The Western Route
The western transit route through Swaziland offers the greatest diversity. It leads from the Malelane Gate of the Kruger Park along the R570 in the direction of Magoneni to the border post Matsamo, open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. From there it goes to Pigg's Peak, through an attractive landscape of wooded hills. The Phophonyane Falls are a spectacular sight in the nature reserve of the same name near Pigg's Peak. The nature park offers marvellous swimming in a number of rockpools. Further to the south, past the Maguga Dam, one reaches after 50 kilometres the Malolotja Nature Reserve. It comprises an area of about 18,000 hectares of Highveld and Middleveld with elevations of between 600 and 1900 metres. One can best experience these spectacular mountains in hiking boots along some of the 200 kilometres of hiking trails.
After a few kilometres in southern direction appears Mbabane. The country's capital with about 100,000 inhabitants is picturesquely situated in a valley. It has a modern flair with good shopping facilities. South from here stretches the attractive Ezulwini Valley. This "heavenly valley" is the seat of the royal family as well as the parliament and the government. It has developed into the main tourist centre of Swaziland. Hotels, restaurants, curio stalls, nightclubs and casinos are lined up all along the main road. The king resides in the Royal Village in Lobamba, which is open for visits during the main cultural ceremonies like the Incwala festival or the Umhlanga Reed Dance. The Swaziland National Museum also lies in Lobamba. It gives a good impression of the Swazi people's culture and is complemented by the Swaziland Cultural Village nearby, where one can visit traditional Swazi huts and learn about the polygamous tradition of the Swazis. Of interest for nature lovers is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It is not very big, but offers a fantastic, typically African savannah landscape with a lot of game and a reservoir dam with hippos and crocodiles.
The border post Mahamba, in the south-west of the country, is situated 150 kilometres from Ezulwini Valley. It is open from 7 am to 10 pm.
Travel Info and Accommodation in Swaziland
