Swaziland Travel Information - African Vacation Accommodation

Swaziland Travel Information

Nestled snugly and conveniently in the between South Africa and Mozambique is Africa's best kept secret - the Kingdom of Swaziland. Mountainous grandeur, lush forests, fertile valleys and the hot still beat of the African lowveld combine to take a visitor on a scenic tour of wonder through the "Switzerland of Africa".

Few countries today can boast the safety, stability and peace which Swaziland enjoys, both internationally and with her neighbours. Visitors to the Kingdom cannot but feel and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of their hosts, a characteristic engendered by this stability, nor fail to appreciate the safety it promises to travellers.

A small, land-locked Kingdom, Swaziland is bordered in the North, West and South by the Republic of South Africa and by Mozambique in the East. Although Swaziland has a land area of only 17,364 square kilometers, roughly the size of Wales or the American State of New Jersey, it contains four separate geographical regions. These run from North to South and are determined by altitude.

The Highveld, along the western border of the country, with an average altitude of 1200 meters, lies on the edge of the escarpment. Between the mountains rivers rush and tumble through deep gorges making this a most scenic region. Mbabane, the capital, is located on the Highveld.

Spectacular views may be enjoyed out over the Middleveld, lying at an average 700 meters above sea level. This is the most densely populated region of Swaziland with a lower rainfall than the mountains. Manzini, the principal commercial and industrial city, is situated in the Middleveld.

Variations in temperature are also related to the altitude of the different regions. The Highveld temperature is temperate and, seldom, uncomfortably hot while the Lowveld may record temperatures around 40 degrees in summer.
Swaziland is a year-round destination with plenty of sunshine. Whatever your favourite activity; hiking, pony-trekking, golf, it may be enjoyed at any time. There are, however, a couple of points to note. The vegetation in Nature Reserves is at its thickest during the summer months and those keen on game viewing should visit during winter. On the other hand, bird watchers are advised to visit Swaziland during the summer months as some species are migratory and the greatest number of birds will be seen at this time.