It amazes me that until today no one has described their travel itinerary in this delightful nation...I can only be happy about it since I can take care of it personally!
As for health precautions, antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended (mefloquine, Lariam) and vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A (the latter two are always recommended for all tropical and subtropical destinations -for more information check the WHO or CDC website-).
We left as a group of 4 from Paris heading to Johannesburg (South Africa) but obviously we won't dwell on the trip in South Africa and will instead tell you everything about the captivating Swaziland!!!
As for practical information consider that not all border posts are open 24 hours a day, that a visa is not required for Italian citizens and that if you intend to cross the border with a car rented in South Africa you need to get the authorization letter issued (free of charge)... of course bring your international driving license with you!!! At the border you will pay 5 "emalangeni" for the passage of the car (they also accept "rand", the exchange rate is 1:1).
......Let's start with the account of the trip........ After taking care of the bureaucratic formalities at the border (we entered from Jeff Reff, near Kruger park) we crossed the town of Piggs Peack and headed to Ngwenya to the "glass factory" where local people produce delicious little animals using recycled glass (we recommend buying the "kit" with the "big five" to give a little thought to a friend!!!).
We visited the capital Mbabane and then went to the "Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary" where we slept in comfortable huts built in Zulu style, undoubtedly cared for in every detail!!!....Don't fear the cold, the blanket available will be enough!!!! At the camp you particularly notice the difference compared to the South African parks since there are no opening and closing times of the park (access 24 hours/24) and it is possible to go on excursions by bicycle or in small open Land Rovers (not in crowded coaches!!!). Many animals "stroll" freely in the park (warthogs, impalas and ostriches).
Inside the reserve there is a small restaurant where you eat very well.....the nice thing is that it overlooks a small lake where a family of hippos lives!!!!!....You can only remain enchanted seeing the moon reflected in the lake in this unspoiled scenario!!!! The next day we went to Malkerns to visit the "Swazi Candles". Here very skilled artisans shape the wax to produce delicious little animals, fruit, eggs and much more (yet another excellent gift idea!!!!). In Malkerns you can't miss the "Baobab Batik" but be careful, don't go in...you would risk coming out having literally emptied the shop (the batiks they produce are exceptional and you can ask to watch while they are being made). After Malkerns we recommend visiting the characteristic little market of Manzini (open on Thursday and Friday) where the number of stalls run by local people is considerable.
Leaving the delightful stalls behind us we headed to the Lavumisa border to return to South Africa.
You can only be fascinated by the landscape and the local people, always ready to dispense smiles for you!!!!
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