The population of Swaziland is currently around 1 million people. The country is landlocked and is primarily surrounded by the South African province of Mpumalanga, but is also bordered by Kwa-Zulu Natal and Mocambique.
The country is fairly mountainous, (although not on a par with Lesotho). It was made a British protectorate in1906, and gained independence in 1968. It is still an absolute monarchy, Swaziland provides no danger whatsoever to travellers. Whilst there you will see the face of King Mswati III, just about everywhere

The first tribe to settle in the area originally came from Mocambique around 1750. The tribe eventually became settled under Sobhuza I, who joined many smaller clans to his. His son Mswati (after whom the Swazi's are named) established links with the Afrikaners, in an effort by both groups to ward off the threat of the Zulus. In 1894 the area became a South African protectorate, but obviously after the second Anglo-Boer war control was assumed by Britain.
The British established sugar plantations, and an iron ore mine. Sugar is still the major export today. Whilst in British hands, King Sobhuza II concentrated on buying up land within the area, and by the time of independence he owned over half the country. The country became independent and elections were held. In the first elections the Kings party took all of the seats, in 1973 in the second democratic elections 3 seats were won by a Pan-Africanist party. Following this political parties were banned in the country. There is a parliament but final authority rests with the king.
The current king is Mswati III, he has faced some unrest from the people and the creation of the Peoples United Democratic Movement. There is also outside pressure from other African nations for the Swazi's to hold real democratic elections.

Activities
Mountain Biking
There are 3 options available
Lobamba Trail: . First part of the day explores Mantenga Nature Reserve with lovely natural scenery, waterfalls and a 19th century Swazi cultural village in pristine settings. Learn about the traditions and beliefs of the Swazi Nation, as preserved in a living museum, then head on to Lobamba - a real modern day hive of life and activity. Follow your friendly guide on a trail of interaction, meeting people, visiting homes, tasting Swazi beer at a shebeen, roasting bits of meat on fire, buying fruit at the market and generally mixing with people in way that you can only do on a bicycle. Highlights include; Mantenga Nature Reserve, waterfall and cultural village, Lobamba Village, homesteads, Ludzidzini, home to the Swazi Queen Mother, National Museum, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, Houses of Parliament, National Stadium and the possibility of meeting high-ranking members of Swazi society.
Mountian Bike Safari: Enjoy a half-day excursion to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and get eye-to-eye with giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, blesbok, impala, hippopotamus and crocodile. Under the careful guidance of a Swazi guide, follow tracks and trails through the gentle hills and valleys of this scenic area. Ideal for photography & bird watching.
Swaziland Explorer: This is the ultimate, all-in-one-day bicycle tour. Combines the Lobamba and Bike Safari tours, with a great lunch venue included. A relaxed pace and flexible routing makes this achievable by most. If your time in Swaziland is limited and you want to see it all - the people, the wildlife, and the scenery this is the way to do it. Our guides are friendly and informative and enjoy offering the insights into life in Africa that this day outing promises.

Walking & Hiking
Sibebe Challenge:Sibebe Rock is believed to be the largest exposed granite dome in the world. Its huge expanse of unbroken rock is a unique geological feature. Situated just outside the capital of Mbabane. The front face of the mountain is a convex dome shape. The summit stands approximately 300 metres above the Mbuluzi Valley below. Rural African scenes are visible as well as suburbs of the distant capital. Sibebe has been proposed as a future national park, due to its landscape value, plant life and archaeological wealth. Granite is a hard and coarse, which weathers very slowly through a process of exfoliation. On the summit, piles of massive boulders cover the landscape, with caves between them. In ancient times these caves and shelters were inhabited by San (bushmen) people. The Sibebe Challenge is a 3 hour guided hike right up the main face of this mountain of stone. The object of this hike is to walk up the steepest possible gradient of the face, that can considered a walk and not a climb. The sense of achievement in reaching the top and the sheer beauty of this rugged landscape are the highlights. Ropes and safety devices are not used, nor deemed necessary. Note: for group bookings, requests for an easier route options can be made so as to allow a wider range of persons to reach the top.
Rock of execution:A guided walking trail inside Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a 3-hour circular walk along a historic water aqueduct, which traverses the Nyonyane Mountain. Promises superb views of the Rock of Execution, Sheba's Breasts, Lobamba Royal Village, Queen Mothers Residence, and the Mdzimba Mountain range. Includes a visit to a San (Bushman) Cave and good opportunities for game viewing and bird watching. Being relatively flat, this an ideal walk for those who wish to enjoy mountain scenery without mountain gradients. Refreshments and snacks provided.
Rhino Walk:An exciting guided walking safari within Hlane Royal National Park. Hlane is a mere one-hour away from the Mbabane-Ezulwini-Manzini area. Recognised as some of the best Acacia Nigresins (Knobthorn) bushveld in Africa, Hlane is alive with animals, birds and every type of natural life. Although the feature of this guided bush walk, is undoubtedly the close encounters with Hlane's burgeoning white rhino population, there isn't a minute between which is not entertained by birds, dung beetles, spiders and plant life.

Usutu Extreme Adventure
Trips leave from the Swazi Trails office at Mantenga Craft Centre, Ezulwini at 09h00. For those without transport, free hotel or lodge pick-ups are offered in the Ezulwini- Mbabane-Manzini area prior to this. There is safe parking for vehicles at Mantenga. Travelling time is 45min to the river, with transport provided in a closed tour vehicle. Participants who are exiting Swaziland to the south (Lavumisa/Golela) or west (Mahamba) immediately after the trip, may follow in their own vehicle to the river, so as to save time and distance later in the day. A light snack is enjoyed at the put-in (tea, coffee and muffins). The tubing trip is approximately is 4km and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on group sizes. The day is split into a morning of tubing and an afternoon of abseiling. All trips start with a safety briefing. Participants float, paddle and portage their own tubes with occasional vigorous activity required. Abseiling is undertaken during the afternoon on a 15m high cliff alongside the Holomi Falls. This involves learning basic rope-work skills and then descending the cliff by means of a figure-8 apparatus. The activity is controlled by a guide using a safety line. There are also exciting cliff jump and rapp-jumping options for adrenaline junkies. The 10m cliff jump into the foaming pool at the base of the Holomi Falls is a highlight for those that attempt it. Lunch is a picnic-style affair, served normally at the Holomi Falls. The standard format is chicken/mayonnaise, ham, or cheese bread rolls, fruit, chocolates/icecream and juice. The trip ends with sundowner drinks (beers & soft drinks) on the riverbank. The return journey takes approximately 1hr

White Water Rafting
The average full day trip length is 13km although a longer trip of 23km and the shorter of 7km (˝ day) are undertaken on occasions. In low water conditions, the trip is split into a morning of rafting and an afternoon of abseiling. Note: As of 2003 we have substituted white water tubing for rafting in winter months (see Usutu Xtreme Fact Sheet) - its awesome fun! All rafting trips start with a thorough safety briefing and a flat-water stretch for practicing technique. Participants paddle and portage their own boats and must be prepared for vigorous activity. Lunch is a picnic-style affair. . The trip ends with sundowner drinks (beers & soft drinks) on the riverbank. The return journey takes approximately 1hr.

Horse Trails
Nyenza Stable:The Malkerns Meander: Departing mid-morning (11h00) this guided ride weaves through the adjacent farmlands of Malkerns crossing rivers and passing homesteads. After two hours a welcome break is taken at the lovely Malandelas Farmhouse Restaurant for a wholesome lunch characterised by fresh produce. The return ride is an hour back to Nyanza, ending mid-afternoon (15h00). The Nyanza Sundowner: Departing just as the sun begins to dip (15h30 winter, 16h30 summer this out ride takes advantage of the cooler hours of the day when shadows grow long and the farmlands of the Malkerns Valley are bathed in warm yellow light. Enjoy a 1.5 hour ride before returning to the Stables for some welcome refreshments of beer, wine or fruit juice. Simple snacks also included.
Hawane Stables: Highveld scenery adjacent to Malolotja Nature Reserve
45 min from Ezulwini Valley, 30 min from Mbabane, 30 min from Piggs Peak
Accommodation packages with horse riding included (1 hr to full day options)
Unique accommodation in high quality Swazi beehive style village
Qualified professional instructors and expert tuition available
Out-rides suited to skilled riders.
Lusoti Trails:4-hour Mountain Trail This exciting 3-4 hour option offers intermediate and experienced riders the opportunity to tackle the Nyonyane Mountain, otherwise known as the infamous Rock of Execution. Steep inclines and testing descents are the highlight, with open plains to stretch the earth beneath your mount. Expansive scenery, fresh mountain air, bubbling streams and abundant wildlife are features. The guides gauge the pace at that of the least experienced rider. This trail includes refreshments and light snacks. Same day bookings cannot be accommodated. Restricted to experienced riders only. Trips depart on demand - earliest 07h00 - latest 14h00, subject to seasonal variations. Overnight Trails The Nyagato Overnight Trail offers a choice of one to three nights of true trailing. A fascinating combination of habitats and scenery are what make this trail so interesting. Starting out through grassland plains the trail climbs the granite slopes of Nyonyane Mountain, then crosses the Lusushwana River, crossing to rural areas of Swazi dwelling on longer trails. Overnight campsites at Bushman caves and/or on the banks of the river add to the attraction. The terrain can be steep in places and riders may be requested to dismount and lead their horses.

Cultural Tours
Swazi Cultural Village:Hidden away in a beautiful valley framed by the towering Rock of Execution and the shapely Sheba's Breasts, is the Mantenga Nature Reserve. Within this valley, at the foot of the 30-metre high Mantenga Waterfall lies the Swazi Cultural Village. Visit Swaziland's top cultural attraction under the guidance of an informative Swazi Trails guide and study the history and culture of the legendary Swazi Nation, founded by the 1st Dlamini King, hundreds of years ago and today bound together by the Ngwenyama, His Majesty King Mswati III. Here a 19th century replica of a Swazi dwelling is the backdrop to a description of the day-to-day lifestyle of a traditional Swazi family. Fantastic photo opportunities abound with Swazi men, women and children dressed in traditional attire, going about their day-to-day homestead duties. Later on to the beat of echoing cowhide drums, traditional Swazi dancing is performed by a colourful and talented group of dancers in a nearby boma.
Sangoma traditional Healers:This unusual study tour introduces visitors to the fascinating and magical world of traditional healing, where instructions from eternal ancestors are coupled with the knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants to treat a wide variety of ailments. The winding dirt road we follow leads to the Swazi homestead of a sangoma, a traditional healer whose mysterious powers are hard to explain. Sit in front of the indumba or "spirit-house" and learn from your guide of the stringent training and examinations that tangoma undergo before being allowed to practice their skills. For those who dare to have the bones thrown for them, catch a glimpse of what the future holds for you, as the sangoma enters a trance and is embodied by an ancestral spirit.

Scenic Tours
Gone Rural:Gone Rural is a thriving craft enterprise that combines the talents of over 700 Swazi women in rural co-operatives to produce international quality woven grass products. You will recognize their range from the most exclusive homeward and décor shops around the world. Now you have the opportunity of following a trail literally to the roots of these lovely products. Lutindzi grass only grows in remote

mountain areas. Enjoy an entertaining half-day tour to search out the source of this special grass and alight to meet some of the rural ladies who painstakingly weave the intricate grass designs. After refreshments return to the lovely valley of Malkerns, for a visit to the Gone Rural showroom and surrounding craft attractions. A final stop is made at the sprawling Mantenga Craft Centre, Swaziland's largest formal craft market.
Millwane Sundowners:What better way to end the day? Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between the Ezulwini Valley and Malkerns. Its close proximity to many of the accommodation providing establishments in Mbabane, Manzini and Ezulwini make it an ideal venue for a tranquil escape from the day's hustle and bustle. Enjoy a scenic open Landrover drive through the Sanctuary, where herds of antelope, zebra and wildebeest dot the grassland plains and where hippo and crocodile co-exist with abundant birdlife in the many waterholes and lakes. Our exciting and tortuous route climbs to the very top of the Nyonyane Mountains where a scenic sundowner spot is the place for drinks and snacks. As the sun slowly sinks, enjoy tales of Swaziland from you friendly guide, before returning at dusk to the camp below.
Piggs Peak:Departing Ezulwini/Mbabane this tour promises a full day of mountain scenery, rural Swazi homesteads and historical features. Good craft shopping opportunities are also to be expected. Features include a scenic route past the Malolotja Nature Reserve and through the Komati River Valley, with numerous stops at roadside craft, historical and scenic sites. Then after winding on back roads through scenic rural landscapes, a community guide escorts us to the famous Nsangwini Bushman paintings, home to the "winged human" figures that have fascinated archaeologists across the globe. Note: This is a steep walk, down and then up on a rough and rocky track of approximately 30 minutes each way. If participants are unable to walk this distance, a scenic tour of Malolotja Nature Reserve is substituted instead. Then its on to Phophonyane Falls Lodge, hidden away in a beautiful private nature reserve teeming with birds, diverse plant life and continuous cascades of tumbling water. Lunch is enjoyed in the lodge's restaurant. After viewing of the main falls and a stop at Peak Fine Craft Centre, the 19th century gold rush town of Piggs Peak is explored on foot for its insights into the life of a now modern market town. Crossing the new 110m high Maguga Dam wall the tour returns via winding back roads to Mbabane, with superb viewing and photographic opportunities of rural Swazi community areas. A stop is made a Malandzela viewpoint, for a 360 degree view of Swaziland, before proceeding to the massive Sibebe Rock monolith - Swaziland's most famous geological feature, bathed in late afternoon light.

Game Tours
Hogs& Hippos:Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the longest established and most visited Swazi park. Only a 20-30 minute drive from most Ezulwini and Mbabane hotels, this tour offers great scenery and the opportunity to view hippo, crocodile, giraffe, kudu, zebra, wildebeest, nyala, blesbok, impala, warthog, and much more. Mlilwane has open plains and very relaxed wildlife. It is an ideal place for getting a few clear views and photo's of wildlife. More importantly, we give you the freedom to choose between exploring the park by Landrover, horseback or bicycle. Groups can be split so that the young at heart can tackle the more athletic activities, with others enjoy the more sedate vehicle drive. This is a popular option for families traveling together. An optional walk can be taken down some of the sanctuary's walking trails. During poor weather a closed vehicle is used for game viewing.
Mkhaya Endangered Species:Mkhaya Game Reserve is Swaziland's world-renowned Refuge for Endangered Species, and is famous for its role in halting the decimation of rhino in Swaziland due to poaching and illegal trafficking. Almost guaranteed viewing of a wide variety of big - black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, jackal, tsessebe, waterbuck, roan and sable antelope, as well as other common species. Viewing is undertaken in open Landrovers at surprisingly close proximity, with guiding by friendly Swazi rangers. On occasions visitors are led on short bush walks for more intimate viewing of big game. Even ardent fans of the Kruger National Park will be awe-struck at the quality of this national wildlife attraction.
Hlane Royal National Park:Hlane Royal National Park is a 30000ha area, within the huge Lubombo Conservancy in northeastern Swaziland. The Park is held in trust for the Nation by His Majesty King Mswati III. This is the place where the hot still beat of Africa continues as it has for thousands of years. A network of game-viewing roads criss-cross the Park's flat terrain, weaving between 1000-year old hardwood vegetation and shallow pans which attract great herds of animals during the dry winter months. Lions were re-introduced to Swaziland at Hlane Royal National Park in 1994 and have bred well. Hlane also boasts small populations of leopard, cheetah, rhino, elephant, hippo, crocodile and hyena. Hlane is approximately one hour from Ezulwini/Mbabane, with your driver/guide able to point out many interesting features as the tour crosses Swaziland from west to east. On arrival our recommended format is a guided walk to see rhino and elephant up close on foot. This is undertaken under the guidance of a park ranger. This 1 - 1.5 hour walk can be substituted with a vehicle-based tour for those preferring not to walk. Giraffe, elephant and a variety of antelope can be seen whilst the close viewing of white rhino is undoubtedly the feature of this tour. An open air lunch is enjoyed on the deck of at the park's Ndlovu Camp restaurant, which overlooks a waterhole, regularly frequented by big game. The afternoon includes a vehicle-based tour of the lion and cheetah introductory areas, where again regular close-viewing and photographic opportunities exist.

Taste Of Swaziland
A half-day face-to-face insight into Swazi lifestyle and culture. This is an unusual tour in that it is totally unstructured. Where you go and what you do is entirely up to you and your guide to decide. We use this tour heading to arrange custom-designed tours to satisfy specific requests, or to cover once-off occasions like national ceremonies, traditional weddings and public appearances by His Majesty the King. So if you've scanned our tours and they don't suit your specific interests, book a Taste of Swaziland excursion and you and your personal driver-guide can decide where and what do. Our guides are resourceful and enthusiastic and love doing something a little different, so if you want to go bathing in a hot spring, tracking down a relative in a long-forgotten cemetery or simply exploring photographic opportunities off-the-beaten track, we'll try our best to give you what you want.