Aims 2000 is a handcraft market that sources products for local and export buyers We specialise in marketing handmade items made from natural grasses, wood, clay and animal hides. Crafted by skilled men and women in the rural areas of Swaziland, these handcraft products are carefully selected for their appeal, craftsmanship and quality standard.

Orders for Swazi traditional ceremonial attire, including emahiya, immigaco, emajobo, ingwe, emahawu, tidvwaba and emafahlawane, can also be made. Visit our corner store at The Hub in Manzini for direct sales. Bulk orders can be arranged. All our goods are fairly priced to give producers a fair deal.

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]]> 31.45599937438964844,-26.52689933776855469 Baobab Batik are producers of genuine batik-work. The workshop on-site, next to the shop, gives the tourist a chance to learn more about the batik-technique and interact with the ladies who are at work. They carry a variety of stock, from clothing and hangings to cushion covers and table linen.

Their best known batiks are vibrant in colour and depict the African sunset. Batik making is a fairly long process but the results are always a surprise, so no item is ever the same.

The name Baobab was used because the founder of Baobab Batik came in contact with Batik work during her stay in West Africa, where the giant tree can only impress you, never to be forgotten.

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]]> 31.19020080566406250,-26.52350044250488281 Coral Stephens Handweaving began in 1949 in Piggs Peak. Specialising in hand-woven mohair, wool and silk home décor, curtains, carpets and blankets form their main range and although their market is mainly direct to South Africa and international decorators, their shop and studio are available to visit and for tours.

Coral Stephens Handweaving has developed a wider range incorporating raffia, cotton, twine and rag cotton to produce modern and innovative fabrics. The fabrics appeal to those who enjoy texture, quality and a unique last and feel. In the past, they have fulfilled commissions for the Sandton Convention Centre, the Palace Hotel and exhibited at the Louvre. In 2001 they were awarded the Conde Nast House and Garden Best Fabric award.

Coral Stephens Handweaving employs 45 women from the surrounding area. All develop skills essential to good weaving and are encouraged to progress to master weavers. Younger women begin learning hand spinning – an important skill – and something that many women are able to do at their homes.

The weaving studio is available to visit. Please phone and book in advance, to ensure that there are sufficient staff to show tourists around. The fabrics have a very special feel about them. Visitors enjoy seeing the production cycle (which includes dyeing) and recognise the important contribution this business makes to the area.

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]]> 31.25040054321289062,-25.93499946594238281 Endlotane Studios represents a number of creative activities, namely 'Phumalanga Swazihand' which is internationally renowned for its hand-woven mohair tapestries, shawls and domestic accessories. These are complimented by designer furnishings manufactured by Nyonini woodcraft.

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]]> 31.03059959411621094,-26.20549964904785156 Ethnic Bound is an African craft shop business which specialises in African artefacts, crafts and fabrics. Out of the fabrics they make imaginatively designed clothing, table linen, cushions, bed linen and curtaining.

They collect special wooden craft from Mozambique, the DRC and Mali and work very closely with local wood carvers to help them create style in their work.

 

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]]> 31.27459907531738281,-25.94750022888183594 The Foresters Arms Hotel is a country-style hotel with character. Situated in the mountainous highlands of Swaziland, amidst forested surroundings, it is only 27km from the capital, Mbabane (all on tarred roads).

Accommodation is provided in 30 bedrooms, arranged around the swimming pool and set in the colourful gardens that are a favourite haunt for sunbirds and paradise flycatchers. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, telephone and television. In the morning, wake up a cup of tea or coffee served to your bedroom. Then wander through to the dining room for breakfast. Lunch is served on the terrace or next to a roaring log fire in cold weather.

The restaurant is open all day, every day. Foresters is renown for its Sunday buffets / barbecue lunches, which include 160 different dishes to choose from, and for dinner there is a nine-course meal that changes daily. Foresters Arms Hotel specialises in the freshest ingredients cooked and served with pride, from home-baked breads to Swazi fillets of pork and beef, and fresh vegetables from a nearby farm.

Activities available include tennis, squash, walking, horse riding, and mountain biking. There is also a fitness centre and sauna. Golfers can play a round or two on the adjoining Usutu Golf Course, and for fishermen the various dams in the Usutu forest are stocked with trout and bass.

For permits and further information contact the reception desk at Foresters Arms or the Usutu Forest Fly Fishing Club (Tel: +268 404 3118, Fax: +268 404 4751 or e-mail: sefloor@realnet.co.za).

A selection of dishes from the dinner menu of the Foresters Arms Hotel Restaurant

Everyday, a variety of unique dishes are prepared at Foresters Arms. The portions are small, allowing visitors to sample the wide range of delicacies that are prepared.

Some examples of dishes that have previously been served include:

Smoked Snoek and Orange Salad: Shredded fillet of smoked snoek served tossed with mixed lettuce leaves draped with orange fillets and an orange scented dressing.

Tandoori Pumpkin Soup: A blend of sautéed onions, vegetables stock, pumpkin and tandoori spices.

Foresters Lamb en Croute: Marinated and braised in red wine and nutmeg, in a crisp phyllo pastry shell on a bed of warm couscous salad finished with tomato concasse surrounded with a red wine sauce scented with tarragon leaves and nutmeg.

Roast Kroon Farm Duck: Roasted whole with soy, ginger and garlic, served off the bone in a whole wheat crepe on a bed of shredded salad greens tossed with olives and tarragon leaves, surrounded with a youngberry and port sauce and topped with deep fried vegetables.

And for dessert…
Youngberry and Paw-Paw Pavlova with Chantilly Cream
Prickly Pear ice-cream in a Peach Schnapps Crepe Amarula ice-cream in a chocolate sponge

Plus...
Enjoy fresh coffee or tea after a cheese board of Southern African cheeses.

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]]> 31.02490043640136719,-26.42060089111328125 Hlane is situated in Swaziland’s northeastern lowveld and is home to the largest herds of game in the kingdom as well as having some of the best knob-thorn veld in Southern Africa.  Hlane offers four of the Big 5, with exception of the buffalo due to veterinary restrictions.  The lion and cheetah are in a separate fenced reintroduction area and tours into the lion area with a guide can be arranged.

There are two accommodation camps at Hlane.  All accommodation is serviced and is fully self-contained – with both ablutions and kitchenettes.  All linen is provided.  There are no televisions in the accommodation units.

Ndlovu camp’s rustic, thatched accommodation includes five rondavels (round huts) and two large cottages offering a total of 40 beds.  The main attractions in the camp are the open-air restaurant and bar, the lack of electricity, busy birdlife and a frequented waterhole.  Ndlovu camp is near the main gate and the big cat areas, with easy access.

Bhubesi camp has six identical modern cottages overlooking the Mbuluzana River, each with four beds (total 24 beds).  The camp is situated approximately 14km from the main gate and is outside the fenced endangered species area. The birdlife is prolific in this secluded camp. Bhubesi camp has electricity.

The main gate to Hlane is approximately 7km from Simunye village.

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]]> 31.89870071411132812,-26.21759986877441406 HOTAS is an association of businesses involved in the hotel, tourism and craft industries. It provides training in tourism and is a co-ordinating body for tourism in Swaziland.

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]]> 31.08699989318847656,-26.32419967651367188 Indingilizi Art Gallery and Restaurant is a friendly Africa art gallery and restaurant, exhibiting the best of African art and crafts. They first opened in 1982 and have exhibited top local, South African and other artists on an on-going basis, through exhibitions, media promotions and permanent displays.

Paintings, sculptures and other artwork is carefully packed and airfreighted to international customers. They sell framed collectible beadwork and African artefacts as well as prime baskets, antique and modern jewellery.  The artefacts are collected from all over Africa. They have developed their own range of hand-painted candleholders and lamps and are involved with the sale, development, export and promotion of quality crafts from Swaziland.

The brightly painted indoor and outdoor daytime courtyard restaurant is very popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The menu features foods from Africa, prepared from recipes collected from Morocco, Zanzibar, Mozambique and Cape Town. Situated in an historical old building in the heart of Mbabane, within easy walking distance of the shopping malls.

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]]> 31.08979988098144531,-26.33760070800781250 Liphupho Lamu Camp is situated in the mountains of Kaphunga (Kaphunga legazi) which means in the smell of blood.  It is 55km south of Manzini.  Visitors can stay and experience the rural Swazi lifestyle without locals having to put on a show. The guests get a chance to take part in the day-to-day chores, such as farming, building huts, taking cattle for dipping etc.

The guests can visit the nearby school and interact with the students or even (if they are teachers) teach a lesson. Since this is a project together with the community, we go to build the school with the community members which has been very well accepted by both community and guests. Visitors also explore the area and get a good feel of the community by taking hikes at the end of a day to the mountain edges, enjoy the scenery and drop in at the local shebeen (tavern) to try the local Swazi brew.

All visits to Liphupho Lamu Camp are arranged via Myxo’s Backpackers and Woza Nawe Tours.

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]]> 31.47450065612792969,-27.05290031433105469 Mananga College is an independent, co-educational high school for the people of Swaziland and its environs. It was established in 1999 on the beautiful campus of the former Mananga Management Centre near Mhlume, in the rich, natural environment of Swaziland’s lowveld. The campus has been made available to the College through the auspices of the King and the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). The start-up capital has been provided by the four local sugar and citrus companies; Mhlume Sugar Company, Simunye Sugar Estates, Tambankulu and Inyoni Yami Swaziland Irrigation Scheme. And it has already established an enviable reputation as a home-from-home, where students receive genuine individual attention.

Mananga College can provide accommodation for up to six people in three two-sleeper, air-conditioned, self-catering guesthouses. Meals are available during school term upon request.

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]]> 31.85429954528808594,-26.03289985656738281 Mantenga Craft Centre was founded in 1975 as a donor project to develop handicraft in Swaziland.  Today the centre is the focal point and retail outlet for a number of projects that grew from this era.

With sixteen different art and craft shops, as well as the Ezulwini Tourist office, Swazi Trails offices and Ezulwini Health and Snack Bar, the centre has become a hub of tourism activity in the Ezulwini Valley and is the largest formal market in the country.

Mantenga Craft is known for its extensive range of house and home furnishings, jewellery and quality handcrafted gifts, which include ranges from various talented craftsmen such handmade candles, decorated glassware, printed tableware and the classic HAWU! Pots. Weavers, Rosecraft, specialise in hand-woven mohair products such as shawls, bags and lampshades whilst Shiba Handcraft produce 100% cotton woven rugs, bath mats and table mats.

Phumalanga Swazihand are weavers of shawls and scarves with the famous mohair wall hangings and paintings from celebrated artist Albert Reck. Other items to be found are the local African Fantasy range of printed T-shirt, ceramics printed mugs and plates, posters, and mobiles - all with fun designs.

Africa Kayalami is the outlet for artist Curtis Dube and contains cushions covers, table clothes, T-shirts and original canvases all by the artist.

Southern Country specialise in leather product such as boots, shoes, bags, belts and small gift items and Mbiza Craft is a display of soapstone carvings of various sizes animals and ornaments.

Kaya Craft has a variety of handmade crafts ranging from sisal woven baskets, beaded jewellery, wooden toys, and Umgolo is the place for crafts made from natural materials such as Mulberry bark photo albums and coconut wood diaries.  Gold and silver jewellery is the preserve of the Little Silver Shop as well as Francis Farrell Design Studio.

The Mantenga Craft Centre is open from 08:00-17:00 daily throughout the year.

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]]> 31.11720085144042969,-26.44540023803710938 Mantenga Cultural Village is situated in the Mantenga Nature Reserve and provides visitors with an opportunity to experience traditional Swazi culture and lifestyle in a fully interactive setting. Visit a Swazi family at home, learn the ancient skill of weaving a traditional beehive hut, try your hand at cooking over an open fire, or grinding maize in the time-honoured way. You can also consult the local inyanga, or diviner, dance to the rhythms of an African drum or join the men as they relax around the fire with a pot of tjwala, traditional home-brewed beer.

Nearby is the Swazi River café, which offers warm Swazi hospitality and a choice of traditional delicacies blended with conventional western dishes to tantalise the most discerning of palates.

The nearby Mantenga Lodge provides tented guest accommodation that blends unobtrusively into its natural surroundings. Constructed under thatch, each tent has en suite bathrooms and a veranda with views of the surrounding bushveld.

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]]> 31.07990074157714844,-26.44910049438476562 Manuel Mondlane produces original wood and stone sculptures in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes, and sells these on the side of the road between the Ngwenya/Oshoek border post and Mbabane. His sculptures include slightly-smaller-than-life size characters dressed in traditional Swazi costumes or day-to-day workers outfits.

These wooden sculptures are made from the wood of the Jacaranda tree, and cost in the region of E 800 per sculpture.

Manuel also produces smaller stone sculptures of modern design. Manuel is open for business every day of the week, and you will usually find him at his roadside stall from 08:00, except on Sundays when he arrives after church.

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]]> 31.02050018310546875,-26.24329948425292969 Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a private game reserve lying in the foothills of the Lubombo Mountain range. A shareblock development, this reserve offers visitor accommodation in three luxury family lodges, situated on the banks of the Mlawula River.

The reserve has a wide variety of indigenous trees and plenty of wildlife, from antelope such as kudu, nyala and duiker to the water-loving hippo and crocodile. Other species on the reserve include wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, duiker, bush pig warthogs, giraffe and jackal. This is also the ideal place for the keen birder with over 300 species having been recorded, including some rare and uncommon species, such as the Whitebacked Night Heron, African Finfoot, Narina Trogon, Yellow Wagtail and the Greyhooded Kingfisher.

There are five walking trails in the reserve. Two are interpretative and the rest are self guided. The reserve is accessible by car, but because of the nature of the terrain inside the reserve, vehicles with a high clearance are recommended and open backed 4x4 vehicles are available for hire by guests. The network of sand roads is also ideal for mountain biking and jogging.

Accommodation facilities:

Singwe Lodge has four double rooms with en suite bathrooms and showers. Two of the rooms have a beautiful outdoor shower just off the bathroom and they also have their own wooden deck, leading off the bedroom, that overlooks the Mlawula River. A perfect place to sit with an early morning cup of tea and look for the uncommon African Finfoot or watch as a Giant Kingfisher dives for his breakfast.

Mphangele Lodge has two double rooms with en suite bathrooms, and a single room. This is a smaller lodge with a more intimate atmosphere. A large veranda leads off the living area and a path takes one down to a lovely wooden deck that overlooks the Mlawula River. A peaceful place to while away an afternoon, listening to the birds, and, if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of the timid bushbuck picking its’ way delicately along the river bank.

Nkankanka Lodge has four double rooms, with en suite bathrooms and showers. Each has it’s own view into the bush or towards the river and sliding doors that allow you to enjoy the peace and beauty of the bush from the privacy of your room. Here is a well-laid out network of trails and guests can walk from their lodge, or drive and start a trail from some other point of interest. The trails inter-link and can be walked individually or connected to make a longer hike.

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]]> 32.00389862060546875,-26.16959953308105469 Mhlume Country Club provides accommodation in 17 air-conditioned rooms. The rooms are equipped with televisions, and the bar has full DSTV.

Facilities include a tennis court, swimming pool, squash court, bowling green and cricket pitch. There is also a poolroom and an a-la-carte restaurant at the club.

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]]> 31.79890060424804688,-26.05459976196289062 Mountain Inn is a family run sixty bedroom hotel situated 2km from the centre of Mbabane on the edge of the Ezulwini valley. The hotel prides itself on good food and comfortable, peaceful rooms. It is run professionally, but with a personal touch. The hotel offers magnificent views of the Ezulwini valley.

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]]> 31.06110000610351562,-26.32019996643066406 There is a mountain in Swaziland that looks like a basking crocodile. Called Ngwenya (the Swazi name for crocodile) it has at its summit the oldest mine in the world and at its base is this small bustling glass factory where unique glass products are handmade from recycled glass. Here visitors can view the manufacture process and witness first-hand the magical art of glass blowing from an overhead balcony above the factory floor. Ngwenya products are found in homes across the globe and each item is made from 100% recycled glass.

The factory also has a well-stocked showroom adjoining the factory, where you can purchase enchanting African animal figurines and tableware of character. You can also relax in our upstairs coffee shop, where various light meals are served. There is an imaginative play park for children and a craft centre which sells a wide range of reasonably priced African handicrafts and pottery. On the premises you will also find an outlet where handmade traditional rocking horses are produced and sold.

One of Swaziland’s major tourist attractions, Ngwenya Glass is open seven days a week and is just 5km from the Oshoek/Ngwenya border with South Africa.

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]]> 31.01890945434570312,-26.13327980041503906 This is a rural craft centre incorporating craft shops and informal craftsmen or traders as well as a restaurant. The centre is relatively new and is expanding rapidly. Later in 2002 we will include a weaving factory as a major attraction.

The centre is one of only two craft related outlets in Northern Swaziland and offers travellers an easily accessible opportunity to view local crafts, have a light meal and enjoy the spectacular view.

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]]> 31.27300071716308594,-25.93659973144531250 Ekuthuleni, 'the Place of Peace', was the name of the 500 Hectare farm before the De Vletter family developed the unique lodge now known as Phophonyane Lodge and Nature Reserve.

Phophonyane Lodge lies peacefully in a lush, sub-tropical ravine in the northwest of the romantic Kingdom of Swaziland. The lodge takes its name from the Phophonyane river that runs through the property in a spectacular series of waterfalls, cascades and rapids over some of the oldest rock formations in the world – 2.4 billion years old.

At Phophonyane you can leave the world behind as you hike along one of several hiking trails. Bird watchers will be mesmerised by the more than 230 species, including the rare Narina Trogon, which have been recorded in the reserve. The dense forest is home to a variety of game animals, including the rare red duiker and the clawless otter.

The lodge offers a range of accommodation from the five unique self-contained cottages set in their private gardens, to two luxury tented camps, one of which is self-catering with carpeting, electricity and private terraces.

Those not wishing to cater for themselves can taste our home-cooked meals in the 'dining hut' and all will enjoy their sundowners on the deck of the Driftwood bar overlooking the river.

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]]> 31.22859954833984375,-25.93449974060058594 Phumelani Restaurant is a coffee shop and restaurant able to cater for individuals, small groups, functions and outside catering.

They can seat 45 people and serve a variety of continental and local cuisine which can be savoured while enjoying panoramic views of the HhoHho valley from our open-air venue. The restaurant is situated within the Peak Fine Craft centre, on the main route from Kruger Park, through Swaziland to Durban.

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]]> 31.25869941711425781,-25.92239952087402344 The Pinnacle Restaurant and Gallery provides simply country-style cuisine and game dishes in a pleasant, peaceful environment.

They are situated in the mountains of Ngwenya, in indigenous gardens with prolific birdlife making this a unique location for our restaurant gallery.

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]]> 31.04210090637207031,-26.20479965209960938 At Rosecraft there are two accommodation units available:

  • Rose Cottage; and
  • Weaver’s Nest.

Rose Cottage is a thatched cottage with two bedrooms (one double and two twin beds upstairs), shower, toilet and open plan lounge area as well as fully equipped kitchenette.

Weaver’s Nest is a thatched garden flat with separate entrance, one double bedroom and en-suite bathroom. It has a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, communal outside patio and a braai (barbeque) area surrounded by gardens echoing with birdsong and waterfalls. Here you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of sunsets over the African bush.

At Rose Cottage and Weaver’s Nest you can experience life as it is lived in a traditional colonial home, meet the residents, share their knowledge and hospitality, and hear about local history, culture and customs. You will also discover a beautiful, natural solitude on the spectacular Makhungutsha Mountain.

Full catering is available. Activities nearby include tennis, swimming pool, hiking, crafts, golf, 4x4 trails. Adventure activities and meetings with the local sangoma (traditional healer) and/or the local chief can be arranged. Transfers are available.

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]]> 31.40469932556152344,-26.65259933471679688 Rosecraft is a handweaving cottage industry which produces a variety of products from mohair, wool, cotton and silk, including carpets and rugs, cushion covers, shawls and jerseys using traditional methods.

Set on a farm in the Egebeni Mountains near Manzini, the Rosecraft workshop is owned and managed by Rose Roques, who started it in 1979. Rose had previously worked in a Saville Row showroom in London and began her weaving business as a hobby. Today, Rosecraft provides much needed employment for over 120 Swazi women from the surrounding local community who use the time-honoured looms and spinning wheels create the Rosecraft range of products.

The workshop is open to visitors who are encouraged to view the manufacture process. The products are also on sale at the workshop, as are refreshments. And for those who wish to stay there is accommodation available on the premises (see Rose Cottage and Weaver’s Nest). Day visitors are also welcome to hike in the farm’s indigenous forest and a special attraction for adults and children alike is the unique Sculpture Trail (see Sculpture Trail entry).

Rosecraft is only thirty minutes from Matsapha and Malkerns, and is well signposted. Note that the journey includes some dirt roads and these can be an adventure in themselves.

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]]> 31.39249992370605469,-26.65290069580078125 Set on the slopes of Makungutsha mountain, in the heart of Swaziland and amongst indigenous forest, is a hidden sculpture trail. This hour long trail is a unique concept in Southern Africa that provides visitors with an opportunity to experience both the wonder of nature and the talent of local and overseas artists.

The trail evolved as an idea to encourage people to walk along paths, by cool, meandering streams and through bird-filled indigenous Swazi forests. Situated on Rosecraft farm, the trail is one of several guided or self-guided walking or hiking trails in the area. Here you will find the brilliantly coloured purple crested lourie, hear the liquid song of the golden oriole, and marvel at rare butterflies and insects. And if you’re on the sculpture trail you can search for hidden sculptures too!

Sculpture trails are a means of encouraging a slower, more observant passage through our natural heritage. If we destroy the earth we have inherited from our ancestors, what will we bequeath to our children? This trail provides visitors with a chance to become aware of their surroundings and the value of our precious but fast disappearing wilderness areas. An informative leaflet will guide you on the trail where interesting trees are labelled to extend your knowledge of the names, uses and medicinal remedies obtained from local trees.
This is an ideal outing for the whole family. Children love the hide and seek clues for finding the sculptures and there are shady picnic spots along the way, with cascades to cool your weary feet.

Additional guided and self-guided trails are also available for those interested in longer, all-day or overnight hikes. These lead over Makungutsha Mountain (from where one has stunning views over Swaziland) and can include a visit Ngwempisi Gorge and wild flowers in springtime. 4x4 trails as well as various self-guided or guided walks to view Swazi rural culture can also be arranged.

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]]> 31.40839958190917969,-26.66239929199218750 This adventure-based tourism operation offers visitors the chance to abseil down Mbavane Waterfall which has a sandy area at its base. Just 4 minutes walk from the Peak Fine Craft centre, you can experience the adrenaline rush of descending this 35m waterfall amidst natural African bush while marvelling at the view over the Phoponyane Valley. 

They cater for individuals, groups, conferences and team building programmes.

OpenAfrica.org

]]> 31.27669906616210938,-25.91629981994628906 Set high up on the Lubombo Mountains, in northeast Swaziland, is Shewula Mountain Camp. Cooled by sea breezes from the distant Indian Ocean, the camp is the product of the Shewula Community, which lives, under Chief Mbandzamane Sifundza atop the 500m high Lubombo Mountains.

Arranged in a manner similar to the traditional homestead, the camp has four huts facing to the west with a view that stretches over indigenous forest and the Mbuluzi River and out across almost the whole of Swaziland, from Mbuzini on the North-west to Mhlumeni in the South-east. The camp does not have electricity, so paraffin lanterns and candles light the darkness of the night while gas stoves, refrigerators and geysers are provided.

There is a shared ablution block with flush toilets and the kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering although catering is also available. The camp is staffed by members of the Shewula community who have been trained to assist visitors to give them a real taste of the Swazi rural lifestyle. They will be happy to provide you with a traditional Swazi meal or organise guides for cultural and nature trails on request. This romantic mountaintop setting is an ideal place to experience the rural life of Africa.

The Shewula community:

The Shewula community has a very interesting history, which predates even that of modern Swaziland. A friendly people, they allow visitors into their homes to see their way of life, and experience their rich customs and traditions. The people of Shewula are agricultural people, their traditional thatch and stone houses dot the landscape between neat fields of maize, cotton and vegetables. Famed for their legendary traditional healers (Sangomas) and ancient rainmaking powers, the people of Shewula have long welcomed people to their area. The new mountain camp now adds to this capacity, with four comfortable huts that accommodate 6 people each, a camping ground, ablution facilities and a kitchen-dining area.

Activities and adventures:

Shewula is a real community, so be prepared – everything is likely to be an adventure to you.

Start your day by assisting herd boys in driving cattle to the dip or help the ladies to collect water from the springs. Later, take a guided walk down the Lubombo escarpment into the Shewula Nature Reserve, with its diverse birdlife and ancient ironwood forests. On the way, your guide will entertain you with tales and fables about the local wildlife. You can even taste some of the edible fruit in the forest. Take a cool dip in the river as the sun reaches its peak before ambling to the top again.

The afternoon promises an opportunity to take a cultural tour through the Shewula community, halting for a chat here and there, sampling local beer and foods. Hear all about the Nswayi sacred forest and stop at the chief’s umphakatsi (kraal or homestead) to hear how the community is administered in an ancient feudal manner. Or visit a Sangoma (traditional healer) whose skills include knowledge of powerful local herbs and the ability to communicate with the spirit world. Last, but not least, the Shewula Mountain Camp offers a grandstand view of the sun dipping into the far-distant horizon. There is no better place to sip an ice-cold beer or open a bottle of wine.

For those wishing to explore further afield, there is the wula-wula trail, which leads from Shewula through the adjacent Mlawula Nature Reserve. Other attractions in the area include a traditional medicinal plants nursery, the Leopard trail and caves, and a trip to the Mbuluzi gorge.

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]]> 32.04270172119140625,-26.12940025329589844 Simunye Country Club has a range of accommodation for travellers, from 12 double rooms and six single rooms to six self-catering flatlets, six 3-roomed family units and two 4-roomed family units. There are also two executive rooms. The club’s restaurant serves both a light continental and a full breakfast and buffet lunches (six days per week).

There is a pub menus (available daily) and an a la carte menu (six days per week, only a buffet lunch on Sundays). The bar operates from 10:00 to 24:00 and there is a poolside bar on Friday evenings which is also available for group functions. A golf bar is available when needed. Sporting facilities at the club include a squash court, two tennis courts, and 9-hole par-3 golf course, swimming pool and gymnasium. Conference facilities are available and equipment and catering can be provided.

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]]> 31.93359947204589844,-26.19519996643066406 Sobantu Guest Farm is an eco-friendly setup located in the rolling hills of HhoHho with great views at Mnyoka, about 7km from Maguga Dam Wall in the North. 

They offer double rooms and backpack dormitory beds as well as camping facilities. There is a self-catering facility but food can also be prepared on request. They are fully licensed (rural liquor license with exemption) and are open daily from 08:00 to 14:00. The bar has a great atmosphere and music. They have good transport (one 19-seater bus, one double cab combi seating six plus driver) for local touring.

Sobantu Guest Farm is a hiker’s paradise, where you can hike in any direction and have great views. Bird-watching is excellent. Their indigenous forest with its archeologically valuable cave is an eye-opener, with a wide variety of birds and small mammals to be seen in the area. Common sitings include hyrax, vervets and oribi.

There are also many indigenous plants and trees for enthusiasts to identify. Activities available include mountain biking and hiking, visits to the local waterfalls (Ubujane) and bushman-san paintings. Also visit the Gap (Esicancweni) where the Nkomati River disappears for 100 m in a rock funnel.

Canoeing can be organised (currently on Hanane Dam but in future at Maguga Dam, when it is full). Enjoy African quiet nights in front of our open fire, visit surrounding homesteads to meet rural Swazis and taste their brews and traditional food.

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]]> 31.17910003662109375,-26.11969947814941406 Swazi Trails is a locally based tour and adventure operator who offer a variety of services including booking and providing information on accommodation options, activities and attractions within Swaziland.  They specialise in interactive cultural tours, which bring visitors face-to-face with Swazi people, both in vehicle-based as well as mountain bike and hiking formats.

Adventure activities such as white-water rafting on the Great Usutu River, mountain biking through villages and nature reserves, the Sibebe Rock Challenge and Adventure Caving© in the Gobholo Caves are our recommendation for the young at heart.  All trips are available 365 days a year for a minimum booking of two persons.

For corporate groups we arrange team building activities and incentives activities for groups of any size.

All their activities provide direct or indirect benefits to the communities that host them, through employment, sourcing of services or voluntary levies for the development of social services.

They maintain an extensive database of every bed, restaurant and activity available in Swaziland and are happy to offer quick and professional advice on all aspects of travel to Swaziland.

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]]> 31.11300086975097656,-26.44700050354003906 The Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) is the custodian of Swaziland’s cultural and natural heritage.

Operations for which the SNTC is responsible include:

  • The National Museum;
  • King Sobhuza’s Memorial Park;
  • Mantenga Cultural Village;
  • Mantenga nature Reserve;
  • Malolotja Nature Reserve; and
  • Mlawula Nature Reserve.


In its nature reserves, SNTC offers accommodation in the form of self-catering log cabins at Malolotja, tents at Mantenga and Mlawula and camping in Malolotja and Mlawula. There are environmental education centres at Malolotja and Mlawula, targeted at school children.

Visitors can enjoy the walking trails and picnic sites in all the reserves. The museum is open everyday of the week.

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]]> 31.27689933776855469,-26.49710083007812500 Tintsaba Crafts incorporates three craft outlets in an around Piggs Peak, a small town situated in the lush green mountains of Northern Swaziland. Tintsaba, which means mountains, was established as a development project in 1985 in order to harness the skills and creativity of the Swazi people. Products range from functional household and jewellery items to collectors’ pieces of the finest basketry in Africa. We have also recently developed a new range of silver earrings, necklaces, rings and bangles with wildlife and geometric designs. Our Hand-Coiled line mimics the basic basket weaving technique, using silver instead of sisal as its medium, while the Framed Sisal range combines the sisal disks from our Natural Jewellery Range with silver.

We have three retail outlets:

  • Tintsaba Crafts at the Highlands Inn;
  • Tekwane at the Protea Piggs Peak Hotel; and
  • Likhweti Kraft at the Peak Fine Craft Centre.


Company history and environmental commitments:

From the beginning, Tintsaba made a social and environmental commitment to our crafts producers. Regular handcraft training sessions are organised for newcomers, as well as sessions on pattern and quality upgrading. Workshops have been held on a number of topics, including family health and environmental issues like sustainable use of resources through organic gardening as well as fruit and indigenous tree planting.

The environmental focus of our business has been integrated into the baskets and jewellery. New patterns have emerged, including elephant, rhino, lion, and an array of birds. As a result of all the training, design work and refined skills, Tintsaba offers a wide range of high quality and beautiful products that have grown beyond the traditional craft. Also, from our environmental commitment we developed a line of recycled baskets using old plastic bags.

We started our natural Jewellery line in 1991 by refining the coiling technique of the basket into a still finer work of art. The Natural Jewellery Range combines coiled sisal disks with beads, seeds, fimo and cast brass figures.

Sine 1999, an experienced jeweller has been training one of our original basket and jewellery makers in the art of silver-smithing. As the project grows, we will train more women. The objective of the silver workshop is to combine the art of basket weaving with silver and to transfer the designs and techniques into silver earrings, necklaces, rings and bangles. Our collection includes wildlife, birds and geometric ranges. Our Hand-Coiled line mimics the basic basket weaving technique, using silver instead of sisal as its medium. The Framed Sisal range combines the sisal disks from our Natural Jewellery Range with silver.

We have been wholesaling and exporting our products for over 10 years. Our permanent staff receive ongoing self-development training. The people you may speak to if you are a wholesaler are Sheila Freemantle at the helm, or Nellie our Office manager.

 

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]]> 31.26259994506835938,-25.94109916687011719 Toktoki Clothing is a small-scale manufacturer of children’s clothing. All their clothing is designed and sewn locally in the factory and fabric is either screen printed or embroidered by our local workers. They have trained ladies to cut and operate industrial sewing machines, and have also trained them in hand embroidery.

Their factory is open plan, so that when the public visit our shop they can see the garments at all stages of manufacture.

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]]> 31.28000068664550781,-25.93050003051757812 The Usutu Golf Course adjoins Foresters Arms Hotel. This is attractive and popular Highland Golf Course, with the Mhlambanyatsi River running through it, is a nine-hole course with alternate tees for the next nine holes.

The Clubhouse is open daily, during weekdays from 08:00 onwards, and Sat/Sun from 07:00.

Green fees:

  • E30 for 9 holes;
  • E50 for 18 holes.

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]]> 31.05190086364746094,-26.40900039672851562 Myxo’s Place is a backpackers hostel situated on the eastern outskirts of Manzini. Housed in an old colonial-era house it is the only Swazi-owned, Swazi-managed backpackers in the country, and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about and practice standard Swazi behaviour, such as taking off your shoes before entering the home.

Cooked meals can be arranged, including a sample of traditional Swazi food. A highlight of staying here is the opportunity of taking a trip into the mountains to stay with rural families (see Liphupho Lamu Camp).

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]]> 31.49399948120117188,-26.48320007324218750 Wyldsdale is a newly developed, privately owned tourism destination located on land that was previously under the ownership and management of Rio Tinto for mineral exploration. Accessible only by 4x4, Wyldsdale has several accommodation venues ranging from luxury accommodation in a fully equipped chalet and rustic accommodation in a log cabin to camping and a backpacker-type facility that is housed in a revamped London Bus! The latter is set among orchards of pecans, mangoes and litchis planted by the previous owners.

Located deep in the heart of rural Swaziland, Wyldsdale offers visitors a wide variety of nature-interactive and cultural experiences. Here you can go hiking and bird-watching in the indigenous forests on the slopes of Mount Lufafa, or fishing, swimming and river tubing in the numerous streams and rivers that course through the area. There is a natural pool ideal for those hot summer days and plenty of 4x4 trails on which to really test your vehicle (no fake mud needed here!).

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