sdd
Expert Member
So we returned yesterday from a long weekend in Swaziland. That country is just awesome!
I will hopefully post a detailed report or just add to this when I have the time.
The first thing I want to say is that Swaziland is not doing a good enough job to promote that country to us folks here in SA. Its proximity to Gauteng should be it biggest calling card.
We left at 10h00 on Friday and was at Ezulwini by 13h30 ... that is just a 3,5 hours drive from Centurion incl the time spent at the border.
It is a beautiful country and so peaceful ... perfect for a long weekend.
The drive there and around:
We drove by sports sedan with just enough luggage to last 3 nights. Roads are very good. But best to drive duringthe day because of the unfenced streches and roaming domesticated animals.
You can drive easily with a normal vehicle to all places of interest. The country is small for places are not far away. Just watch out for the Swazi traffic light ... CATTLE on roads.
Travelled via Carolina from Pretoria.
Highlights:
Service levels are brilliant. People are friendly.
Food
Food at the Calabash is awesome. Kanimabo's is fantastic.
Food is of international standards. If you are in to you normal fast food - you will also find it there. (Nandos, Debonairs, Steers, Spur, etc).
Had the best burger ever at the Piggs Peak Hotel ... so good - I ordered two and returned the next day (80km drive) for another.
Tourist Must do's:
Ngwena Glass. My wife bought over R12 000 worth of stuff there ... fabulous art pieces.
Candle Factory ... if you like candles .... you will think that you died and went to candle heaven.
Swazi Village at Matenga Falls/Nature Reseve.
Drive to Piggs Peak.
Quad biking.
Support the local craftmen and women by buying stuff.
House of Fire.
Boabab Batik.
Check out the small banana boys on route to Piggs peak. They make you just smile.
Off the beaten path stuff:
Braaied eel with the locals ... very good.
Had a beer at the local shebeen.
'Why Not Disco' was closed for renovation ... I am definitley going to go there when I return next year.
Bought fried mielies at roadside. Chatted with locals.
Paragliding ... go to Matenga Craft Village and book.
Cautions
Cattle and goats on road.
Few speed traps.
Don't call from your hotel ... freaking expensive. MTN is well represented in Swaziland.
Mist on road at night ... but it is really awesome to drive and experience this.
Other
Check out the old toppies from Europe and Gauteng with the Swazi birds at their sides.
Royal Swazi Spa is worth a visit ... but I must say that Mangwanani is better and offers better value.
FEEL FREE to post questions ... I will try to answer them.
Let me know what you think of the report.
I will hopefully post a detailed report or just add to this when I have the time.
The first thing I want to say is that Swaziland is not doing a good enough job to promote that country to us folks here in SA. Its proximity to Gauteng should be it biggest calling card.
We left at 10h00 on Friday and was at Ezulwini by 13h30 ... that is just a 3,5 hours drive from Centurion incl the time spent at the border.
It is a beautiful country and so peaceful ... perfect for a long weekend.
The drive there and around:
We drove by sports sedan with just enough luggage to last 3 nights. Roads are very good. But best to drive duringthe day because of the unfenced streches and roaming domesticated animals.
You can drive easily with a normal vehicle to all places of interest. The country is small for places are not far away. Just watch out for the Swazi traffic light ... CATTLE on roads.
Travelled via Carolina from Pretoria.
Highlights:
Service levels are brilliant. People are friendly.
Food
Food at the Calabash is awesome. Kanimabo's is fantastic.
Food is of international standards. If you are in to you normal fast food - you will also find it there. (Nandos, Debonairs, Steers, Spur, etc).
Had the best burger ever at the Piggs Peak Hotel ... so good - I ordered two and returned the next day (80km drive) for another.
Tourist Must do's:
Ngwena Glass. My wife bought over R12 000 worth of stuff there ... fabulous art pieces.
Candle Factory ... if you like candles .... you will think that you died and went to candle heaven.
Swazi Village at Matenga Falls/Nature Reseve.
Drive to Piggs Peak.
Quad biking.
Support the local craftmen and women by buying stuff.
House of Fire.
Boabab Batik.
Check out the small banana boys on route to Piggs peak. They make you just smile.
Off the beaten path stuff:
Braaied eel with the locals ... very good.
Had a beer at the local shebeen.
'Why Not Disco' was closed for renovation ... I am definitley going to go there when I return next year.
Bought fried mielies at roadside. Chatted with locals.
Paragliding ... go to Matenga Craft Village and book.
Cautions
Cattle and goats on road.
Few speed traps.
Don't call from your hotel ... freaking expensive. MTN is well represented in Swaziland.
Mist on road at night ... but it is really awesome to drive and experience this.
Other
Check out the old toppies from Europe and Gauteng with the Swazi birds at their sides.
Royal Swazi Spa is worth a visit ... but I must say that Mangwanani is better and offers better value.
FEEL FREE to post questions ... I will try to answer them.
Let me know what you think of the report.
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