Activities & Country Information for Travelers

Activities

The Kingdom of Swaziland is blessed with the luxurious vegetation of the sub-tropics, wonderful open spaces, and an incredible diversity of scenic beauty, gorgeous rivers and adventurous as well as more esoteric attractions.

Summerfield Luxury Hotel & Botanical Garden is ideally situated within easy driving distance many tourist attractions such as Mlilwane Game Reserve, Swazi Candle Factory, King Sobhuza Memorial Monument, Swaziland National Museum, Swazi Cultural Village and National Handicraft Market.

Game viewing, bush walks in nature reserves, historical sites, museums, craft markets and curios, panoramic drives with breath-taking vistas, wild adventures and x-treme sporting activities, tennis, horse-back riding and golf are just some of the exclusive activities you can enjoy.

Bird watching

The lakeside water gardens provide a serene oasis to a wide variety of small game and waterfowl and play host to a brilliant kaleidoscope of butterflies and birds providing the ideal nesting-place for our much loved Cinnamon Doves. Bird spotting is excellent all year round, especially during the summer months of November to March when the migratory species have returned.

Guests are offered a unique opportunity to commune with nature and indulge in gentle country pursuits in an environment that captures the traditions and charm of a more gracious age.

Adventure activities

Upon your request, we can arrange an interesting and exciting variety of activities and adventures for you! There is a wide range of adventure sports available; from white water rafting, caving, mountain biking, hiking trails, abseiling, to hiking trails and more. If you wish to join one of these activities we are happy to make all the necessary arrangements for you.

Qualified, well equipped tour operators will be delighted to organize any number of activities including; horse-back riding, white-water river rafting and tubing, game drives, adventure caving, cycling trails, mountain biking, paragliding, abseiling and kloof jumping, fishing, quad biking, hiking and walking trails, panoramic helicopter flips, micro lighting & scenic flights.

Leisure activities

Golfing, gambling, international grade shopping, craft stalls and game parks are all within a short distance from Summerfield. We also offer an informative and interesting variety of guided tours including organised nature walks to delightfully beautiful and secluded picnic spots around the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Cultural tours and the ever popular Swazi dancing can easily be arranged for you.

Resort entertainment

Take leisurely walks through the fruit orchards, explore the beautiful tropical and indigenous gardens…..and then, for afternoon refreshments and home-baked confections, amble over to the rose garden to enjoy high tea in the Grand Pavilion or head for the high ceilings and scented breezes of the Summer Terrace Bistro.

Sporting activities

Fishing: Excellent facilities are available at several dams within the Usutu Forest, which are well stocked with Trout and are operated by the Usutu Forest Fly Fishing Club. Fishing is also allowed on other dams and rivers within the country with excellent bass fishing available at Maguga Dam. Most rivers contain indigenous fish, such as Yellow Fish, Bream and Barbell. Tiger fish may be caught in the lower regions of the country during the hot season. To ensure the longevity of sport fising in Swaziland as well as securing the enjoyment for present and future generations, the Swazi authorities have put some eco-friendly safe-guards in place making it essential for fishing enthusiasts to either obtain a permit or to pay a rod fee, before setting off to fish.

Golf: The Kingdom’s golf courses are of a very high standard and are found all over the country with the newest course at Nkonyeni Golf Estate (set in pristine indigenous bush) the highlight of the country.

Horse Riding: Riding is a wonderful way to explore Swaziland, especially those areas which are inaccessible to vehicles. Several stables in various parts of the country offer outrides and even overnight trails for the enthusiast.

Arts and Crafts

Swaziland is renowned for the variety and quality of the local arts and crafts, many of which are exported to international markets. There are several different ‘hot’ spots in Swaziland where you will find (and are able to buy) fine arts and crafts. We recommended the following:

Piggs Peak Craft Centre Piggs Peak

Ngwenya Glass Factory & Craft Centre Ngwenya – near the Oshoek border

Indingilizi Art Gallery Mbabane

Mantenga Craft Centre Ezulwini

Guava Gallery Ezulwini

Swazi Candles Malkerns

Baobab Batik Malkerns

Nyanza Gem Shop Malkerns

House on Fire Art Gallery Malkerns

Gone Rural Malkerns

Zogg’s Shop

Country Information for Travelers

The Kingdom of Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere covering 17000 square kilometres, It is roughly the same size as Wales. The country borders on South Africa in the North, West and South, and Mozambique in the East.

The kingdom has four natural Geographical regions, each featuring it’s own climatic and geographic characteristics.

In the West is a mountainous region featuring rivers, waterfalls and Gorges, and a warm, temperate climate. The central region at a lower altitude has lush fertile valleys and a warm climate. Further East and lower still in Sub-Tropical climate and flatter landscapes lie vast plantations of sugar and citrus, Swaziland’s two main export crops.

The Swazi people are well renowned for their warm hearted nature, are peace loving, highly hospitable and friendly, which has earned them the nickname “The Latins of Africa”

Old Swazi Traditions are jealously guarded and colourful ceremonies mark special occasions such as the Incwala (A period of prayer and thanksgiving) and the-renowned Reed dance. But traditional attire, ceremonies and dance are embedded in Traditional Swazi culture. There are traditional songs for every occasion like weddings, royal rituals, coming of age ceremonies and national festivals, colourful dances and spectacle to behold, captivating and uniquely Swazi often accompanied by beating drums and vibrant traditional songs.

Swaziland is one of the only three monarchies remaining in Africa. This old and revered institution plays an integral part in the life of the nation, and is the focus of many traditional ceremonies and much of the kingdom’s cultural life.

Swaziland is a malaria-free area.

Banking

The four commercial banks operate from 08h30 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h30 on Saturdays. Travellers´ cheques may be exchanged at banks and hotels and all the major credit cards are accepted. Most of the banks have automatic teller machines.

Border hours

Bulembu/ Josefdal : 08.00 – 16.00

Gege/ Bothashoop : 08.00 – 16.00

lavumiso/ Golela : 00700 – 22.00

lomahasha/Namaacha : 07.00 – 20.00

lundzi/Waverley : 07.00 – 16.00

Mahamba : 07.00 – 22.00

Mananga : 08.00 – 18.00

Matsama/Jeppe’s Reef : 08.00 – 20.00

Mhlumeni/Goba : 24 hours

Ngwenya/Oshoek : 07.00 – 00.00 (24 hours pending)

Nsalitshe /Onverwacht : 08.00 – 18.00

Sandlane/ Nerston : 08.00 – 18.00

Sicunusa/Houdkop : 08.00 – 18.00

Currency

Swaziland is part of the Rand Monetary Area. The currency, the Lilangeni (plural Emalangeni), is interchangeable with the South African Rand, but only the notes are considered legal tender throughout the Kingdom of Swaziland. Although South African Rands are accepted currency in Swaziland, Emalangeni are not accepted in South Africa; so do ensure to change your Emalangeni back to South African Rand before leaving the country. The commercial banks deal in foreign exchange and travellers’ cheques, while the major shops, hotels and service outlets accept international credit cards.

One Lilangeni = One Rand

Clothing

Dress is generally casual by day and casual to smart in the evenings, depending on the venue. Shorts, t-shirts and sundresses are acceptable. At Royal Kraals ladies must wear dresses – a colourful Swazi sarong is acceptable and a good excuse to buy one! Pack jerseys for cooler evenings and coats may be necessary in the Highveld during winter. Visitors should take sports and swim wear and for walkers, a good pair of suitable shoes is essential ….. our Botanical Garden is easily accessible without the need for heavy walking gear! We have a few walking trails clearly marked out for you so you can observe and enjoy the full beauty of the garden.

Climate

Swaziland has one of the most pleasant climates in the world and due to the countries’ four distinct regions, visitors will experience significant differences in temperature within a small area. With a mild summer and winter, the climate in Swaziland is mostly pleasant all year. Rain is more frequent from October to May, but with plenty of sunshine, low humidity and temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Winters can get quite cold at night but are relatively dry. Closer to Mozambique in the lowlands, conditions become more tropical. The three regions are sub-tropical and also have wet summers and dry winters. Here summer temperatures can become very high, while the winters are mild and very pleasant.

The Highveld-region has a temperate climate of warm, wet summers and dry winters, when the temperature can rise quite sharply during the day but with cold nights. Snowfalls sometimes occur on the higher ground, but this is extremely rare.

Average temperatures

Spring September – October 20 degrees Celsius

Summer November – March 25 degrees Celsius

Autumn April – May 20 degrees Celsius

Winter June – August 15 degrees Celsius

Driving in Swaziland

Traffic travels on the left side of the road. Foreign driving licences are valid provided they show a photograph of the holder.

Electricity

220.240 volt AC, the plugs are three pin, but adaptors for two pin plugs are widely available.

Food

Swaziland offers many fine restaurants. The price of a meal in a restaurant varies from restaurant to restaurant. Food in most restaurants in general is reasonable. Swaziland is fortunate to be recognised as one of the very few countries in Africa where it is safe to drink tap water in the main city centres.

Fuel

Filling stations generally operate a 24 hour service, 7 days a week.

Gratuities / Tipping

As in most countries, tipping in Swaziland is a welcome gesture. You will find that a 10% tip in appreciation of pleasant, friendly and efficient service will be much appreciated.

Language

Siswati and English are the official languages while English is the medium of instruction in all schools and is widely understood.

To speak a few words of SiSwati can be very useful and the Swazi people, already very friendly, will enjoy your efforts. Here are a few words to guide you through your stay in Swaziland:

(greeting – singular)     Sawubona       `Good day`

(greeting – plural)        Sanibonani      `Good day to you all!`

(response – singular)   Yebo   `Yes, good day to you`

(greeting – singular)     Unjani?            `How are you`

(greeting – plural)        Ninjani?           `How are you all?`

(response – singular)   Ngikhona, unjani wena           `I am well, how are you?`

(response – plural)       Sikhona, ninjani nine? `We are well, how are you all?`

(response – singular)   Nami ngiyaphila          `I am well too`

(response – plural)       Natsi siyaphila `We are also well!`

(appreciation – plural)  Siyabonga       `We thank you`

(appreciation – singular)          Ngiyabonga     `I thank you`

(farewell)         Salakahle         `Stay well`

(farewell)         Hambakahle    `Go well`

Medical care and Private Clinics

There is good medical care available in Mbabane where there is a private hospital and both Manzini and Ezulwini have private clinics. There is a medical emergency team available (including a helicopter service) to take people to South African specialist hospitals. Most foreign health insurances are accepted but we recommend that you have a good travel insurance that includes medical care.

Photography

Taking pictures in Swaziland is usually not a problem. It is considered polite to ask first.

Post Offices

Most postal services are available throughout the country and are open from 08h30 to 16h00 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays.

Public Holidays

1 January New Years Day

March/ April Easter Holiday

25 April National Flag Day

1 May    Workers Day

25 May Ascension Day

22 July King Sobhuza II’s Birthday

Aug/Sept Umhlanga Reed Dance

6 September Independence Day

25 December Christmas Day

26 December Boxing Day

Dec/Jan Incwala Day

These dates remain the same irrespective of the day of the week on which they fall. Other public holiday dates differ each year.

Religion

Swaziland is predominantly Christian, with Zionists being the largest denomination. There are Bahai temples, mosques for the Muslim faith and places of worship for people of the Jewish religion.

Safety and Security

Swaziland is known as a safe country and is blessed with a low crime rate. Tourists in Swaziland are generally safe in any part of the country.

Airport Tax

On departure from Matsapha Airport, Manzini, all passengers must pay an airport tax of E50.00

Road Tax

A road tax of E50 is payable upon entering Swaziland for non-Swazi registered cars.

Taxis and Shuttle Busses

Taxis operate from the Matsapha international airport to most destinations. We provide our guests with a convenient, reliable and comfortable shuttle service to and from the Airport. Car hire services are available; let us know if you would like us to arrange a rental car for you.

Visas & Immigration Requirements

All visitors to Swaziland require a valid passport or travel document. Visitors from the United Kingdom and most British Commonwealth countries, including African states, do NOT require visas. Do not proceed to Swaziland without establishing your visa status. Visitors who wish to remain in the country for more than 60 days must apply for a temporary residence permit from the Chief Immigration Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Mbabane, or from a Swazi diplomatic mission in the country of origin.