The
Kingdom of Swaziland is a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa
(one of the smallest on the continent), situated on the eastern slope of
the Drakensberg mountains, embedded between South Africa in the west and
Mozambique in the east. The country is named after the Swazi, a Bantu tribe.
Largely as a result of having the world's highest rate of HIV infection,
Swaziland has the lowest life expectancy on the planet: just 32.62 years.
History
Human
remains and artifacts from more than 100,000 years ago have been found
in Swaziland. The earliest inhabitants of the area were Khoisan hunter-gatherers.
They were
largely replaced by the Bantu tribes during Bantu migrations. Evidence
of agriculture and iron use dates from about the 4th century, and people
speaking languages ancestral to current Sotho and Nguni languages began
settling no later than the 11th century.
The
ruling Dlamini lineage had chiefships in the region in the 18th century.
An enlarged Swazi kingdom was established by King Sobhuza I in the early
19th century. Soon thereafter the first whites started to settle in the
area. In the 1890s the South African Republic in the Transvaal claimed
sovereignty over Swaziland but never fully established power. After the
South African War of 1899–1902, Swaziland became a British protectorate.
The country was eventually granted independence on September 6, 1968. Since
then, Swaziland has seen a struggle between pro-democracy activists and
the monarchy... Read
more
Ezulwini ("Place
of the Sky"), to the south of Mbabane, is a tourist center with a large
number of hotels. There are also tennis courts, riding arenas and a thermal
spring, as well as numerous shops selling craft products.
Ezuluwini
Sun, Ezulwini This hotel takes its name
from the heavenly valley which it is to be found in. When you journey there
prepare for a divine experience because once you get here it’s pure bliss
from beginning to end. The Ezulwini Sun Vacation Club is in situated
in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley in Swaziland and the 20 units have magnificent
views of the surrounding mountains. There are 10 ground floor units
and 10 upper floor units. Each unit has a kitchen, lounge and dining area,
double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, another separate bathroom and bedroom.
They are spacious and offer comfortable homely accommodation. Members
have full use of all the facilities at the adjoining Royal Swazi Sun including
the 18-hole championship golf course, the health spa and the elegant casino.
Lugogo
Sun, Ezulwini Fun and festive this hotel
is as warm and as welcoming as a Swazi smile. We invite you to bathe and
relax in this warmth. The Lugogo Sun has 202 rooms, catering for
a variety ofrequirements, including sports groups, conference delegates
and families. The rooms consist of 199 twin rooms and 3 mini suites.
All the rooms, excepting the suites, have two double beds with en-suite
bathroom and shower, and are equipped with television, radio, hairdryers,
tea and co ee facilities and telephones. A number of rooms are interleading.
Mantenga
Lodge, Ezulwini The lodge is situated among
natural surroundings at the foot of Sheaba’s Breasts Mountains, overlooking
the legendary “Execution Rock”. 38 rooms are tastefully furnished
each with their own en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, television, telephone
and tea & coffee making facilities. Enjoy the peace and tranquility,
relax at the swimming pool, take a stroll around the gardens or just sit
on the deck and enjoy the view of Execution rock whilst delighting your
palette with the tastes from our a-la-Carte restaurant. For
those who are more budget conscious, try the poolside rooms. We have a
few family rooms around the lodge, one of which is located in an old church
building. Swaziland has a rich history and cultural background to
explore, and Mantenga Lodge is an ideal base from where to get a real feel
from the Swazi people.
Mountain
Inn, Mbabane Mountain Inn is the executive
and diplomat’s choice for comfort, convenience and information networking.
Swaziland’s most personal hotel-situated only 4kms from Mbabane center
- is a professional, yet family run establishment. The Mountain Inn
offers superb cuisines, fully equipped meeting and conference facilities,
television in all rooms and secure parking. All this incorporated into
breathtaking views embracing the space and grandeur of Ezulwini Valley
– the valley of heaven. We are 35kms from Matsapha airport. We have
mountain bikes, birding excursions and many hiking trails. By arrangement
we have access to golf courses, fly fishing, horse riding and a cultural
village.
Red
Berry B & B/Self-Catering, Mbabane Visiting The Kingdom of
Swaziland? Join us at the Red Berry Bed and Breakfast, a new and lovely
place to stay in Mbabane. We offer a combination of Bed and Breakfast with
self-catering facilities and are fully serviced. We are located close to
Mbabane, within 1,2 kms of the city center and on a public transport route.
Our comfortable rooms are complete with a bathroom on suite, a fan, double
or single beds and DSTV. We have an amazing view of Sibebe Rock from
the timber deck and the use of a solar heated swimming pool on the premises.
Ideal for the visiting businessmen. We have the use of the solar
heated swimming pool on the premises and an enclosed braai area in the
garden, the colourful hammocks on the deck. All there for your enjoyment
and to help you relax.
Royal
Swazi Spa Hotel, Mbabane In the fascinating kingdom
of Swaziland is a lush and verdant valley named ‘heaven’ by the noble Swazis.
In this valley lies a sensational casino resort comprising a trio of hotels.
Each touched by the magic of Africa, none more so than the 5-star Royal
Swazi Spa Hotel. The Royal Swazi Sun is the flagship of the Ezulwini
Valley trio. Originally built m 1965,the Royal Swazi Sun has been regularly
refurbished to maintain it in right royal style. The combination of luxury
accommodation conference centre, country club, casino and an elegant new
Health Spa,make it the ideal destination for leisure visits, conferences,
incentives, as well as sporting events.
Hawane,
Backpacker/Hostel/Safari Lodge, Swaziland An experience away from
home does not have to mean doing without. At Hawane Resort, we try to make
you as comfortable as possible whether your comfort includes a good book
at the pool, archery or horse or mountain bike riding. Our well-stocked
toy-box for all ages has a variety of entertainment from board games and
DSTV to more vigorous outdoor fun. Kids games & Babysitting services
Our 22 thatched luxury en-suite chalets are a fascinating, inspired blend
of traditional Swazi materials and glass panelled front walls creating
a delicious combination of warmth and light. Waterways meander through
the indigenous landscaped gardens enclosed by a serpentine braided wattle
fence.
Kubuta,
Self-Catering Accommodation, Swaziland Kubuta is a beautiful tranquil
valley in rural south central Swaziland. A visit to Kubuta Banana Farm
is a rewarding, relaxing & energizing experience. There are shady
campsites with braai’s and ablution facilities available for groups as
well as rustic self catering rondavel, which makes a perfect stopover for
the single traveler or an ideal getaway for a romantic weekend for two.
Abundant bird life will reward bird watchers and fishermen can enjoy casting
a rod in the dams, which are rich in bass and bream. More ambitious hikers
may prefer an energetic walk to the top of the Loklwane, where a panoramic
view of the valley unfolds. For those interested, golf is available
at the recently opened Nkoyeni course. Excellent game viewing can be experienced
as a day trip to Mkhaya Game Reserve.
Maguga
Lodge, Piggs Peak, Swaziland You’ll find Maguga Lodge
in the heart of the Hhohho region in Swaziland and is ideally situated
for proximity to the Kruger National Park as well as Mpumalanga Province
and Mozambique. Overlooking the shimmering waters of Maguga Dam, the lodge
offers the discerning traveler a tranquil retreat. On offer is stunning
accommodation; restaurant and bar; conferencing facilities; weddings and
functions venue. Maguga Lodge is fresh, fun! It is the ideal
destination to unwind and recapture that sense of calmness which is often
lost in our day to day hustle and bustle. For the adventure seekers,
neighbouring Enkhaba Adventures offers the following activities: quad-biking;
para-gliding; hiking; abseiling and canoeing.
Phophonyane
Falls Lodge & Nature Reserve, Swaziland Phophonyane Falls Lodge,
Swaziland's own unique hideaway is quietly tucked away in its own 500 ha
nature reserve in a place of legendary romance and breathtaking natural
surroundings. The Phophonyane River runs through the reserve in a series
of waterfalls and cascades with the sound of running water providing an
ever present sense of calm at the lodge. The Phophonyane
Nature Reserve is home to small mammals such as red duiker, Cape clawless
otter, bush buck and a remarkable 230 bird species including the elusive
Narina Trogon, purple crested lourie and the wood owl. Guests at
Phophonyane are guaranteed a high level of privacy and personal service.
