Swaziland

Holiday Destinations / Africa / South Africa / Travel Guide / Swaziland

Swaziland, renamed by their king in 2018 as “the Kingdom of eSwatini” meaning “land of the Swazis”, is land-locked kingdom tucked between South Africa and Mozambique.

Most visitors only use the country as a stopover and shopping opportunity en-route to Kruger National Park, but this is to do Swaziland a terrible disservice. This is a very easy destination for the traveller, a microcosm of southern Africa that has the culture, heritage, game reserves, scenery and activities that merit a stay in its own right.

One of the highlights of Swaziland is the Mkhaya Game Reserve. It offers some of the best black and white rhino viewing in Africa, on foot or by open vehicle. Other giants may swing into view, too, from elephants and hippos, to giraffes and buffalo.

The Swazis people are proud of their culture, and traditional dress, clothing, beadwork and dance still survive. Swaziland is famous for its Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival in August/September, when unmarried women parade in front of the king. The Incwala Festival celebrates the first fruits in massed displays in full warrior garb and is held in December or January: dates are chosen by astrologers. A more modern festival takes place in May: the Bush-Fire Festival is an international even of music and performing arts.

Our Grand Tour of South Africa includes a visit to Swaziland. Should you wish to find out more, please chat with a South Africa specialist at Travelisto, request a video call, or send us an email.

We know South Africa from personal experience and have done ourselves most of the activities we recommend here. If you’d like more information, tips and advice, and help planning and booking your holiday in South Africa, feel free to get in touch by chat, phone, videoconference, or email. We are always here to help.

Abe.
Travel Designer and Founder at Travelisto