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Swaziland has some important traditional ceremonies during the year such as
Incwala and the Reed Dance. These open to the public at selected times and are a
unique and interesting
view of another culture and way of life.
For those who enjoy the
curio and craft shops, Swazi Candles are only 2.5 km away where you can watch
them making their unique and individual candles. At their centre there are other
interesting shops to visit. These include Baobab Batik where you can see how the
beautiful batiks are designed and created and Inqaba Crafts
woodcarvers who are
adjacent to them.
Gone Rural for traditional handicrafts and beautiful grass mats and baskets is 5 minutes away.
Mantenga Craft Centre is 10 minutes away and has assorted art and craft shops.
In Ezulwini there are various roadside craft shops, small stalls run by local traders who offer a variety of quality local products.
Guava Gallery and Yebo Art & Design are just a little further on from Mantenga Craft. There you can find a wide selection of jewellery and also a contemporary art gallery & training centre where they feature monthly exhibitions by local artists. There are gifts for sale created by local artists like hand printed cloth, quirky T-shirts, prints and small sculptures.
In Manzini and Mbabane there are the old traditional markets to explore. You can pick fresh produce, have a Swazi dress made, find herbal medicines, buy colourful batiks, woodcarvings and watch jewellery making. Manzini market has crafts of all kinds and is always worth a visit, especially on a Thursday when people come from far and wide to exhibit their produce.
For those who would enjoy a sightseeing trip, Ngwenya Glass is well worth the 40 minute drive. It is also an easy stop on your way to or from the Oshoek/Ngwenya border and not far out of the way for those going through Piggs Peak and Jeppes Reef/Matsamo. Here you may watch the Swazi glass blowers creating their unique products and visit some of the other wares on display in their Craft Centre. This sells a wide range of African handicrafts and even traditional rocking horses that have been handmade on the premises.
There is a play park for children and you can enjoy a meal or a snack in their coffee shop overlooking the indigenous garden.
Swaziland is one of the most picturesque destinations in Africa. There are many
beautiful hiking trails through diverse scenery. From the slopes and mountain
tops of Swaziland’s sweeping ranges you can experience our famous panoramic
views and clean fresh air.
well worth it. Once you
reach the top Sibebe offers peace and
solitude while you enjoy the
enormity, tranquility and beauty of it all. From
the top there are some stunning vistas far
across
the Manzini region all the way
to the Lubombo mountains in the east as
well as unique plant, animal and bird
life.
In our game parks visitors have the chance to view our indigenous fauna and flora at close range with fantastic photographic opportunities.
There are several game reserves including Mlilwane, which is only 10 minutes away. It has a quiet and peaceful Rest Camp and their restaurant overlooks a water hole. Here you can watch the hippos as they are fed in the afternoons; a favourite for families! They also offer walking trails and mountain biking through the park.
Then there is Malolotja which has Highveld hiking through stunning countryside; Hlane Royal National Park has the big five; Mhkaya many endangered species; Nisela Safaris often have tame lions to visit and Mlawula, Mbuluzi and others are all within an hour to an hour and a half from us.
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BIRD
WATCHING
One of the premier Swaziland attractions is bird watching, as the country is known for its vast assortment of feathered species. More than 500 species have been identified in our small country, making it a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts.
We have a wide variety of different habitats all within easy drive from us, which give you the opportunity to enjoy so many different species. You can visit a different habitat and all its various related species every day of your holiday.
Here on the farm itself we have many different species living and nesting here. We even have our own pair of Barn Owls who frequently return to breed here on the farm, help with our rodent control and give us the pleasure of watching the progress of their babies!
SWAZI CULTURE
Lobamba, which has been the
spiritual capital of the Swazi Nation for around 150 years, is ten minutes drive
from us on
the way to Ezulwini and the Cultural village. It is the site of the
impressive House of Parliament and next door is King Sobhuza II monument, the
National Museum and the Somhlolo National
Stadium.
The Cultural Village nearby provides an insight into Swazi traditional lifestyle. It is a living museum of old traditions and represents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850's. It is a display of Swazi cultural heritage, including language, customs and practices, rituals, dance, music, folklore, arts and crafts. Their traditional Sibhaca dancing is a daily attraction.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Swaziland has many adventure sports available for those who are looking for excitement. There is white water rafting, abseiling, kloof jumping, adventure caving, quad trails, mountain biking, wildlife safaris, aerial canopy tours and much more. All of these as well as cultural tours can be easily arranged through our local tour operators.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Summerfield Botanical Gardens, a five minute drive away, have beautiful gardens to enjoy and an elegant restaurant where you can eat out.
GOLF
There are a number of golf courses set in beautiful surroundings in Swaziland. The Royal Swazi is ten minutes away and Mhlambanyatsi and Nkonyeni half an hour from us. Mbabane Club has a golf course and there are also courses at Big Bend, Manzini, and Tshaneni. You could play at a different course each day of your holiday!
CUDDLE PUDDLE
The Swazi Spa Health and Beauty Studio just down the road in Ezulwini has a large swimming pool known as The Cuddle Puddle. It is filled with natural warm mineral waters which are known for their therapeutic properties.
CASINOS
For those who like to gamble and enjoy the excitement of the casino, we have two Casinos close by in the Ezulwini Valley; The Royal Swazi Sun Casino and The Happy Valley Casino. There is a third Casino in Piggs Peak, about an hours drive from us.
CINEMAS
The Movie Zone at The Gables Shopping Centre in Ezulwini has four cinemas for those who would like to take in the latest movies... there is usually at least one child's movie showing as well for the younger ones.
EATING OUT
There are a wide variety of restaurants
and foods available in Swaziland catering for every taste. They range from those
with delicious local fare or exotic foods to more common western offerings. Many
cater for families with children.
Malandelas Country Restaurant is only
five minutes drive from us for lunch or dinner and is a favourite for our
visiting families. You can choose to sit
inside or outside where you can admire
the beautiful view in front of you. There is plenty of space for the children to
play while you relax.
Sambane at Swazi Candles is even closer for a daytime snack. Ezulwini and Matsapa between them have a wide variety of places to eat at, from fast foods to cordon bleu, and are within ten minutes of us.
Of course the best way to eat if staying at Nyanza is an evening braai (barbecue) on the veranda of your cottage, watching the sun go down over the mountains!