Destination: Swaziland
Kingdom of Swaziland
Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa, land locked by South Africa in its west and Mozambique in the east. Swaziland's monarchy is one of the oldest in Africa.
Capital: Mbabane; note - Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital
Swaziland is a country in Southern Africa, land locked by South Africa in its west and Mozambique in the east. Swaziland's monarchy is one of the oldest in Africa.
Swaziland, one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, is one of the smallest countries in Africa and has a well-earned reputation for friendliness in Southern Africa. It also contains several large game parks and reserves, which are sponsored by the government and are popular tourist destinations.
Compared to other countries in the region, Swaziland is known for its civility and peacefulness, despite similar problems with poverty and one of the world's worst AIDS crises.
Rumours abound that much of Swaziland's economy is based on the farming of marijuana, or dagga, as it is locally known.
History
The autonomy of the Swaziland Nation was dictated by British rule of southern Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1881 the British government signed a convention recognizing Swazi independence. At the start of the Anglo Boer war, Britain placed Swaziland under its direct jurisdiction as a Protectorate. The Swaziland independence Constitution was promulgated by Britain in November 1963 in terms of which a legislative Council and an Executive Council were established. The first Legislative Council of Swaziland was constituted on 9 September 1964. Changes to the original constitution proposed by the Legislative Council were accepted by Britain and a new Constitution providing for a House of Assembly and Senate was drawn up. Elections under this Constitution were held in 1967. Since 1973, Swaziland has seen a rather quiet struggle between pro-multiparty activists and the monarchy.
Fast Facts
Tipping: Tip 10% in restaurants. Tipping taxis is not necessary.
Vaccines: Consult a doctor as to which vaccinations you will require, but they will most likely include Hep A, Hep B, and Typhoid.
Visa: Is not required
Currency: Lilangeni (SZL)
Credit card: There are ATMs at banks in the big towns, although you will not find them elsewhere. Credit cards will be accepted in the main hotels, but not elsewhere, best to get cash out in South Africa beforehand.
Language: English and Swazi
Climate: Rain falls mostly during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms. Winter is the dry season. Annual rainfall is highest on the Highveld in the West. The further East, the less rain. 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.
Drives on: Left
Time zone: UTC +2