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Swaziland,
a land-locked country bordered by South Africa
to the north, west and south, and Mozambique to the east, is approximately 17 000
square kilometres in size. It has four very distinctive geographical regions.
The scenic highveld area where Mbabane the capital is situated, is at an altitude
of 1 200 m on the western border of the country. The hilly middle-veld or grasslands,
lying at an average 700 metres above sea level, is the most densely populated
region with Manzini the principal commercial and industrial town. The lowveld
is typical African bush country of thorn trees and grasslands. Along the eastern
border with Mozambique is the Lubombo plateau, at an altitude
of approximately 600 metres. The origin of the Swazis can be traced to a mass
migration from central Africa many centuries ago, when
a small group, the Nguni, branched off from the main stream. In about 1750
these people settled in what is now Southern Swaziland.
Missionaries, hunters and traders arrived in the area around 1840, and after
the Anglo-Boer War, Swaziland was ruled for 66 years by the British
until independence was obtained in 1968. Today Swaziland has a Constitutional Monarchy in which
executive authority is vested in the king, King Mswati III.
Mbabane, situated at the northern end of
the Ezulwini Valley, is the capital of Swaziland. The Mbabane Market has reasonably
priced authentic crafts, including beadwork, stone and wood carvings, grass
weaving and colourful cloths. The largest granite rock in the world, Sibebe
Rock, is on the outskirts of Mbabane. There are spectacular views of Pine Valley from here, and it is also an excellent
picnic spot. The Tea Road winds
its way to the top of the Mdzimba Mountains, burial place of the Kings. From the burial ground, there
is a magnificent panorama of the Ezulweni Valley
spread out beneath the twin peaks of Sheba's
Breasts, referred to in Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines. The Malolotja
Nature Reserve, situated 35 km from Mbabane towards Pigg's Peak, is Swaziland's
largest park at 18 000 hectares. It contains over 26 species of animals, a variety
of flora and birdlife, walking trails, picnic sites and the country's largest
waterfall, the Malolotja Falls, which plunge 90m into the valley below. The Mlilwane Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is over 4 450 hectares in size, has over 25 species of animals
and over 200 species of birdlife. Dominated by the jagged Nyonyane
Peak, the sanctuary offers several tough walks.
Accommodation comprises Swazi bee-hive huts. Hlane
Royal National Park, situated
in the Lowveld, 40 km from the Mozambique border, has modern
self-catering accommodation. Up to 10,000 animals gather here in the dry season,
including lion. Phophonyane Nature Reserve, situated on the escarpment where
the highveld plunges towards the lowveld plains, is known for its waterfalls
and diversity of flora and lush riverine vegetation. Over 200 species have
been recorded. Accommodation is in thatched cottages or a tented safari camp.
The Nsangweni Bushman Paintings and Komati River Gorge are situated 20 km south
of Pigg's Peak in a forested area. Guides
are available from the District Commissioner's office at Pigg's Peak. The Swazi
Cultural Village is situated near The Mantenga
Falls. Accommodation is provided in authentic Swazi bee-hive huts or luxury
tents on unique wooden platforms among the trees. Traditional Swazi dances
are performed twice a day. Ngwenya Mine is the oldest in the world (± 45 000
years). Guides are available from Ngwenya Glass, and it is a spectacular 90-minute
walk to the mine. The Sotho Ruins and Lion Cavern are situated near the Malolotja
Nature Reserve. The ruins are possibly one of the oldest mines in the world,
dating back to 43 000 BC. Guides are available from the warden at the reserve.
For brochures and more detailed information contact: Swaziland
Tourist Office, Mbabane. Phone: +268
404 6420. Fax: +268 404 5414. E-mail: mintour@realnet.co.sz Website: www.mintour.gov.sz
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