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Information about Swaziland

King Mswati lll Ngwenyama - Monarch of the Kingdom of Swaziland.Map of SwazilandThe Kingdom of Swaziland is old, peaceful, incredibly varied - and unique - it is the last traditional kingdom in Africa. The cheerful, friendly Swazi people have preserved their rich culture and traditions as a vital element in their day to day lives and colourful, mystical ceremonies are held every year to celebrate the Swazi traditions.

The most spectacular ceremony is the annual Reed Dance, when thousands of singing and dancing maidens converge on the Royal palace dressed in vibrant traditional costumes.  This ceremony takes place in August/September and the dates are determined by the phases of the moon and only announced a few weeks before the event.  During the Reed Dance, the maidens cut and collect reeds which are then presented to the Queen Mother and used for rebuilding the enclosure around her home.  In this way, they are paying respect to her and indirectly to the older ladies in the Kingdom.    

Maidens at Swaziland's Annual Reed Dance.

The most important ceremony is the Incwala or Kingship Ceremony, which takes place in December/January.  The King and thousands of young men and warriors take part in various rituals, dances and songs.  The dates for this ceremony are announced each year by the King, usually a few weeks before the event and are also determined by the phases of the moon.

Enrich Waterfall, Mhlambanyatsi, Swaziland. Click to enlarge. Swaziland'scountryside is beautiful and extremely varied - it ranges from magnificent mountains and waterfalls in the west to the lush valleys of the middleveld and the low lying bushveld of the east.  Swaziland is ideal for nature enthusiasts because the landscape is so varied within a small, explorable area, with a huge variety of birds and flora.  

The climate varies too - it is particularly good in the western region. Summers are warm and sunny, reaching a maximum of 30°C; while the dry season (May to August) are mild, with cool evenings and mornings, and warm sunny days. Swaziland is malaria free.

The currency of Swaziland is the Emalangeni which is interchangeable with the South African Rand  (R1 = E1).  Rands can be used throughout Swaziland.

Swazi children - click to enlarge.English and the musical siSwati are the official languages. English is widely spoken throughout the Kingdom. Click here for some useful Swazi greetings. 

All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Things to see and do in Swaziland

  • Visit a traditional Swazi farm

  • A traditional Swazi healer - a Sangoma

  • Stalls and crafts shops - the Swazis are artists and one can see beautiful crafts being made all along the scenic roads.

  • Ancient Bushman paintings

  • Swazi markets

  • Ngwenya Glass Factory- www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz. 
    Produces and sells hand-made glass products made from recycled glass.  One can also see local artworks, including masks, baskets, tableware and furniture.

  • White water rafting

  • Quad biking

  • Caving

  • Game drives

  • Swazi Cultural Village - energetic Swazi dances

  • You must visit the oldest mine in the world - 45 000 years old! It is a mystical place where red ochre has been extracted by stone implements.  It is used to adorn the body and for rituals.  There is a short and easy walk along the escarpment with spectacular views.  Today, red ochre balls are sold in the Swazi markets and are used in the marriage ceremony, when the bride is daubed with red ochre.

We can help you to organise your excursions, with or without a guide, to any of these attractions.

Swaziland mountains