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Swaziland
Summary: The smallest country in Africa, Swaziland is landlocked in southern Africa almost completely surrounded by South Africa and is mostly mountains and hills with some moderately sloping plains. It was almost 100 years between the autonomy granted by Britain until independence in 1968, and the economy is now mostly agrarian, with subsistence farming, a declining mining sector and drought contributing to the need for growth, which is targeting foreign investment while the country works with the UN to combat AIDS.
Capital: Mbabane
Time Zone: UTC+2
Population: 1,128,814
Languages: English, siSwati
Power: 230V, 50 Hz
Currency: Lilangeni
- Currently 1 SZL = 0.1371 USD $
Climate: Swaziland has a climate that varies from tropical to near temperate depending on the altitude, with a moderate winter from June to August that can be cooler in the eastern lowlands, and a hotter summer from November to February.
- Currently 71º, Mostly Cloudy
Recent Headlines:
Tunisia seek to get World Cup bid back on track - Middle East Online - 1 hour, 17 minutes ago
Tunisia on recovery mission - BBC News - Jun 05 11:41 AM
Papal Ball - BBC News - Jun 05 10:44 PM
Hugo looking for hat-trick - News 24 South Africa - Jun 05 9:21 AM
Bafana in last ditch win against Swaziland - SABC News - May 29 10:03 AM
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 Mbabane: At the northern end of the lush Ezulwini Valley, Mbabane is centered on the main Allister Miller Street and makes an excellent jumping point to other parts of the country. On one end, the Mbabane Market with local crafts and cheap prices is good for local shopping, and near the town center, the Swazi Plaza has the opposite flavor as a modern shopping center. About 15 miles to the north is the Malolotja Nature Reserve, hilly highlands with scattered waterfalls, and rare birds and wildlife. |
 Lobamba: Lobamba is the cultural center of Swaziland and is right in the middle of the Ezulwini Valley about 10 miles from the capital. The Royal Embo State Palace and Royal Kraal are landmarks, although the royals actually live 6 miles out of town, and Mantenga Falls is a short hike away, but this is primarily a resort spot for the country, with golf courses, and mineral hot springs. Just outside of town is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, the kingdoms first with crocodiles, white rhinos, zebras and hippos and nice hikes up the Nyonyane Peak and views from the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. |
 Siteki: In the Lebombo Mountains, Siteki is a mystical place, where locals are trained to be healers and fortune tellers, and tours can be arranged from the capital of the local schools. It is located between two ecotourist pleasures: the Mkhaya Game Reserve 20 miles to the southwest, with white and black rhinos, antelopes and elephants and guided walks of the parkland, and the Mlawula Nature Reserve, about 12 miles to the north, with rare plants and vines, along with a wide range of wildlife big and small, and a few types of poisonous snake. |
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Security: Keep your car doors locked, and stay on the main roads where possible. Be generally aware of your surroundings, particularly at night in the capital.
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Local Customs: English is widely spoken, and casual dress is the norm, although top-end hotels, restaurants and casinos may have higher dress standards. Don’t photograph the Royal Palace or military or police buildings, and ask before taking someone’s picture, or before setting up camp in the countryside near a village – just check with the village chief first.
Currency: The South African rand is commonly accepted throughout the country, but visit the banks, open weekdays until mid-afternoon, to exchange other currencies. ATMs, credit cards and traveller’s checks are all available or accepted, but not widely.
When To Visit: The cooler temperatures from June to August are best times to visit Swaziland, especially if you can catch the Reed Dance, called the Umhlanga, where women flock to the capital and locals are renewed in their royal obligations.
Food: Traditional Swazi staples are maize, milk and vegetables, with meat more common in some areas. Maize is most typically eaten as porridge, often turned into a fatty stew. Of course, restaurants will serve more African and western dishes.
Tipping: Follow standard tipping rules for 10% to 15% for excellent service.
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