SWAZILAND: Visit Swaziland For Genuine Eco-Cultural Tourism Experience

Swaziland is proud of its many community projects that give visitors the opportunity to explore traditional ways of life.

The Shewula experience offers genuine Swazi hospitality run totally by the community, for the community.

Shewula was the first ever community owned eco-tourism camp in Swaziland opening in 2000. Sitting high atop the Lubombo mountains close to the border with Mozambique, the first thing visitors will notice is the superb, far stretched views across the lowveld over into the country’s big 5 reserve, Hlane Royal National Park.

The Shewula Community is a nature reserve of 2650 hectares, under the leadership of Chief Mbandzamane II and home to Shewula Mountain Camp.

Guests expecting 5 star luxury should really look elsewhere, this rustic camp offers a real insight into the local way of life whilst providing employment and an income to the Shewula community.

The camp has no electricity, light is provided by paraffin lamps and accommodation is in 7 thatched rondavel huts with en-suite facilities and showers with views to die for.

In the Shewula community there still survives the "ubuntu" tradition, which is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. In the "ubuntu" tradition, you are a person only with and through other people.

Getting involved is the Ubuntu way of life at Shewula and guests can explore local villages and join in their daily chores.

You can visit a Sangoma – a traditional healer, and learn of their healing powers and ability to predict the future.

Nature lovers can hike down to the Mbuluzi river and gorge, spotting birds and crocodiles basking on the banks.

The Sibhaca performance will leave you with a shake in your step as you learn the importance of this traditional song and dance.

The local food is excellent, prepared to traditional methods, meals here cost under £7 and are probably the best local food you will have tasted!

Washed down with an “umcombotsi’ (the local beer) you’ll be ready to turn off the paraffin lamp for a sound nights sleep.

SWAZILAND: Enjoy Budget Safaris In Swaziland

Small, compact and affordable, in Swaziland you can safari like a king without the royal budget!

Although it’s the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, Swaziland is big on experiences. Landlocked on all sides by South Africa and Mozambique, its 17,364 square kilometres provide a level of intimacy with wildlife that is unparalleled; it’s a real safari treasure and is far from the mass tourism of neighbouring safari destinations.

There are five main parks and a number of smaller reserves, but if it’s the Big Five you’re after Mkhaya Game Reserve (renowned for its Rhino Safaris) and Hlane Royal National Park are the destinations for you. But what makes Swaziland different from other safari destinations is the chance to explore beautiful parks and wild places at completely your own pace and on your own terms.

There are plenty of parks where you don’t need a guide and you can explore at your own leisure. But the best way to safari here is to self-drive (although local transport is also good and plentiful). For untamed wilderness and the chance to explore the bush on foot or on bicycle visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbuluzi Wildlife Reserve.

The other benefit of a safari in Swaziland is that there is lots of budget self catering accommodation and camping options at most parks and reserves and the conservation fees (park fees) are staggeringly under £3 a day making it affordable for everyone from families to students.

The emphasis in Swaziland is to provide visitors with a wildlife experience in areas of natural beauty, and to allow them a certain amount of freedom to explore on their own terms and to their own budgets. This is no place for mass tourism and convoys of vehicles; instead you get a intimate view and gain a better understanding of the bush and experience the thrill of tracking some of Africa’s big mammals.

SWAZILAND: Visiting Swaziland 2017

First opening in 1967, Hlane Royal National park, home to largest herds of game in the country, celebrates 50 years in 2017. The word Hlane means 'wilderness' in siSwati. Here visitors can track the country's lion population, elephant and rhino. Due to outstanding anti-poaching success, only 3 rhinos have been poached in Swaziland in the last 20 years, compared with up to 5 a day in other African countries.

Sibebe Rock is the second largest freestanding rock in the world, pipped to the top by Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. But Swaziland has its own thoughts o this as Ayers rock has many cracks, meaning it is not a whole piece! Not only do we think its bigger, Sibebe is nearly 2.5 billion years old too. Whilst baron-looking Ayers Rock sees over 500,000 visitors a year, Sibebe has beautifully vegetated cliffs and for the moment offers peace and solitude as you wander its trails. It even has a population of wild horses living amongst the grasslands, but don't let them drag you away!

A perfect and compact choice for adventure seekers - Swaziland offers caving, canopy tours, tubing, rafting or even climbing to the highest summit in Swaziland, Emlembe. Explore Swaziland by bike and have the opportunity to cycle alongside zebras on a mountain bike safari - you will not be lost for things to do.

Swazi crafts are hitting the catwalk! High quality arts & crafts that support local communities have become a mainstay of Swaziland. These include the likes of KhoKho, a boutique handbag company that is made by the hands of local women in Swaziland and so stylish it commands a £460 price tag. These exquisite bags have been featured in Vogue, Elle, and Condé Nast Traveller.

SWAZILAND: Explore 'Undiscovered Swaziland'!

UK's only Swaziland-specialist tour operator, Sense Africa, in conjunction with Undiscovered Destinations, have a new and exciting scheduled departure tour running in September 2017. With 11 nights in Swaziland this is fantastic opportunity to fully explore this little-known African Kingdom and experience its highlights.

There are still places available on this first ever 'Undiscovered Swaziland' itinerary so please take a look at the details from Sense Africa below and contact them directly for further information and bookings.

Undiscovered Swaziland
Swaziland is a welcoming Kingdom with wonderfully stunning landscapes, friendly people and up close and personal wildlife sightings. Walk within the reserves, learning to track animals, and truly immerse yourself into the African bush where your senses come alive!

Swaziland is bound tightly with its culture and there will be opportunities to see traditional dancing and to hear beautifully harmonised singing. In the communities you will be welcomed into their homes and their hearts.

Dates: 17 - 30 Sept 2017

Itinerary:
Days 1 - 4: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife on foot.
Days 5 - 6: Foresters Arms. Visit magical Malolotja.
Days 7 - 8: Mkhaya Game Reserve. Track black rhino.
Days 9 - 11: Hlane Royal National Park. Big Game safari.

Price: £3,275 pp sharing
Single supplement of £225 pp.
Price includes flights to Swaziland, all transfers in Swaziland, accommodation, all meals, activities, park entrance fees and professional guide for the duration.

Group size: group of 2 - 12

Duration: 11 nights in glorious Swaziland.

Accommodation: Traditional and unique accommodation. Wake up to wildlife, serene.
Transport: Private vehicle between reserves and open land rovers within reserves when on safari.

SWAZILAND: Swaziland's Big Game Parks Launches Rhino Song on #WorldRhinoDay

Big Game Parks, a non-profit trust that manages three game reserves in Swaziland, Hlane Royal National Park, Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mkhaya Game Reserve, are proud to announce today on World Rhino Day the release of 'Bhejane' in association with South African Artist Kyle Deutsch.

Please see the following news release from Big Game Parks:

Big Game Parks recognises the synergy between art and conservation – art being a beautiful medium to explore and communicate the conservation message. This strategy began with our 50th celebrations in 2014 with storytelling, poetry and Family Days. Since then we have continued with these themes, working with select local schools and artists.

In February 2016, Big Game Parks was the chosen venue for SA Idols finalist Kyle Deutsch’s music video “Wildside” thanks to Lloyd Orr, Swaziland Tourism Authority’s South African representative company. Kyle fell in love with Swaziland and a new ambassador was born.

Big Game Parks’ dedication to conserving Africa’s Rhino is no secret and the need to embrace a larger audience in a positive way was recognised. What better, more relevant and current inspiration than Rhino?

Building on our existing relationship with BushFire, we commissioned the first ever Rhino song, a dual project between local Swazi artist Mozaik Ngwenya, producer for DJ Qness and the December Streets, and SA’s hit Kyle Deutsch. These two talented artists created a beautifully African song with a powerful message of hope, love and support for the rhino.

First performed at Swaziland’s Bushfire Festival in May 2016, “Bhejane” is a celebration of Rhino, highlighting our commitment to both Rangers and Rhino. Our aim is to spread awareness of the Rhino crisis, to appeal to a broader audience, to inspire a call-to-action and to inspire a call-to-action from those who are less informed; to provide a different perspective for those who are, and finally our aim is to inspire hope for Africa’s Rhino recognising the fact that we, human beings, are the Rhino’s only chance at a positive future. Through this home-grown African song, we aim to instill hope and national, if not continental African pride, with its fabulous mix of emotion, pride, hope and love.

It is a great honour to introduce to you “Bhejane”.

SWAZILAND: Siteki Hotel

Siteki Hotel, also known as the jewel of Lubombo Mountains, is a 3 star hotel located in the eastern part of The Kingdom of Swaziland – Lubombo region. The Hotel offers accommodation, conference and restaurant facilities to businesses and individuals seeking serenity.

To cater for the needs of our diverse customers, the hotel has an extravagant executive suite, two standard double rooms, six luxury double inter-leading rooms and 27 twin/ single rooms – all air conditioned and well-appointed. All the rooms have Digital satellite television (Dstv) and if the plethora of channels do not provide enough relaxation, the hotel has a swimming pool.

Over and above the world class facilities, Siteki Hotel is also known, among its guests, for its memorable dining experiences. – with buffets & luncheons served 7 days a week, guests are sure to be left both satisfied & longing for more: from sea food to traditional dishes and pizzas.

Orders can also be made ‘a la carte’, as the menus have items to fulfill every of our guests’ desires. After the delightful eating experience, guests who want to enjoy drinks are spoilt for choice at the executive lounge bar, which quieter and allows one to enjoy their drinks without any disturbance.

On the other hand, the Africa sports bar offers that club & stadium atmosphere and our guests are sure to catch any of their sports teams’ games. These bars are open 7 days a week and serve a variety of drinks including cocktails, beers & spirits.

If you find the beauty of the Kingdom of Swaziland magnificent, then you wouldn’t want to leave without visiting the attractive places around the hotel to get the best out of your stay – from breathtaking scenes to very rare species of wildlife. Hlane Royal National Park, situated 26km from the hotel, is home to Lion, White Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe & a host of bird species; A drive around this park will not only leave long lasting memories but will also make sure you come back.

For international travelers, Sikhuphe International Airport, Swaziland’s main airport, is just a 40 minutes’ drive from the hotel and is also 40km from the Mhlumeni/ Goba border post which operates 24hours a day and offers the shortest route to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique.

SWAZILAND: Big Game Parks Launches Rhino Song on #WorldRhinoDay

Big Game Parks, a non-profit trust that manages three game reserves in Swaziland, Hlane Royal National Park, Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mkhaya Game Reserve, are proud to announce today on World Rhino Day the release of 'Bhejane' in association with South African Artist Kyle Deutsch.

Big Game Parks recognises the synergy between art and conservation – art being a beautiful medium to explore and communicate the conservation message. This strategy began with our 50th celebrations in 2014 with storytelling, poetry and Family Days. Since then we have continued with these themes, working with select local schools and artists.

In February 2016, Big Game Parks was the chosen venue for SA Idols finalist Kyle Deutsch’s music video “Wildside” thanks to Lloyd Orr, Swaziland Tourism Authority’s South African representative company. Kyle fell in love with Swaziland and a new ambassador was born.

Big Game Parks’ dedication to conserving Africa’s Rhino is no secret and the need to embrace a larger audience in a positive way was recognised. What better, more relevant and current inspiration than Rhino?

Building on our existing relationship with BushFire, we commissioned the first ever Rhino song, a dual project between local Swazi artist Mozaik Ngwenya, producer for DJ Qness and the December Streets, and SA’s hit Kyle Deutsch. These two talented artists created a beautifully African song with a powerful message of hope, love and support for the rhino.

First performed at Swaziland’s Bushfire Festival in May 2016, “Bhejane” is a celebration of Rhino, highlighting our commitment to both Rangers and Rhino. Our aim is to spread awareness of the Rhino crisis, to appeal to a broader audience, to inspire a call-to-action and to inspire a call-to-action from those who are less informed; to provide a different perspective for those who are, and finally our aim is to inspire hope for Africa’s Rhino recognising the fact that we, human beings, are the Rhino’s only chance at a positive future. Through this home-grown African song, we aim to instill hope and national, if not continental African pride, with its fabulous mix of emotion, pride, hope and love.

It is a great honour to introduce to you “Bhejane”.