more natural experience, so they use lanterns for when it gets dark. After a good night's sleep, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast in the restaurant. Be sure to order the Swazi breakfast which is almost too huge to finish.
View this site for lots more info HLANE GAME RESERVE
Mkhaya Game Reserve is situated near the eastern border of Swaziland. You can take day hiking trips that will lead you to caves and waterfalls. This beautiful attraction can be viewed further here. MKHAYA GAME RESERVE
Enjoy the wonderful picture gallery below. These images are of some of the wildlife you can find in the game parks in Swaziland and South Africa.
Or get a free travel photo calendar, sign up right now from this link
6. Swaziland Candle Factory.
Handmade unique candles that are sure to tempt you. Great gifts to take back to your family and friends. Also on the grounds, they sell wonderful handcrafted gifts made of wood or soapstone. There are extremely talented artists in Swaziland that can make unbelievable crafts one at a time. Watch these artists carve each one right before your eyes. Each one unique because they are one of a kind and not replicated in a factory by the thousands.
SWAZILAND CANDLE FACTORY.
7. Swaziland Glass Blowing Factory
Handcrafted gifts made of glass. More extremely unique gifts and tokens to remind you of your magical trip to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Definitely worth checking out.
SWAZILAND GLASS FACTORY.
PLACES TO STAY
1. Lugogo Sun Hotel
A sister property to the Royal Swazi Sun. This is a beautiful hotel and casino situated on well manicured gardens. Five star accomodations and award winning meals. For more information, see this website
The Lugogo Sun.
2. The Royal Swazi Hotel, mentioned above.
3. Cycad Lodges.
Situated right off the main highway, close to the Mozambique border. A good place to spend the night if travelling to or from Mozambique's ocean playgrounds. This property has quite a few miniature houses, which are beautifully furnished and have all the modern conveniences. A comfortable stay while in transit to or from Mozambique. On the grounds are barbeque pits. Also there is currently a convenience store and liquor store on the premises. A restaurant is being built and should be completed soon.
4. Mantenga Lodges.
If visiting the Mantenga Falls & Cultural Village, you might want to consider staying at this property. They have wonderful facilities. View this site for more info.
There is an official website but it takes a while to upload. Their website address is www.mantengalodge.com or MANTENGA LODGES for access if you wish to wait
5. Summerfield Botanical Gardens & Resort.
As mentioned above this place is an oasis in Swaziland. This property has some of the most luxurious forms of accomodation. One can stay at the Garden Villa Suites or the Doves Nest Bed and Breakfast. SUMMERFIELD RESORT.
6. Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino
This property has spectacular mountain views. A real retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the main cities. For a picture gallery as well as more information about their amenities, see this website PIGGS PEAK.
What and where to eat:
There are many good things to eat in Swaziland. All the restaurants and hotels cater to worldwide cuisine. There is even a Kentucky Fried Chicken; various pizza places; Chinese restaurant's and a franchise called Nando's which serves fire grilled peri peri chicken. This is a popular hot sauce used to marinade meats; a recipe originating from the Portuguese in Mozambique. This franchise is also popular now that it has made it's way over to North America. For those who want a true Swazi experience, one should sample some of the local dishes. Putu or Pap and Nyama with mbetfo are a delicious combination of semolina porridge prepared quite thick. Nyama is meat (beef, lamb or game meat) and mbetfo is a very healthy dish made traditionally with pumpkin top leaves, or sometimes with spinach leaves. It is prepared with onions, tomatoes and spices. Traditionally this meal is eaten with your hands for a true Swazi experience. Some of the other traditional dishes made are bean cakes, and fat cakes. The bean cakes are made the same as the fat cakes however they add ground up beans and spices for added flavour. The fat cakes are very similar to what North American's call "hush puppies". Another popular combination is samp and beans. The beans most often used for this meal are called ngomeni (mung beans), prepared with onions and spices. Be sure also to try meali meal (maize or corn) made into cornbread. Also there is a traditional drink call emasi (sour porridge), which is made of yogourt and corn meal fermented together. An acquired taste no doubt. There is also a strong influence from South Africa when it comes to food. So in Swaziland you can also find East Indian food such as samosa's; curries and chutney's in most of the restaurants. Although a South African term, a "Braai" or braaiflace is a common popular food item as well. It basically means a barbeque. Meat being the main grilled item. In great abundance is the tropical fruit which you can purchase in the market stands on the side of the road almost anywhere, or in the supermarkets. These fruit trees grow everywhere, so you can often find they are falling off the trees in a lot of places and nobody is bothered about them. There is never any lack of choices while visiting Swaziland.
Here is a list of some of the places I would recomend:
Summerfield Resort. A vast menu to choose from. Sunday buffet brunch is excellent.
Simunye Country Club
Nando's Chicken
The Calabash Restaurant. To see their website CALABASH
These restaurants are available in the Gables Shopping Centre in Ezulwini Valley
Quartermains Steak House (pub style)
Taipei Chinese Restaurant
Kanimambo Portuguese Restaurant
Linda's Coffee Shop
Or you can purchase your own groceries in the Gables Shopping Centre supermarket (The Pick & Pay) or any other grocery store in the main towns and cities.
For your virtual travel to South Africa, click here.....SOUTH AFRICA
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