Sanibonani! Welcome to Swaziland!

So please slow down and kick back... you've heard of African time?  There is no need for rushing... by all means grab a cup of coffee and we'll tell you all there is to know about the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The Royal Kingdom of Swaziland has a history of African tradition and culture that is really ingrained in everyday life. From the minute you enter the country you will feel the difference and your lingering memories will be of a warm friendly Swazi population who love to laugh and who are intensely proud of who they are.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is an independent Southern African country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. It is led by Swazi Monarch, His Majesty King Mswati III, a man who is much loved and respected by his people (Yes really - ask for yourself when you arrive!). The country is very easy to visit with 14 different border posts. Swaziland also presents travellers with an ideal gateway between the Kwazulu-Natal region in the south and the Mpumalanga Highveld , Panorama Route and Kruger National Park areas to the north. Travelling west to east through Swaziland it is the shortest travelling route between Johannesburg and Mozambiquan capital of Maputo.

Safe, friendly and easy to explore along a well-established road network, Swaziland really is hassle-free Africa at its best. There are many great Swaziland hotels, places to stay, places to eat and things to do whilst in the country, so please don't hurry through.

With so many different Swaziland accommodation options to choose from, we've tried to help you by separating these Swazi tourism venues into different budget categories. Our low-cost options are grouped under budget accommodation and include a variety of Swaziland's national parks, bed and breakfasts, self-catering facilities, backpacker lodges and community tourism operations. For a mid-range budget Swazi accommodation options are very diverse, and this is where you will find many guest houses, character lodges, small hotels and family resorts. At the top-end, there is also no lack of choice when it comes to the best five star hotels, health spas, exclusive safari lodges and casino resorts.

If you like to orientate yourself first, and then find a hotel, game reserve, national park or cultural attraction to suit your travel plans in Swaziland, the best would be to start with our Swazi location maps - in Google maps format. You will find all accommodation options listed on our site appearing on these maps - just zoom in to wear you want to stay.

As the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, the Swazi Kingdom offers a wide variety of landscapes. From the highveld and forested mountains in the west, through the lush and fertile middleveld of central Swaziland to the hot savanna or lowveld region in the east there is plenty of diversity. The Lubombo Mountains separate the Royal Kingdom from neighbouring Mozambique.

With a population of over 50,000 inhabitants, Mbabane, is the capital city of Swaziland; other large towns include Manzini, Nhlangano and Siteki. Just south of Mbabane the Ezulwini Valley is the tourism hub of the country, with undoubtedly the widest variety of accommodation and activities on offer.

Being only 180km long by 120km wide, there is no place in Swaziland that can't be reached within 1.5hrs drive. As adventure operators in Swaziland say: "this means more time doing and enjoying sites and activities, with less time wasted travelling between them". Hey - isn't that just Swaziland in a nutshell!

Another popular route is heading up or down the South African coast either from, or on your way to Swaziland. Along the way, its worth checking out the Kwa-Zulu Natal region, and the Wild Coast.

And tiny as it may be, Swaziland is a thrilling tourist destination where days can be spent exploring vibrant local markets, art and craft sellers and absorbing the rich and cherished African culture. Wildlife is another major attraction for travellers to Swaziland. Visitors to these Swazi game parks and nature reserves will find them generally uncrowded, quiet and offering many opportunities for intimate one-on-one encounters with animals and birds. Mkhaya Game Reserve offers the chance to get aboard an open Landrover and view various big game animals such as elephant, buffalo and black rhino under the guidance of experienced tour guides. At Hlane Royal National Park you can have the unforgettable and rare opportunity to walk with white rhino, as the walking safaris here are strongly recommended. At Mlilwane Game Reserve the animals and birds are relatively tame and roam freely throughout the grounds. We have a number of active and exciting tours that you can enjoy here including hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding or 4x4 exploration.

Other popular venues are the Kingdom's major casino and golf resorts. Located in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley, the Royal Swazi Spa resort is the grand old lady of Swazi tourism with a championship golf course, convention centre and health spa.  The nearby Happy Valley Casino Resort is the new kid on the block.  The Orion Piggs Peak Casino Resort is a feature to the north, whilst smaller venues in areas such as Nhlangano can be booked. 

Independent travellers are generally spoilt for choice with a wide range of bed and breakfasts, guest houses, small lodges, backpacker venues and camping grounds scattered throughout the Kingdom.

Diverse landscapes characterise the country. Mbabane and in the north the landscape is dominated by granite plutons, the largest of which, Sibebe Rock, is locally believed to be the second largest in the world... after Australia's Ayres Rock (Uhuru). Waterfalls abound as streams and rivers drop from the elevated west to the plains of the east. The Malolotja, Phophonyane and Mantenga Falls are the best known, whilst white-water rafters are challenged to skirt the pounding Holomi Falls. The major river valleys of the Komati, Umbuluzi and Great Usutu result in Swaziland being far from flat, whilst dams, lakes and cascading sections like those rafted and tubed on by adventure operators Swazi Trails, provide fun and enjoyment all year round - check out a Swaziland tour or activity!

With a mild climate Swaziland is suitable to visit all year round. You can check the current weather forecast here . Malaria has been almost totally eradicated in Swaziland over the past decade.

It is an ideal place to relax, meet people, take photographs and appreciate the simple things in life, a smile, a friendly wave or the unforced cultural exchange. Whatever your preference, this destination has something to offer you that no Western country, or its neighbouring states can. The life and simplicity of hospitality exists right where it matters - right in the hearts of the Swazi people. This is evident in every guesthouse, lodge and hotel in Swaziland.

This Swaziland Travel Reservation Service is locally owned and operated by Darron and Anita Raw, of Swazi Trails - the Kingdom's leading tour operator. Swazi Trails specialise in exciting Swaziland tours and activities. With a robust team of 20 individuals, all of whom contribute to the company's mission of "making it happen" in Swaziland, this dynamic adventure company believes in helping travellers to rack up unique local experiences. The reward they say is winning friends and building the growing fame of this great little country. Read more about us and our story ...