Swaziland Editorial by Paul Paley
Swaziland offers a perfect getaway experience, with a good infrastructure, beautiful landscapes and extremely friendly people. Excellent connections provide drivers with routes from the Kruger area to Durban or via an option of new toll roads from Johannesburg. You can also connect across the country to Mozambique. Before you travel, take a look at the visa table, within our Route Planner, to see whether you need a visa.
On our Swaziland Route Planner, we have highlighted major borders with opening and closing times. Smaller borders are not highlighted and if you are okay with dirt roads, you may want to try them. They include, the Bulembu border post, which is an alternative to Oshoek/ Matsamo and Salitje in the south, a great alternative to Golela/Lavumisa .
Bulembu has great scenery as well as interesting towns such as Barberton and Bulembu. It connects the R40, on the SA side, to the MR2 on the Swazi side. There is however, 14km of bad road on the Swazi side and the border closes early at 16h00.
Salitje is especially convenient on long weekends when Golela/Lavumisa is likely to be busy. It’s located just west of Golela, north of Pongola. On the SA side it’s tarred but does involve about 12 km of dirt road on the Swazi side. Opening hours are between 0800 and 1800.
Should you wish to fly, Swaziland Airlink offers regular daily departures from Johannesburg and car hire should be booked online prior to your arrival.
South African Rand is accepted everywhere in Swaziland, be careful though you may receive your change in Swazi Emalangeni. Make sure you use it before you leave, unless of course you wish to keep the colourful notes as souvenirs. The Swazi Emalangeni is on par with the Rand.
Within the Route Planner, you will see highlighted recommended accommodation and attractions to visit. If you are driving into the north of the country, Phophonyane Falls is a great stop off point. The eco lodge there provides lovely scenery and an adjacent river to cool off in during hot summer months. Travel further down the MR1 and you find Hawane Resort offering horse riding and walks, amongst other activities. While in this area drop in to Ngwenya Glass to buy some souvenirs, well worth a visit to the shop and adjacent factory.
Mbabane is the capital, off the MR3, where the elevated Mountain Inn is located, providing an a-la-carte restaurant, pool and views of the valley. Not far away is Mvubu Falls offering comfortable accommodation and a personal service by Belgian owners Greta and Marc. Travellers can also enjoy a personal service at Foresters Arms as you head south on the MR19 towards Mhlambanyatsi. Ruth's staff will look after your every need.
For a truly royal experience the Royal Villas is amazing with great food, a large pool and plenty of space, perfect for a group with parking provided right outside your villa. The villas are located east of Manzini off the MR3. Big Game parks also offer accommodation nearby at famous Reilly's Rock, where you can take in the view and embark on bird watching and walking trails. If you want a game experience they also own Mkhaya Game Reserve to the east of Swaziland where you can stay in open cottages, a true nature experience. They recommend a 24 hour stop off, which includes game drive, dinner, bed and breakfast.
Swazi Candles, to the east of Royal Villas, portrays amazing art applied to various hand moulded candles, why not stop there on your way to Nkonyeni Golf Lodge & Spa. Nkonyeni is south of Manzini on the MR9 and after 18 holes of golf, check in at their spa, have a game of tennis or just soak up the stunning scenery and relax.
All our recommended properties offer different experiences, it depends on the time you have, what you prefer to do and the directions you wish to take that will determine your choices.
View our selection and plan your route now by clicking here. You will find links direct to websites and booking systems.
Don't miss out on Swaziland during your next holiday. I'm sure you'll be pleased with your royal experience.
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