The smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere packs a large punch when it comes to natural beauty and excellent wilderness reserves! Swaziland has a gentle quality to it, and you’ll feel the peace as you amble through the Kingdom’s Game Reserve on horse-back, getting up close and personal with giraffe and zebra, or whilst sipping a chilled sundowner to the captivating sight of hippos wallowing in the pool below the restaurant. Sunset over the broad valley at nearby Ezulwini, ‘place of heaven’, is another memorable encounter with Swaziland’s natural beauty, as is the magnificent Mkhaya Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll enjoy the thrill of game drives and white water rafting, ending the day with delectable fireside cuisine. And for birders, don’t miss the magnificent purple-crested louries in the Phophonyane Nature Reserve. Swaziland is certainly growing in popularity as a natural retreat to linger a while … perhaps do some hiking or mountain biking – certainly the Big Game Parks of Swaziland are a draw card for nature lovers, boasting elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. When you’re ready to take a break from nature’s sights and sounds, Swaziland offers the other extreme! Thrills and spills a-plenty at the well known Royal Swazi Sun and Casino. Visitors are encouraged to watch trad-itional Swazi ceremonies at the Royal Village at Lobamba, and for those who love arts and crafts, feel the heat as the accomplished glass blowers at the Ngwenya Glass Factory turn broken bottles into collectable artwork.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Try your luck at the Royal Swazi Sun & Casino.
• Go white water rafting on the Great Usutu River.
• Buy beautifully crafted glass animals or artistic wine glasses at the Ngwenya Glass Factory, then relax in the airy coffee shop.
• Watch hippos at play in the Milwane Game Reserve.
• Consult a Swazi witchdoctor on an organised day tour.