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Swaziland

Swaziland is the smallest country in Southern Africa as well as in the southern hemisphere. The last remaining absolute kingdom of Africa is surrounded by the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique.
In tourist point of view Swaziland offers rather cheap holidays, the country has great National Parks with a great variety of wildlife and is well-known for handicrafts.

Swaziland is probably one of the most relaxed place travellers can experience. Don't rush through it on your way from South Africa to Mozambique or vice versa. Spend some time in Swaziland and you won't regret it!
Just always keep in mind that Swaziland has the hightest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world. Don't do things you will regret one day!

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How to get around?

By Car - by far the easiest way of getting around in Swaziland. Rental cars are available in Swaziland, but as most travellers are only spending a couple of days in the country on their way back to South Africa or Mozambique it makes more sense to rent the car in South Africa. If you’re in a group, renting a car is also often the most economical way of exploring the country. Most major roads are in rather good condition. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Check the opening times of the border post before hitting the road to Swaziland. The main border crossings with South Africa are: Josefsdal–Bulembu (8am - 4pm); Oshoek–Ngwenya (7am to 10pm); Emahlathini–Sicunusa (8am - 6pm); Mahamba (7am - 10pm); Golela–Lavumisa (7am - 10pm).

By BazBus - the South African bus company Baz Bus is going trough Swaziland on the Johannesburg - Kruger National Park - Swaziland - Durban route. The bus is making a mandatory stop overnight in Swaziland. If you don't have a car, BazBus is actually is easiest way of getting to Swaziland from the Kruger Park area (Nelspruit).
Update: BazBus stopped servicing the Johannesburg - Nelspruit - Swaziland - Durban route effective from 01 April 2011. [more]
Update: New shuttle services between Johannesburg and Swaziland (13 Apr 2012) [more]

By minibus - There are a few infrequent domestic (mini)buses (cheap!), most of which begin and terminate at the main stop in Mbabane' city centre. If you want to travel around in Swaziland, the minibuses are actually the easiest way of getting around. Ask for advise at your accommodation in Swaziland for more info.
Minibus taxis run daily between Johannesburg (Park Station), Mbabane and Manzini, between Manzini and Durban as well as between Maputo (Mozambique) Mbabane and Manzini. On many routes, you’ll change minibuses at the border. Most buses will leave early in the morning and take several hours.

Organised tours & activities?

Taste of Swaziland Tour (full day)

The Swazi Trails Taste of Swaziland tour is a distinctly different tour. It is alive living and changing from day to day. This tour is not directed from the office, its led from the field. Where you go and what you decide do is up to you and your private driver-guide. This tour is constantly tailor-made to meet specific requests on a daily basis. This is the guided tour to book when want to accessa once-off or annual occasion like a national ceremony, a traditional wedding or on lucky occasions a public appearances by His Majesty the King.
You will find your Swazi Trails guide resourceful and enthusiastic. He or she will be passionate about doing something a little different and exploring off-the-beaten track.
If you are interested in bathing in a hot spring with locals, need to track down a relative in a long-forgotten cemetery or simply want to explore on-of-a-kind photographic opportunities then this is the way to do it.
Pickup info: For the Taste of Swaziland Tour - a free pick-up is generally offered from lodges and hotels in the Ezulwini Valley and surrounding areas. Pick-up's and drop-off's further afield may attract an additional charge.

White Water Rafting (full day)

White-water rafting was introduced to Swaziland in 1991 and is renowned as the best white-water in Southern Africa, south of the Zambesi. Operated by Swazi Trails the standard format is a half or full day guided river trip. The Great Usutu River offers a variety of Grade II to Grade IV white-water rapids. Trips are undertaken in 2-man, inflatable "croc" rafts and guided by local river guides in kayaks. Rafting in various formats is available 365 days a year. Departures are guaranteed for a minimum of two persons.
The Great Usutu is Swaziland's largest river. It flows from the South African highveld through central Swaziland and exits the Kingdom near Big Bend. Thereafter it winds past Nduma in KwaZulu-Natal and up to the Bay of Maputo in Mozambique. The Swazi Trails rafting stretch runs from a location between the villages of Sidvokodvo and Siphofaneni, which is known as the Bulungapoort. Although the river changes dramatically from full to low water levels, there is always a selection of Grade 2 to 4 rapids to be attempted. At certain medium and high water levels some stretches become Grade 5 in difficulty, with optional or compulsory portages at the river guide's discretion.
The river is wide and at lower water levels it winds its way between numerous islands and sandbanks, which are otherwise covered during the full water season. The location is scenic with tall mountains and forested riverbanks, interspersed occasionally by rural Swazi homesteads.
This booking option that you are currently browsing is for a full day White Water Rafting trip - generally available November through to May annually.
If you prefer a half day river rafting trip, which is available all year round then try - White Water Rafting Half Day.
If you would still like a full day of adventure, but are planning to visit in the winter season June to October, then try our great value White Water Rafting Abseiling Tubing Combo.
Pickup info: Trips depart Swazi Trails office between 08h30 and 09h00 daily. Swazi Trails are situated within the Mantenga Craft Centre in the Ezulwini Valley. There is safe parking for vehicles. A hotel or lodge pick-up in the Ezulwini, Mbabane and Manzini areas can be arranged at an additional charge. Free pick-ups are often provided when logistically possible, especially for larger groups or for participants accommodated in the direction of the tour departure. If unsure just ask as a special request when booking.

more tours & activities in Swaziland - Canoeing Safaris, safaris in Hlane Royal National Park, Caving Tours, Highlights Tours (half day, full day) etc....

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Swaziland at a glance

Weather
Most rainfalls are occuring in summer in Swaziland (mainly in the western mountains). Summers on the lowfeld are very hot (upto more than 40°C). The temperatures in the high country are lower and in winter it can get cool. The rainfalls normally begin around early December and last untill April. May to August are the coldest month (with some frost in June/July).
Malaria in Swaziland:
prophylaxis is recommended for travel to low veld areas, including Big Bend, Mhlume, Simunye, and Tshaneni. Shop-Apotheke.com
Area: 17,364km²
Capital: Mbabane
Currency: Emalangeni
Population: 1,337,186
Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%
Languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m | highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 26.1%
Electricity: 230V - 50hz
plugs: "South African" plugs - click here
Buy your adapter now - USA | UK | Germany
Internet country code: .sz