Swaziland

This small landlocked Kingdom is located within South Africa. It is ruled in a dual monarchy system comprising of the King and the Queen Mother. Unlike other parts of Africa, much of the landscape is well watered, due to the numerous rivers, streams and centuries old agricultural values and techniques. The indigenous Swazi people have always taken pride in hard work farming or herding, cleanliness, the art represented in their rich blankets, weavings and hut ornamentation. The country’s biggest draws are its rural charm, its still well-preserved traditional culture and customary friendliness.

With the huge influx of refugees from Zimbabwe, South Africa and countries to the north, much of the above traditional beauty is eroding quickly. This makes Swaziland an immediate must see for those with romantic images of a functioning pastoral tribal Africa or those who are interested in hard but rewarding volunteer work.

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Last edited Oct 14, 07 11:01 PM.

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1. Curio Market

(1 reviews)

Ezulwini, Swaziland

You will get the best and cheapest curio at the markets in the Ezulweni Valley.

2. Mbabane Market

(2 reviews)

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

Filled with warm colors, beatifull handcraft, all shape hand made candles and glass, and tones of shoemakers. If just to look around or to do some shopping, it's a good option

3. The King of Swaziland

(1 reviews)

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

While you're in swaziland, try to visit the king and his hundreds of wives. Each year there is a ceremony on which he picks his new wives... a must see tribal dance!

4. Busstop

(1 reviews)

Manzini, Manzini Region, Swaziland

A crazy place, from where you can go to South Africa the way the locals do.

5. Craft Market

(0 reviews)

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

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1. Anne-Marijke's Tip on Manzini

Manzini, Manzini Region, Swaziland

Manzini is the largest "city" in Swaziland and not extremely interesting in itself. However, it has great opportunities to take part in some community tourism in the area. From Myxo's place (Big Bend Road), a hostel owned by a Swazi originally from KaPhunga, the community in question, 1-2 days trips are organised. You'll get some quick "language lessons" and an introduction to their culture. Then you''re off! I found it one of the best cultural tours ever, as it is small scale, honest and fun. People are most welcoming and equally curious about your habits, which assures that it is not just a bunch of white people checking out the funny Africans. Loved it!

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2. Rodney's Tip on Matsapha

Matsapha, Swaziland

Small industrial zone with airport. Everything shuts down after office hours. Manzini is about 5 km away and Mbabane about 20kms.

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3. Rodney's Tip on Ezulwini

Ezulwini, Swaziland

Beautiful valley with the Royal Swazi Spa: hotel, golf course, casino and natural hot springs.

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4. Casson's Tip on Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

If you want to hear an interesting story, ask a local to tell you about the "muti" and the carnivorous trees of Swaziland.

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5. Raffi's Tip on Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

Keep your car doors locked at all time! Mbabane is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, so be alert at all time and don't leave your vehicle unattended.

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6. Apurva's Tip on Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

The Swazi capital is a bit of a quaint charged place ... on the one hand you have highly traditional set-ups (including the king in his Swazi costume and his string of wives and concubines) and on the other hand, glitzy night bars (with tourists, casinos, pole dancers and hookers) ... do visit the museum where you will get a glimpse of traditional Swazi dwellings and history...

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7. Stefan's Tip on Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

Mbabane is not very nice, its a normal african black city,

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8. Suellen's Tip on Ezulwini

Ezulwini, Swaziland

Gotta go to the why Not

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9. Ward's Tip on Mbabane

Mbabane, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

Watch out for traffic. Traffic can be crazy in town

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10. Daisy's Tip on Piggs Peak

Piggs Peak, Hhohho (North Swaziland), Swaziland

At the Matsamo border between South-Africa and Swaziland there is a Swazi Cultural Village which is a living museum of all traditional Swazi things. A guide gives information about the life in Swaziland around the 1850's. There is also a presentation of dance, music and folklore

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Ziyanda F.

Swaziland

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