A BRIEF HISTORY OF SWAZILANDSwaziland map
Swaziland today covers an area of 17 373km situated against the South African and Mozambique boarder in south eastern Africa. The borders of the Kingdom are those drawn by colonial powers and do not reflect the powers and do not reflect the power and influence of the Swazi Nation of past centuries, when the Swazi Kingdom extended from the Pongola river in the south to the Crocodile river in the north.
King Sobhuza I, who is regarded as the founder of pre-colonial Swaziland is widely regarded as the architect of the Nation. He dedicated his time in consolidating and strengthening the monarchy and the nation at a time when the region was under constant threat from both Zulu and colonial expansion.
At the turn of the 20th century, southern Africa was in a state of war as the South African War of 1899-1902 swept across the region. Swaziland could not escape the consequences of this period of conflict and in 1902, when the British and Boers signed the peace treaty ending the war, Swaziland was arbitrarily ceded to the British and  declared a British Protectorate.                          
When King Sobhuza II came to the Swazi throne he set about the task of restoring land to the people that had been unlawfully ceded to foreign companies and individuals.
Swaziland was granted independence in 1968  
King Sobhuza II, died in 1982, and was succeeded by King Mswati III.

TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES
Both the Monarchy and people of Swaziland actively maintain and preserve a remarkable cultural that is probably unmatched anywhere in Africa. These ceremonies, attract visitors from all over the World to witness the unique culture that binds the nation to its colourful past.
The Umhlanga or Reed Dance
The most colourful of the ceremonies at which maidens from all corners of the Kingdom gather to pay homage to the Queen mother and the Mornach. The girls appear dressed in traditional Swazi attire carrying reeds, to dance before the royal household in expression of national unity.
The Incwala Ceremony
Also known as the Kingship, or first fruits ceremony, this sixday event takes place in December or January, depending on the sun and the moon. On the full  moon nearest to the summer solstice, regiments of traditional warriors accompany thousands of young men to cut sacred branches used in the ritual of kingship. Three days later, a spectacular pageant of dance, song and secret ritual is performed at the Queen Mother’s homestead of Ludzidzini.
Things to do in Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is a country of great diversity, in the people and culture, the sweeping landscapes, the waterfalls and in the wildlife. A Kingdom where pride in a long and noble history is reflected in the sincerity of the people and in the cultures and traditions that bind them as a Nation.
The people of  Swaziland will welcome visitors with traditional warmth. Swaziland is a safe country to visit allowing free access to even most remote regions. English is widely spoken.
The following places will give you the fill of what the country is about.

  • King Sobhuza II Memorial Park                416 2131
  • Swaziland National Museum                     416 1481
  • Hawane Nature Reserve                          442 4253
  • Hlane Royal National Park                      383 8100
  • Malolotja Nature Park                             442 4241
  • Mantenga Falls Nature Reserve                416 1136
  • Mantenga Cultural Village                       416 1136
  • Mbuluzi Nature Reserve                           383 8861
  • Mkhaya Game Reserve                            528 3943
  • Mlawula Nature Reserve                         383 8885
  • Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary                     528 3943
  • Nisela Safaris and Game Lodge                303 0318
  • Phoponyane Nature Reserve                    437 1429
  • Ngwenya glass blowing factory                442 4053
  • Swazi candles, Malkerns Valley               528 3219
  • Tintsaba Crafts                                       437 1260

 

ADVENTURE AND ECO TOURISM
Adventure tourism facilities are well provided for through a number of professional organisations.

These activities include:

  1. White water rafting
  2. Adventure caving
  3. Rock climbing, including the Sibebe Challenge
  4. Horse trails
  5. Mountain bike excursions
  6. Paragliding
  7. 4x4 excursions
  8. Golf
  9. Squash
  10. Bowls
  11. Cultural Swazi Village tours
  12. Casinos
  13. Trout fishing
  14. Coarse fishing
  15. Birding
  16. Hiking trials
  17. Quad biking
  18. Photography

SWAZILAND AT A GLANCE

Land area:        17 373km
Government:     Monarchy with democratically elected Senate and Assembly.
Regions:            Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni.
Languages:        SiSwati, English
Capital City:       Mbabane
Major Towns:    Manzini, Hlatikhulu, Nhlangano, Big Bend, Siteki, Mhlume, Pigg’s Peak, Simunye, Hhohho
Airport:             Matsapha International Airport
Airline:              Swaziland Airlink
Population:        1.2 Million
Electricity:         220/240 volt AC
Road Travel:     Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road. Foreign drivers licences are valid provided they display a photo of the driver.

Business weekdays:        Weekdays 08:00 to 17:00
                                    Saturdays 08:00 to 13:00

Credit cards       Most hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards

LANGUAGES
SiSwati and English are the official languages while English is the medium of instruction in all
schools and is widely understood. Proceedings and debates in Parliament are in both languages.

LOCAL TIME
Swaziland is at GMT +2hours. Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and United Kingdom are one hour
behind Swaziland. The United States (Eastern) is 7 hours behind and the USA (Pacific) 10 hours
behind. Hong Kong is 6 hours ahead and Sydney, Australia, 7 ½ hours ahead.

WEATHER
Swaziland enjoys a temperate climate along the western highlands which rise to an altitude of over
1800m above sea level. The lowveld areas are generally hot. Swaziland lies in a summer rainfall
region.

HEALTH
The Kingdom of Swaziland is virtually Malaria free except for a small area on the boarder wit
Mozambique. Visitors to this are should take the necessary precautions. If in any doubt, consult a
pharmacist or doctor.    

HIV/AIDS is prevalent throughout Southern Africa.

 

CRIME
Swaziland is blessed with a low crime rate and tourists are generally safe in any part of the
country.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January                      New Year’s day
March/April                   Easter Friday & Monday (as advised)
19 April                         King’s Birthday
25 April                         National Flag day
April/May                      Ascension Day (as advised)
22 July                          Public Holiday
Aug/Sept                       Umhlanga Dance/Reed Dance
6 September                  Independence Day
25 December                 Christmas Day
26 December                 Boxing day
Dec/Jan                        Incwala day or First Fruit Ceremony

 

BORDER POSTS
Daily opening and closing times

Bulembu/Josefsdal         08:00 to 16:00
Gege/Bothashoop           08:00 to 16:00
Lavumisa/Golela            07:00 to 22:00
Lomahasha/Namachaa   07:00 to 22:00
Lundzi/Waverley            08:00 to 16:00
Mahamba                      07:00 to 22:00
Mananga/Bordergate      08:00 to 18:00
Matsamo/Jeppe’s Reef   08:00 to 20:00
Mhlumeni                      07:00 to 20:00
Ngwenya/Oshoek           07:00 to 22:00
Salitje/Onverwacht        08:00 to 18:00
Sandlane/Nerston           08:00 to 18:00
Sicunusa/Houdkop          08:00 to 18:00

TRASPORT SERVICES
The main transport service includes Airlink Swaziland, the national airline, which is based at Matsapha Airport. Bookings are available through South African Airways. There are flights from Johannesburg twice a daily. Flights to Durban, Maputo and Vilanculos are available from swazi Express Airways. Local buses, taxis and minibus taxis operate throughout the country.

VISA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A valid passport is required from everyone who enters the Kingdom of Swaziland. For nationals of
the countries listed below, an entry visa is required:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, America Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Antarctica, Argentina, Armenia,
Aruba, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belorussia, Benin, Bermuda, Brazil, Burlgaria, Burkina,
Faso,Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivore, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Domonican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethopia, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Iribat, Kuwait, Krygyzstan, Laisser, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinque, Mauritania, Micronesia, Maldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Neepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Phillipiness, Pitcairn, Poland, Republic of Korea, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sao Tome and principe, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Turkemenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yuguslavia
 

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Manzini – Matsapha Airport          518 6192
Police – for emergencies 999
Medical emergency                     606 0911

BANKS

Swaziland has five banks currently operating. There Central Bank which operates as the mother body of all the banks in Swaziland, Swazi bank which is a local bank and then the three commercial banks operating also in other countries which are Standard Bank, Nedbank and FNB.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Emalangeni (E1-100cents), which is at par with the South African Rand, which also can be used in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Notes are issued in denominations of E200 (green), E100 (brown), E50 (orange), E20 (maroon) and E10 (blue). There are E5, E2, E1 in gold coins and 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c in silver coins.

EMBASSIES BASED IN THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND

The Federal Republic of Germany
3rd Floor Lilunga House
P.O Box 1507
Mbabane
H100
Phone: +268 404 3174
Fax: +268 404 3174

The South African High Commission
The New Mall, Mbabane
P.O Box 2507
Mbabane
H100
Phone: +268 404 4651
Fax: +268 404 6944

The British High Commission
2nd Floor, Lilunga House
P/B Mbabane
H100
Phone: +268 404 2581
Fax: +268 404 2585

Embassy of the United States of America
7th Floor, Central bank Building
P.O Box 199, Mbabane
H100
Phone: +268 404 6442
Fax: +268 404 5959

The Republic of China
Adjacent to the Central Bank Building
P.O Box 56
Mbabane, H100
Phone: +268 404 2379/ 404 4740/1

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique
Mountain Inn Area
P.O Box 1212
Mbabane
H100
Phone: +268 404 1296/6
Fax: +268 404 8482

 

INFORMATION CENTRES

Swazi Plaza Tourism Information Office
Swazi Plaza, Mbabane
P.O Box A1030
Swazi Plaza
Phone: +268 404 2531
Fax: +268 404 25 31

Ngwenya Tourism Information Office
Ngwenya Boarder Post
P.O Box A1030
Swazi Plaza
Phone: +268 442 4206
Fax: +268 442 4206