SWAZILAND: Tour Operators Love Swaziland

An increasing number of Tour Operators have added exclusive Swaziland itineraries to their product offering in recent times as Southern Africa’s smallest country really starts getting noticed. As well as the huge range of adventure activities on offer in this fascinating Kingdom, the opportunity to explore its beautiful and varied scenery whilst experiencing unique African culture and close wildlife encounters, are just some of the great reasons why tour operators fall in love with Swaziland.

Explore, an Adventure Travel Expert Tour Operator launched its first dedicated Swaziland trip at the end of 2015, and sales way exceeded expectations! Out of 81 new trips that Explore launched for 2016, the Kingdom of Swaziland was their best-selling long haul trip. This tour consists of a 10-day journey through the last true monarchy of Africa, and additional departure dates have been added to meet demand.

The first clients and members of Explore management team have recently returned from the company’s first successful trip to Southern Africa’s tiniest nation. Sarah Fowler, Head of Marketing at Explore said, “This was my first Explore trip, and it more than lived up to my expectations. Swaziland may be a small country, but there is so much to see and do that I could happily have spent twice as long there - however 8 days is the perfect amount of time to really get under the skin of the country and learn all about the fascinating culture.”

Swaziland has a diverse range of attractions and activities. Stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five, gives visitors all that’s best about Africa in a welcoming country. Add to that Swaziland’s offer of rich culture and music festivals and you have the perfect combination for one of the “best sellers” of 2016 for Explore in the UK.

Sarah also said, “The two main highlights for me on the trip were the wildlife and the accommodation we stayed in. We were able to get so close to the animals - At Mkhaya we saw no fewer than 8 white rhino and a herd of giraffe on our first game drive.

Every day I though the holiday had peaked, and every day it surprised me with an exciting new twist. I couldn’t recommend this trip strongly enough - whether you’re a first time Explorer like myself, or a travel veteran, it will no disappoint.”

Another large UK adventure operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays - experts in guided walking and adventures across the globe - has just launched a brand new holiday including 7 days in Swaziland, with tours due to start in 2017. The 17-day tour taking in Swaziland combined with South Africa makes an unforgettable experience for adventure and wildlife lovers. Some of the highlights of the Swaziland experience include, walking in Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient Sibebe Rock.

Its no surprise that Swaziland is seeing an increase in operators’ offerings. Its compact size and variety of landscape, wildlife and unique culture mean even in a short period holiday-makers can have the full, genuine Africa experience in a welcoming and beautiful country.

SWAZILAND: Swaziland's Festival Challenge

Swaziland offers stunning landscapes and exciting game but its also known for its many festivals. Join us for a truly authentic African festival experience all year around!

The Kingdom of Swaziland is well known for its many cultural festivals, the Swazis are friendly, relaxed and easy-going people who love to party and gladly welcome visitors into their cultural celebrations. The Swazi festival calendar is an eclectic mix of both first-class modern, and time honoured traditional events. The tribal rituals and ceremonies such as Incwala, Marula Festival and the world famous Reed Dance have captured the imagination of visitors to Swaziland for generations. Swaziland is also home of the internationally acclaimed, MTN Bushfire, a three day festival experience for all ages that celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

During the weekend of May 27th- 29th the country hosts MTN Bushfire Festival, announced by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see”. It is Swaziland’s annual meeting of a multi-generational community. More than 20,000 'Bring their fire’ to experience the three day event. Renowned for eclectic and multi-dimensional world music, the event includes a compelling line-up of theatre, poetry, dance, art exhibits & installations, story-telling, puppetry, film, and themed workshops.

The 2016 edition is the culmination of ten incredible years of passion, dedication and commitment to the music, arts, and culture of Southern Africa and beyond. The stellar, incredibly diverse line-up for the 10th anniversary edition of the festival is truly a global celebration, with artists from over 20 countries set to perform.

In late August it is the Swazi women who lead the country's celebrations in the annual Reed Dance. Young girls mainly in their teens from all over the Kingdom and beyond its borders gather and pay homage to the Queen Mother. Over 20 000 girls dressed in brightly coloured beaded skirts with anklets, bracelets and colourful sashes gather to perform before the Royal Family in a celebration of unity of the countries young women.

Incwala Festival, held at the start of a new year, on a date chosen by astrologers in conjunction with the phases of the moon, is one of the biggest and most spectacular events in Africa. For the Swazi people it is an important religious ritual, a fertility ceremony designed to both prepare for the coming year and serve as a symbolic renewal of the monarchy, the king leads festivities and in full ceremonial dress joins his warriors in the traditional dance.

In February, the Marula festival is a royal tribute to the riches of Mother Nature, where local Marula fruit is harvested and used to make beer to a traditional recipe. The Marula Festival starts at the Royal Residence, Ebuhleni, when King Mswati III and the Queen Mother are presented with gifts and Marula beer from each household. Only after the Royal Family has first tasted the Marula Beer, are the rest of the nation permitted to join in and drink. After this King Mswati III and the Queen Mother start to travel across the country, joining the nation in song, dance and celebration.

The Kingdom of Swaziland offers all year round festivals and cultural celebrations for the delight of Swazi’s and visitors from around the globe. Take Swaziland’s festival challenge and enjoy one (or all) of the most truly African experiences in the tiniest country of South East Africa.