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Eswatini Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Forget the well-trodden tourist paths. Eswatini (Swaziland) is a breath of fresh air, a landlocked kingdom nestled in southern Africa that packs a mighty punch.
About Swaziland
Swaziland, officially renamed as Eswatini in 2018, is a small independent monarchy squeezed in between the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique.
Visitors to Eswantini can enjoy safaris, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and adventure tours; combined with a tour of neighbouring South Africa.
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Mapping Eswatini
Map of Eswatini
Eswatini is a country with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a monarchy that plays a central role in its governance and identity.
Eswatini (Swaziland) Overview
Eswatini, officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa.
Bordered by Mozambique to the east and South Africa to the north, west, and south, Eswatini is a fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Capital and Largest City
The capital city of Eswatini is Mbabane, while the largest city is Manzini.
Cultural Heritage
Eswatini has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional Swazi customs and ceremonies are still widely practiced today.
These include the annual Reed Dance, where young Swazi girls dance in honor of the Queen Mother, and the Incwala ceremony, which is held to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest.
Economy
The economy of Eswatini is heavily reliant on agriculture, with sugar being the country's biggest export.
Other important industries include manufacturing, textiles, and tourism.
The country's currency is the Swazi lilangeni.
International Relations
Eswatini maintains diplomatic relations with various countries and is a member of regional and international organisations such as the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the United Nations.
Language
The official languages of Eswatini are SiSwati and English.
Monarchy
Eswatini is ruled by an absolute monarch, King Mswati III, who has been in power since 1986.
Eswatini is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community.
Natural Beauty
Eswatini is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
The country is also home to several game reserves and national parks, such as Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve.
Population
The country has a population of around 1.1 million people and covers an area of approximately 17,364 square kilometers.
Swaziland
Under the leadership of Sobhuza, the Swazi people retreated from Zulu attacks during the mfecane, or crushing, into the area of Swaziland about 1820.
European settlers entered the area during the 1880s and an Anglo-Boer convention of 1894 placed Swaziland under the administration of the Union of South Africa.
The nation attained full independence on September 6, 1968, with King Sobhuza II as head of state.
Eswatini Tourism
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a beautiful and culturally rich country that is definitely worth a visit.
Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, the Kingdom of Eswatini more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of natural attractions and tourist activities.
Visiting Eswatini
Accommodation
Eswatini offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and campsites.
Entry Requirements
Make sure to check the latest entry requirements for Eswatini, including visa requirements and health-related protocols.
Local Cuisine
Eswatini's cuisine is heavily influenced by traditional Swazi culture and South African cuisine.
Be sure to try some local delicacies like braaivleis (barbecue), pap (a type of porridge), and boerewors (sausage).
Lobamba
As the traditional and legislative capital of Eswatini, Lobamba is home to important cultural and historical sites, including the Royal Kraal and the Parliament Building.
Visitors can learn about the country's history and governance while exploring this picturesque town.
Safety
As with any international travel, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary safety precautions.
Swazi Markets
Eswatini's markets are vibrant hubs of activity where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, artwork, textiles, and fresh produce.
Manzini Market is one of the largest and most famous markets in the country, offering a wide variety of goods.
Tourist Activities
There are plenty of things to see and do in Eswatini, from visiting traditional Swazi villages and cultural festivals to hiking in the mountains and wildlife safaris.
Mbabane
Map of Mbabane
The capital of Eswatini sits on a high plateau, in the western part of the country, near the border with South Africa.
Mbabane grew up in the late 19th century near the residence of the Swazi king Mbandzeni, and developed as an administrative centre while Swaziland was a British dependency, between 1903 and 1968.
Around Eswatini (Swaziland)
Lobamba is the royal capital and Manzini is the other main town; on the way to Maputo, in Mozambique.
Ezulwini Valley
Known as the 'Valley of Heaven', Ezulwini is a popular tourist destination with luxury hotels, casinos, craft markets, and cultural attractions.
It's a great base for exploring the surrounding area and experiencing Swazi hospitality.
Hlane Royal National Park
As Eswatini's largest protected area, Hlane is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and birdwatching excursions.
Malolotja Nature Reserve
At 1829 m., Ngwenya Mountain is Eswatini's second highest.
This 18,000 hectares park drops to 640 m. in the Nkomati River Valley, providing a diversity in flora and fauna.
This vast wilderness area offers breath-taking scenery, including rugged mountains, deep gorges, and lush forests.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching while immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature.
Mantenga Cultural Village
This open air living museum is a faithful replica of a polygamous Swazi homestead of a century ago.
The building materials are strictly traditional: poles, grass, reeds, leather strips, earth and dried cow-dung.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary, located near the Ezulwini Valley, offers opportunities for game drives, hiking, and birdwatching.
It's a great place to see a variety of wildlife, including zebras, antelopes, and birds, in their natural habitat.
Ngwenya Glass Factory
This glass factory produces beautiful hand-crafted glassware using recycled glass.
Visitors can take guided tours of the factory to see the glass-blowing process in action and purchase unique souvenirs.
Eswatini Maps and Travel Guides
Swaziland Travel Guides - Swaziland Maps.
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