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Swaziland General Information |
- Area: 17 363km²
- Capital: Mbabane
- Currency: Lilangeni
- Climate: Mild climate with summer rains between October and March
- People: Swazi, Zulu, Tsonga-Shangaan and European
- Official language: English and siSwati
- Time: GMT plus two hours
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Swaziland: The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small country in southern Africa, embedded between South Africa in the west and Mozambique in the east. This tiny kingdom is well-known for its pastoral and peaceful countryside. Visitors are drawn to the many traditional rites and cultural activities, as well as, the scenery. In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies more than 80% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners.
History & Background: Inhabited by many different tribes, the Swazis trace their first king Ngwane III to the 18th century. The British annexed the land in 1877 , and Swaziland became independent only in 1968 . The current king is Mswati III and despite some dissention about the lack of democracy, most Swazis are proud of their culture and tradition.
Best Time to travel: Swaziland’s highveld has a wetter, temperate climate with most rain falling between Oct and March. The lowveld is hotter and drier. The winter months are better to travel in but, summer can be enjoyable as well if you don’t mind the wetter weather...
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Main Attractions in Swaziland |
MALOLOTJA
Lovely hill top scenery - Malolotja Nature Reserve is in the western mountains, and is one of the most impressive mountain parks in Southern Africa. With fabulous scenery and unspoilt wilderness, the reserve is the largest proclaimed and protected area in Swaziland. Complementing the view is the opportunity to see many animal species, including many unique types of bird life as well as some spectacular flowers.
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The wide variety of flora and fauna includes many tree species, such as yellowwoods, stinkwoods and the tall forest fever tree (Anthocleista grandiflora). In addition, there are several species of amaryllids, orchids and lilies, as well as; six species of proteas and two species of cycads (Encephalartos paucidentatus and E. laevifolius). You may also see the rock-loving plant streptocarpus (Streptocarpus dunnii)! This area also includes the top of Ngwenya (Crocodile) Mountain, and the magnificent Malolotja river, which flows into the Malolotja Falls, dropping 900 m through a beautiful steep sided gorge.
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HLANE RESERVE
Swaziland has several reserves for such a small country.
Hlane (meaning "wilderness" in siSwati) is Swaziland's royal reserve. It belongs to the king - who holds it in trust for the nation - and keeps part of the land as a royal "Butimba" hunting reserve.
Hlane features 2 small camps and 200km of game viewing roads weaving through ancient trees, some of which are over 1000 years old.
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Open Land Rover drives and regular guided bush walks are also available... The Park is a home to white rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephant, ostrich, crocodile, wildebeest and i mpala as well as small populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena.
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