Kingdom of adventure
SWAZILAND is not only
easily accessible for
South African travellers
but has the added bonus
that they do not require
a visa. This small but
attraction-packed country is
just a four-and-a-half-hour
drive from Johannesburg
and is rich in culture and
traditions. Swazi people are
known for their hospitality,
which enhances the appeal
of its many attractions.
The wide range of thrilling
adventure activities includes
caving, abseiling, canopy
tours and tubing.
Here are Chantal’s ten top
recommendations for clients
visiting the country.
1.Explore ‘The Valley of Heaven’
Situated in the Ezulwini
Valley, also known as
The Valley of Heaven, the
Mantenga Nature Reserve is
a must-see during a visit to
the Kingdom of Swaziland,
says Chantal. Visitors
staying at Mantenga Lodge
can admire the reserve’s
surroundings and the
Mantenga Waterfall. On a
visit to Mantenga Cultural
Village they can learn local
dances and explore a
traditional Swaziland village.
2.Stop at Shewula Mountain Camp
The Shewula Mountain Camp
is the first community ecotourism
project in Swaziland
and one of the most
successful in southern Africa.
The camp is fully owned and
run by the community, with all
profits shared by them in an
effort to continually develop
and improve this impoverished
area.
Chantal says while at the
camp, guests can enjoy
cultural music and dancing as
well as sunsets and nature
walks. They can also take up
the challenge of a mountain
bike trip around the plateau.
3.Visit the Swazi Candle Factory
Malkerns is home to the
Swazi Candle Factory,
where craftsmen work
their magic with coloured
wax. The craft market also
features a number of other
arts and crafts shops.
At Baobab Batik wax is
used to make patterns on
fabrics used for clothing
and other items; Rosecraft
produces hand-woven
mohair items; Kwazi Swazi
sells memorabilia and
books; and Amarasti and
Swazi Creations sell locally
produced bags, baskets
and pillowcases.
4.Sunday lunch at Foresters Arms
Travellers can cosy up by
the fire at Foresters Arms,
a luxury country lodge that
is a short distance from the
capital, Mbabane. Chantal
recommends the Sunday
Feast, where guests can
mingle with locals and
international travellers. The
European-inspired lodge has
an idyllic setting, centrally
located for enjoying the
Kingdom’s top activities and
adventures.
5.Navigate white rapids
Budding rafters can
make their way down the
Usutu River, with rapids
that run through gorges,
stretches of bush and
grazing land. During
their trip they can expect
views of impressive rock
formations, as well as
rural Swaziland with its
riverbank community life
and a variety of wildlife.
Travellers can opt for halfor
full-day, guided trips.
6.Zipline through forested gorges
Malolotja Nature Reserve
in the Sihlotswane Gorge is
home to Swaziland’s only treetop
canopy tour. Participants
zipline down the gorge over the
forest canopy and Majolomba
River, encountering striking
rock formations, towering cliff
faces and views of the lush
forest canopy.
7.Stay in a beehive village
Chantal recommends
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary,
the country’s foremost
conservation area, in the
secluded Ezulwini Valley.
Travellers can stay in a village
in one of the traditional
beehive huts – dome-like
structures made from
woven grass – and explore
the sanctuary on foot or
horseback, by mountain bike
or self-drive, or on a guided
game drive.
8.Witness glassblowing
In operation for more than
23 years, the Ngwenya
Glass factory has become
one of the most popular
tourist spots in Swaziland,
says Chantal. On weekdays,
visitors can witness the art of
glassblowing first hand.
A showroom where the glass
items can be purchased
is also on the property. All
the items are made from
100% recycled glass. A craft
centre features a number of
shops that sell locally made
products and curios.
9.Discover off-road trails
Paths and trails throughout
the country allow for hikes
of varying duration and give
access to areas that are
inaccessible by vehicle.
There are also several
unofficial 4x4 routes that
provide opportunities to see
the less accessible parts
of the country. Travellers
should note that all offroad
driving must follow
standard environmental
guidelines. Those who want
to explore below ground
can try caving with Swazi
Trails. The tour explores a
unique cave system formed
by the Kophola River, which
flows underground between
Msunduza and the Kophola
Mountains.
10.View 400-year-old rock art
The Nsangwini Rock Shelter
is an impressive cultural
attraction of 400-year-old
San art. The paintings
are remarkably clear and
informative interpretations
are given by members of the
Nsangwini community, who
manage and maintain the site.
Chantal says, en route to
the shelter travellers can stop
off for lunch at Maguga Lodge
which overlooks the vast and
spectacular Maguga Dam.
