
The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, sandwiched between
South Africa and Mozambique, has been dubbed the 'Switzerland of
Africa'. African culture and traditions flourish here alongside
some modern luxury hotels and excellent wildlife reserves.
Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere,
but it has a big heart despite its depressed economy. The capital,
Mbabane, lies at the northern end of the lush Ezulwini Valley: a
small, unpretentious town that caters well for tourists. Among the
country's main attractions are Mlilwane, a well-established game
sanctuary; the magnificent Mantenga Falls; the casino resort of
Piggs Peak; and the annual ceremony of the reed dances at the Royal
Kraal in Lebombo on the country's eastern border.
Swaziland is also known for its exquisite arts and crafts and
its breathtaking scenery, especially in the western highlands,
which rise to more than 6,000 feet (1,829m), riven with abundant
rivers, waterfalls and forested gorges.