Swaziland Sight Seeing

Arts & Crafts
There is a wide range of quality craftwork sold in specialist stores and roadside markets throughout the country. The truly traditional Swazi craft is grass weaving and mats are produced in all sizes and baskets for every use. The indoor market in Mbabane has a wide selection of crafts all under one roof. There are also handicraft stalls situated en route to Mbabane which specialize in soapstone and wooden carvings.

Ngwenya glass factory
Situated just five Km from the Oshoek border, the glass factory specializes in hand-made glass ornaments made from recycled glass is worth a visit. From an overhead balcony above the factory floor, visitors can view the manufacture process and witness first-hand the magical art of glass blowing. Products include a range of tableware, drinking glasses, vases, jugs and ornamental African animals.

Candle factory
Situated in the Malkerns Valley, Swazi Candles have artists and craftsmen who produce unique candle designs renowned throughout the world.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Perhaps you’d prefer a stay at Swaziland's most frequently visited reserve, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can enjoy open 4x4 game viewing, walking trails, horse trails and mountain biking. Or catch a glimpse of hippos, blue wildebeest, impalas, zebras and alligators. Self-drive tours . The oldest and most visited Swazi park, Mlilwane is situated within easy reach of Ezulwini and Malkerns. The park includes accommodation, horseback riding, mountain biking, open Land Rover tours and foot trails. For the more adventurous, there are overnight horse trails offering an outdoor riding experience through the Sanctuary and into the mountains which afford a breathtaking panoramic view of the "Valley of Heaven" known as Ezulwini.

Mkhaya Game Reserve
At Mkhaya Private Game Reserve, famous as Swaziland’s refuge for endangered species including Nguni cattle and black and white rhino, experience the rare privilege of coming face to face with animals very near to extinction. The reserve is situated in the south east of Swaziland. Visitors can literally connect with elephant, rhino, buffalo, and a host of other creatures at little more than an arms length. Black rhino are also a feature as well as where the pure Swazi Nguni - Swaziland's own indigenous breed of cattle - was saved from extinction. As Swaziland's Refuge for Endangered Species, Mkhaya is a modern day success story for rhino conservation. Black and white rhino, as well as elephant, buffalo and many other species of rare game are easily tracked for visitors by the same skilled Swazi rangers whose efforts ensure its survival.

Hlane Game Reserve
If your Swaziland safari will not be complete without seeing lions, Hlane National Park, one of the few places in Swaziland where it's still possible to see lion in their natural habitat, is not to be missed. Not only is Hlane National Park Swaziland’s largest protected area and home to the largest herds of game in the Swazi kingdom, it has the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in Africa. Only an hour from Manzini on the Lubombo route between the Kruger Park and KwaZulu-Natal is Hlane Game Reserve. Consisting of two camps, these are a popular stop en route to and from Mozambique and therefore suitable for day trips or extended overnight visits. Hlane has a vast network of game-viewing roads which criss-cross the park's flat terrain is an undiscovered paradise for self-drive visitors. The 1000 year old hardwood vegetation and shallow pans attract great herds of animals during the dry winter months. Hlane, the Kingdom's largest protected area, is home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland. Lion, elephant and white rhino are often seen, and it has an excellent bird life.

Phophonyane Nature Reserve
Situated on the border of the Ngwane gneiss, Phophonyane nature reserve offers a remarkable diversity of habitats in a small area and contains outstanding views and landscapes. Located here are the oldest rocks in the world and beautifully exposed along the Phophonyane River, which tumbles down several hundred meters in a series of cascades and rock pools. The area is particularly rich in indigenous plants, trees, birdlife and small game. The reserve offers a series of well marked walking trails to viewpoints and rock pools. A guided 4x4 Mountain drive is offered to the nearby Gobolodlo Mountain, for the most breathtaking 360º panorama.

Special Events
The most important event in Swaziland is the Incwala ceremony or The Fruit Ceremony held every December or January. The four-day ceremony involves the entire nation celebrating the abundant harvest. In a formal ritual, the king is presented with the first fruits of the season before he in turn offers it to his people. Later in the year in the months of August/September is the Umhlanga or Reed Dance performed by young maidens to pay homage to the Queen Mother.