Southern Highlights Tour

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Swaziland's Ezulwini "Valley of Heaven" is home to extensive roadside markets and is the starting point for this excursion. Heading southwards below the towering Mdzimba Mountains the tour passes the Somhlolo National Stadium, the Houses of Parliament, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park and National Museum. It continues past Lozitha Palace (home to His Majesty King Mswati III), the University of Swaziland and Matsapha, the industrial hub of the country, all of which is pointed out and described by your guide. Arriving in the City of Manzini, the tour stops for a short walk through the bustling Manzini market. This is an ideal occasion to rub shoulders with local Swazi people going about their day-to-day lives.

Thereafter the Malkerns Valley area with its pineapple and sugarcane fields, is the backdrop to art and craft attractions of House-on-Fire (off-the-wall sculpture), Gone Rural (woven grass-ware), Baobab Batik(cloth-based designs) and many other local handcrafts. Swazi Candles is the highlight of this area and one of the Kingdom's most famous exports. See local craftsmen creating candles in hundreds of unique shapes right before your eyes.

Lobamba, the traditional and political heart of Swaziland, is the suitable point for a description of the historical journey that the Swazi Nation has followed up until today's times, when it exists as one of the last remaining ruling monarchies in the world.  Ludzidzini, home to the Queen Mother and site of the annual Incwala, Umhlanga and Lutsango ceremonies is viewed from a distance.

Then its onwards to Mantenga Nature Reserve, in a scenic valley framed by the imposing Rock of Execution to the south and the shapely Sheba's Breasts pinnacles to the north. Witin this valley at the foot of the 30-metre high Mantenga Waterfall is the lively Swazi Cultural Village. This 19th century replica of a typical Swazi homestead is another photographic highlight of this tour. First a 30-min guided tour of the village in undertaken and thereafter a 45min traditional dancing display is a non-stop, foot-stomping introduction to the Swazi love for music and dance. With the drumbeats still echoing in your ears, this tour makes a final stop in the inspiring surroundings of Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre, renowned for its talented artists in residence and its focus on recycling, sustainable living and organic food.

Children under 18 years are afforded a 50% discount on the adult rate, provided that there are at least two full-paying adults on the trip, or one adult with two children.

For Swazi Trails operated services, cancellations made 21 days or more in advance of arrival, will incur an administration fee of no more than 10% of the value of the amount paid. If cancelled within 14-20 days, 25% of the total price is forfeited, if within 7-13 days, 50% of the total price is forfeited, if within 0-6 days, 100% of the total price is forfeited.