Introducing: Swaziland
The UK isn't the only country with a royal celebration in 2018. This year Swaziland celebrates 50 years of independence and King Mswati III's 50th birthday – visit now, says
Postage stamp-sized Swaziland is a microcosm of the best Africa has to offer and is just a short drive from Johannesburg. South Africa's friendly neighbour is extremely safe, easy to get around and despite being one of the smallest countries in the Southern hemisphere, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.
Nature lovers can track down rhinos in the wild Lowveld or seek out rare birds in the rugged Highveld. Historians can visit the world’s oldest mine at Ngwenya or follow the colonial trail of the early settlers.
There are also plenty of accommodation options: traditional safari camps, eco resorts, international hotel chains (including the new Hilton Garden Inn which opened in the capital Mbabane in April) and the opportunity to stay in a traditional beehive hut.
Festival fever
Swaziland is one of the few monarchies in Africa and embraces and upholds its own unique and ancient traditions. It's a nation that revels in the spectacle of music, elaborate costume and dance, and attending one of its many festivals is the best place to experience all three.
Precise dates of the festivals are not published in advance, being dependent on the vagaries of ancestral astrology. However, the top festivals include The Incwala Festival in December/ January, The Marula Festival in March, The Bushfire Festival in May and the popular Umhlanga Reed Dance in August. The latter is an ancient festival and sees the nation’s women come together to cut new reeds to present to the Queen Mother. Over 60,000 women take part in this visual spectacle and the main events happen at the royal parade grounds at Ludzidzini.
Adrenaline rush
You can be abseiling the highlands in the morning and game viewing on horseback by sunset. There's also white water rafting on the Usutu River or quad biking around the Devils Cauldron. For a heart-in-mouth experience, the Malolotja zip wire is situated in a deep forested gorge with 11 elevated platforms whilst an 800m course of subterranean passages 90m below ground, the only major granite cave system in Southern Africa, is ripe for caving.
Arts, crafts and culture
Arts and crafts like glass blowing and candle making are very much part of Swaziland's cultural experience, showing how the country's modern-day skills go alongside its rich traditions.
Swazi Candles is one of the country's bestknown craft operations, whilst Ngwenya Glass offers a chance to watch glass blowing first-hand and browse a showroom full of beautifullycrafted glass ornaments.
The Mantenga Cultural Village is a working reconstruction of a traditional homestead from the 1850s, with excellent dancing displays.
Wildlife encounters
For traditional African big game viewing, Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve are home to a variety of big mammals, including elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra and rhino.
Mkhaya is one of the best places on the continent to see both black and white rhino, whilst Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for families as it offers a large choice of activities, including horse riding, mountain biking and hiking.