Snuggled between Mozambique and South Africa, tiny Swaziland is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It is also one of its gems. Largely free of the racial tensions of its large neighbor, and ingrained with a strong sense of national pride, the country is emblazoned with a
rich cultural heritage.
If you’re here during the
Incwala or
Umhlanga festivals this will probably be the highlight of your trip to Africa. The friendly, laid-back people are perhaps the country’s greatest draw, and despite their own hardships take pride in their
hospitality.
The country’s
protected
nature reserves and
parks are characterized by some of the most
beautiful landscapes in southern Africa. There are myriad opportunities for
wildlife watching and the experience is far more low-key than in the large parks of nearby South Africa. It’s also one of the best places in southern Africa to spot the elusive and near-extinct
black rhino in the wild.
GeographySwaziland is surrounded to the north, west and south by the Mpumulanga of South Africa and to the east by Mozambique. There are four main topographical regions: the Highveld Inkangala, a wide ribbon of partly reforested, rugged country including the Usutu pine forest; the Peak Timbers in the northwest; the Middleveld, which rolls down from the Highveld through hills and fertile valleys; and the Lowveld, or bush country, with hills rising from 170 to 360m (560 to 1,180ft).
The Lubombo plateau is an escarpment along the eastern fringe of the Lowveld, comprising mainly cattle country and mixed farmland. One of the best-watered areas in southern Africa, Swaziland’s four major rivers are the Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma, flowing west-east to the Indian Ocean.
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