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    Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

    Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

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    Located on the only beach in the region, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is our all-ages luxury oceanfront resort with its own private cove. Enjoy stunning ocean vistas from our sunset bar or sneak a peak of breaching whales from our beachfront restaurants.

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    • filter_dramaUnderstand
      Swaziland, one of the last absolute monarchies (Umbuso weSwatini) in the world, is one of the smallest countries in [wiki=f5cd262901883dff68d06b215fb0f28e]Africa[/wiki] and has a well-earned reputation for friendliness in [wiki=2155fb115f24a63d51e28f9e44b3cd06]Southern Africa[/wiki]. It also contains several large game parks and reserves, which are sponsored by the government and are popular tourist destinations.

      Compared to other countries in the region, Swaziland is known for its civility and peacefulness, despite similar problems with poverty and one of the world's worst AIDS crises. As of November 2008 the total reported percentage of those with HIV was listed as 30%; this, of course, does not include those who have not yet been tested. The AIDS epidemic has broken up the traditional extended family unit, leaving many young children orphaned and fighting for survival.

      Swaziland is divided into four administrative districts: Hhohho (northwest),
      Lubombo (east), Manzini (central-west), and Shiselweni (south).
      • History

        Artifacts indicating human activity dating back to the early Stone Age 200,000 years ago have been found in the Kingdom of Swaziland. Prehistoric rock art paintings date from c. 25,000 BC. The earliest inhabitants of the area were Khoisan hunter-gatherers. They were largely replaced by the Bantu tribes during Bantu migrations who hailed from the Great Lakes regions of Eastern Africa.

        The autonomy of the Swaziland Nation was dictated by British rule of southern Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1881 the British government signed a convention recognizing Swazi independence. At the start of the Anglo Boer war, Britain placed Swaziland under its direct jurisdiction as a Protectorate. The Swaziland independence Constitution was promulgated by Britain in November 1963 in terms of which a legislative Council and an Executive Council were established. The first Legislative Council of Swaziland was constituted on 9 September 1964. Changes to the original constitution proposed by the Legislative Council were accepted by Britain and a new Constitution providing for a House of Assembly and Senate was drawn up. Elections under this Constitution were held in 1967. Since 1973, Swaziland has seen a rather quiet struggle between pro-multiparty activists and the monarchy. It gained independence from the UK in 1968.

      • Climate

        Generally speaking, rain falls mostly during the summer months, often in the form of thunderstorms. Winter is the dry season. Annual rainfall is highest on the High Veld in the west, between 1000 and 2000mm depending on the year. The further east, the less rain, with the Low Veld recording 500 to 900mm per annum. Variations in temperature are also related to the altitude of the different regions. The Highveld temperature is temperate and, seldom, uncomfortably hot while the Low Veld may record temperatures around 40 degrees in summer.

    • filter_dramaCities
      [wiki=137c9977a8657a7c637d25c029ba81d2]Mbabane[/wiki] - capital
      *[wiki=d7c3cea6e5ba37a4aa8746e38a0256d7]Lobamba[/wiki] - royal and legislative capital
      *[wiki=db541ec6919d02fb830f49099eb031e0]Manzini[/wiki] - major business centre
      *[wiki=647503b4cd4ec9df67934e0d0c0476fd]Big Bend[/wiki]
    • filter_dramaOther destinations
      [wiki=8518a59bced30d6a7fd6c6ff8f35084f]Mkhaya Game Reserve[/wiki]
      *[wiki=1c2f922b461626e13d8cbcf0c0871ce4]Hlane Royal National Park[/wiki]
      *[wiki=d00885ec9044c69391691097f4c1928e]Malolotja Nature Reserve[/wiki]
      *[wiki=f4f3c8b2488dd2cd9ad3850aeecaa55d]Mlawula Nature Reserve[/wiki]
      *[wiki=7f46cf19d509c812551ef052724e336d]Mantenga Nature Reserve[/wiki]
      *[wiki=e2d71d1bbc2f7fd2ff46e4228aee8493]Siteki[/wiki]
      *[wiki=86150c9763cc64d6f8de2520e5d45d73]Mlilwane Game Reserve[/wiki]
      *[wiki=eee194ebbdb61500afb9b441425dfacb]Maguga dam[/wiki]
      Phophonyane Falls Eco Lodge and Nature Reserve
    • filter_dramaGet in
      • Entry requirements

        Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories do not need a visa for a stay of 30 days or less:
        Andorra, Argentina, Australia, [wiki=9891739094756d2605946c867b32ad28]Austria[/wiki], Bahamas, [wiki=3214c0f21d200a1dae4eb83a53ec2730]Barbados[/wiki], Bosnia Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, [wiki=b78edab0f52e0d6c195fd0d8c5709d26]Iceland[/wiki], Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, [wiki=b5bcce260d9e303ca0e63f055187ed28]Madagascar[/wiki], [wiki=70965feb0441ff7fc1982fc5c509136e]Malawi[/wiki], Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Mozambique, [wiki=69f4287626aee77f93e2c891b518838b]Namibia[/wiki], Nauru, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Russia, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, [wiki=458e4cbc78201c1aec5fc53a31c59378]Singapore[/wiki], Slovenia, Solomon Island, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

        Citizens of Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and holders of British passports can obtain a visa free of charge on arrival.

        If you require a visa to enter Swaziland, you might be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Swaziland diplomatic post. For example, the British embassies in Al Khobar[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/saudiarabia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null],]Amman[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/jordan/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Belgrade[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/serbia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Budapest[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/hungary/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Cairo[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/egypt/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Damascus[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/syria/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Guatemala City[url=http://ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk/en/visiting-uk/visas/countries-issue[/url],]Helsinki[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/finland/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Jeddah[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/saudiarabia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Prague[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/czech-republic/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Pristina[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/kosovo/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Rabat[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/morocco/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Riga[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/latvia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Riyadh[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/saudiarabia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Rome[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/italy/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Sofia[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/bulgaria/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Tallinn[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/estonia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Vienna[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/austria/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url],]Warsaw[url=http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/poland/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url]]and Zagreb[http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/croatia/commonwealth-bots/?langname=null[/url] accept Swaziland visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge £50 to process a Swaziland visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Swaziland require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Swaziland can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

      • By plane

        The only International airport of Swaziland is the new King Mswati III International. http://www.swacaa.co.sz/airports/kingmswatiIII/ Transfers to Mbabane, Matsapha/Manzini and the Ezulwini Valley area are made by dedicated bus.

        Airlink Swaziland provides flights from [wiki=33416c1d32d3c19771d09bf215c7b514]Johannesburg[/wiki] ([wiki=c89bc418c38da77213c6c6e03cac2510]South Africa[/wiki]).

      • By bus

        Most public transport bus services arrive in [wiki=137c9977a8657a7c637d25c029ba81d2]Mbabane[/wiki] or [wiki=db541ec6919d02fb830f49099eb031e0]Manzini[/wiki]. Smaller bus lines, or minibuses generally provide service to [wiki=33416c1d32d3c19771d09bf215c7b514]Johannesburg[/wiki], [wiki=1842bcd39672346f0cfecd0d372a97d4]Durban[/wiki] or [wiki=5a6e47df50f895eec53a4dd2fe2393de]Cape Town[/wiki] in [wiki=c89bc418c38da77213c6c6e03cac2510]South Africa[/wiki] as well as [wiki=0218a77ed79362a40e5f018feeebaba2]Maputo[/wiki] in [wiki=a6d3bea3fa66775952e080b90bb0c4f1]Mozambique[/wiki].

        Larger buses usually travel within the country and some stop at border crossings, where passengers must connect with an onward journey, unless a specific group booking is done to hire a big bus.

        For scheduled road transport there is the Swaziland based [url=http://www.goswaziland.co.sz/]siyeSwatini TransMagnific[/url], which provides transport to and from Swaziland daily. Stops include the Johannesburg airport (twice daily) and Nelspruit and Kruger International Airport (both near Kruger in South Africa) on the weekends. The TransMagnific mini-buses are customised for added comfort and safety, unlike the public transport. However, they require that bookings and payments be done at least a day prior to travel so that your meal can be ordered and the selection for the movie can be determined for the +-4hour trip. The Mbabane TransMagnific office is located on the back side of the Cooper Center (one building left of the NW corner of Sozisa & Dr Sishayi). Telephone: +268 7605 9977.

        The South African Baz Bus [url=http://www.bazbus.co.za/],]an independent line targetting backpackers, also makes regular stops via [[South Africa[/url]] to various hostels and hotels in Swaziland. When travelling into and out of South Africa to and from Swaziland, this is the safest option. All mini-buses into South Africa go directly to Johannesburg bus stations, which can be dangerous.

      • By car

        Depending on season, the border crossings from South Africa to Swaziland can be crowded. The Ngwenya/Oshoek Border Post (on the N17/MR3 from Ermelo to Mbabane) tends to be full with people around long weekends and holidays, since it is the most popular border post. Other border posts, such as the one near Amsterdam (Nerston) and Jeppes Reef are a good alternative and easily reachable with normal sedans.

        Coming from South Africa, check the Department of Home Affairs [wiki=10a34ad705ff91d735a7b04b49997f17]url=http://www.dha.gov.za/land_border_posts.asp[/wiki]for border crossings[/url] to verify opening times.

    • filter_dramaGet around
      Most travel in Swaziland is by either car or minibus. Navigation can be challenging due to lack of common street address use or street signage.

      Europcar offers rentals in Mbabane. Booking options online (like $0 excess and unlimited mileage) are not available at the office so if you want these things, you should book online. The office is located at the Engen Plaza downtown on Sozisa Rd. across the street from Galp and kitty corner from the Taj Sizzler in Google Maps.

      Minibuses, called Kombis, are prevalent, but can be confusing. Like similar modes of travel around the world such as the Jitney, Matatu or Dolmus, these are small vans that accumulate as many travellers as possible while making their way along a general direction. In Swaziland, these vans are often driven by very young men, and most have assistants who estimate and collect fares, ask your destination, and make change.

      As of Jan 2008, fares typically range from R5 for trips around 5min to R10 for around 3 min to R30 for longer trips. It is very very unlikely to be over-charged.

      Be prepared for crowded seats, loud radios, and sometimes reckless driving. The larger Sprinter vans are a safer and faster choice if available.

      Minibuses can usually be flagged down along main roads. Larger towns usually serve as minibus hubs or connections. Major hubs include Manzini, Mbabane, Pigg's Peak, Nhlangano, Siteki, and Big Bend. Finding the correct bus can be tricky, so discreetly ask if you can't figure it out. The kombis typically have destinations written on the front bumpers. At a bus station (or bus rank), young men will yell out the destinations and are helpful in guiding you to the correct kombi, however, always double check with the passengers. You will be advised to watch your belongings, as such places, like all bus terminals worldwide, have disproportionally higher crime rates. Stay away from these bus ranks at night.

      Travel is very difficult after dark. The only option is by taxi. If staying around Mbabane or Manzini, keep a couple cab driver's phone numbers on hand. Taxi drivers may overcharge.
    • filter_dramaTalk
      The Commonwealth version of English is the official language of business. It is advisable that travellers learn a little of the local language, [wiki=6fc00b9635de27abfb25e9a160dd4d94]SiSwati[/wiki] (also known as Swazi) which, in rural areas, is spoken almost exclusively.
    • filter_dramaSee
      Most of the tourists who visit Swaziland arrive by road from South Africa. Swaziland's tourism industry developed during the apartheid era in South Africa and this shaped many of its distinctive attractions. Since the end of apartheid, Swaziland has emphasized its traditional culture as tourist attractions.

      * Hlane Royal National Park - Hlane meaning "wilderness" in the Swazi language is the largest national park in Swaziland. It has a variety of wildlife including the lion, white rhino, zebra, elephant and a variety of mammals. Hlane is also blessed with abundant and diverse bird life.
    • filter_dramaDo
      Incwala Kingship meaning 'Festival of the First Fruits,' is an important Swazi religious ritual that takes place in the latter half of December, and continues into January of the successive year. It is an annual ceremony lasting eight weeks that unites the inhabitants of Swaziland in order to gain blessings from ancestors.

      * Bonding with nature is one of the primary pleasures of visiting Swaziland. Its varied landscape, many mountains and rivers, make it an ideal place for hikers and those who simply wish to escape urbanization and relax. Pine Valley as well as Malolotja Falls are but two examples of scenic spots where visitors can bathe in splendor.
    • filter_dramaBuy
      The currency of Swaziland, the lilangeni (plural: "emalangeni"), is tied to the South African rand at 1:1. Shops in Swaziland often accept and make change for both currencies indiscriminately. This is not the case in [wiki=c89bc418c38da77213c6c6e03cac2510]South Africa[/wiki], however, so if you are planning to visit South Africa also, you may prefer to request rand in exchange for emalangeni at banks in Mbabane or Manzini: proof of identity is required. It is impossible to exchange your emalangeni at Johannesburg Airport, as well as in the UK. All Swazi vendors will take Rand, but no South African vendors will take emalangeni.

      Note that when travelling on the kombis in Swaziland, the operators will NOT take Rand coins.

      For souvenirs, one must not miss these highlights:
      * Swazi Candles [url=http://www.swazicandles.com/],]located in Ezulwini Valley where you can buy beautifully waxed colorful animal figures in all sizes.
      * Ngwenya Glass [url=http://www.ngwenyaglass.co.sz/[/url],]located just next to the Ngwenya Border Post on the MR3. Here you can find lots of glass works made on location. Animals, Plates, Glasses, etc. are all to be found here, and they are cheaper here than in other places. One can also visit the factory and see the glass blowers at work.
      * Gone Rural [http://www.goneruralswazi.com/[/url], located in Ezulwini Valley next to the House on Fire concert stage. Here you can find various woven baskets, placemats etc. for very cheap prices.

      Next to these highlights there are also smaller stores, where you can buy everything from Swazi Foods to Swazi wooden sculptures and handmade bags.
    • filter_dramaEat
      Many Western foods are available in Swazi grocery stores, but traditional foods are still common, as is modern convenient food based on traditional ingredients.

      Maize-based dishes are popular, and mealie or pap (similar to porridge) is a staple. Beans, groundnuts, pumpkin, avocado and sour milk are also common ingredients. Dried and cooked local meats, such as antelope (often called 'wild meat' by locals), are widely available at tourist restaurants.

      "Chicken dust" is a cheap local bbq meal; basically chicken grilled in the open served with a salad and mealie. It is popular both with locals and absolutely delicious. Of course, take appropriate precautions as it is a street vendor food.

      Sweet breads, vegetables and fruits are often available from roadside merchants. If you're craving pasta, imported olive oil, Nestle chocolate, Herbal Essences and Carlsberg, head over to the Hub, at Manzini: a huge Spar with everything you could need (at an appropriately inflated price). There are several coffee-shops and restaurants around the Hub, also: be aware that the lavatories are located separately, down the stairs, and you have to pay to use them. Manzini's bustling markets and local shops yield all kinds of interesting foodstuffs, along with the ubiquitous KFC.

      There are some superb restaurants in Swaziland; many are be found in Ezulwini:
      *Traditional Swazi food - one of Swazilands only restaurants serving traditional food
      *Excellent German and Swiss cuisine. They do wonderful things with fish!
      *New, popular, 'Africa-Chic' destination.
      *Swaziland's favourite Chinese restaurant.The Driftwood Resetaurant at Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve [wiki=7c931387b54468bf306c3e68f06ab588]http://www.phophonyane.co.sz[/wiki]
    • filter_dramaDrink
      Marula is locally brewed during the marula season. It may be difficult to find; ask locals as it is home-brewed.

      There is a vibrant nightlife in Swaziland ranging from traditional dances to bars and nightclubs. If you're staying in Ezulwini, there are four bars at the Royal Swazi hotel; why not check out the Why Not nightclub too? If you're in the Malkerns area, the House on Fire is extremely popular: local art, local and national DJs, an open-air setting and live acts.
      *Dining at Maguga Lodge is an epicurean delight. The restaurant offers excellent food with an interesting, diverse menu.

      The striking Lapa Restaurant is a piece of art in itself. The soaring ceilings provide the ambience of space while vibrant wall murals (created by a local artist) light up the interior.
      The restaurant offers a delicious À la carte menu during the week and on Sundays the atmospheric restaurant comes alive with a delectable buffet lunch.
      The restaurant is open daily from 7am - 1030pm.

      Bar & Restaurant Viewing Deck
      A wooden deck enveloping the front of the restaurant is the perfect place to relax. With comfortable cushioned loungers, a stunning view of the dam wall and a comprehensive cocktail menu, the deck offers just the right mixes to watch the sunset and unwind!

      For sports lovers, there is DSTV in the bar to catch your favorite game!

      Please ask you server for our selection of board games available for guests.

      Pool & Lapa
      Open to guests as well as day visitors, our pool and lapa area can also be booked for private events.

      A dart board and Ping Pong table are there for fun & games!

      A delightful place to have a spit braaii with full bar service available.
    • filter_dramaSleep
      Swaziland is a small country and it is easy to go anywhere in the country during one day.

      If you're watching the pennies, head to Veki's Guesthouse or Grifter's Backpackers in Mbabane, which costs around 120R per night for a bunk. If you want to push the boat out, book a room at the Mountain Inn which has outstanding accommodation, facilities and leisure opportunities.

      The most sought-after hotels in Swaziland tend to be located in Ezulwini Valley between the two major cities, Mbabane and Manzini. (Don't forget to pick up beautiful local crafts from the roadside stalls on the way.) With four bars, a restaurant, a casino, golf, swimming, tennis and 411 rooms and suites, the Royal Sun Swazi epitomises luxury. The Royal Villas, also found in Ezulwini, spread 56 rooms across 14 villas and are extremely luxurious, offering excellent food, atmosphere and leisure facilities. The Ezulwini sun offers excellent facilities, also, at mid-range prices.

      And, if you're heading down towards the Mozambique border, you'll find comfortable, well-appointed country clubs at Manananga, Mhlume and Simunye.

      Again, out in the country, a wonderful place to stay one or more nights is Phophonyane Falls [url=http://www.phophonyane.co.sz].]It is situated in the north-east, next to the Phophonyane waterfalls and offers great hiking trails. Best is to sleep in comfortable tents, next to the river.
      [[The Shewula Mountain Camp[/url]], Swaziland's first community-owned camp, is perched high in the Lobombo mountains with stunning views across game reserves; on clear days the Mozambique capital, [wiki=0218a77ed79362a40e5f018feeebaba2]Maputo[/wiki] is clearly visible. Guests stay in traditional [wiki=855e2edecec921e8880b80742ebc450f]rondavels[/wiki], round thatched huts. The Camp is an eco-tourism initiative designed to help the local community and the wider environment.
      *Maguga Lodge sits in the heart of the Hhohho Region in Swaziland on the edge of the spectacular Maguga Dam. With stunning accommodation, breathtaking views and warm welcoming staff, Maguga is the perfect place for a time out to experience Swaziland's Highveld Magic!

      Renowned for it's fabulous fishing and breathtaking mountains, the area has much to offer for exploration. The famous and fascinating Ngwenya Glass, Nsangwini Bushman Paintings, Tintsaba Craft and Pigg’s Peak Casino are all within close proximity. Local providers can supply adrenaline junkies with an assortment of thrills from caving and whitewater rafting to quad biking and horse riding!

      Our beautiful conference and entertainment facilities (with WI_FI of course) are perfect for either business or personal entertaining.

      Just a short drive from Kruger Park, Mpumalanga and Mozambique, Maguga Lodge is an ideal stop on an itinerary for those wishing to explore the region.
      *The lodge is in the Ezulwini Valley situated among natural surroundings at the foot of Sheba’s Breasts Mountains (immortalized by Rider Haggards' “King Solomon’s Mines”) overlooking the legendary “Execution Rock”. The 38 Rooms are tastefully furnished each with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, DSTV, telephone as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Wireless Internet is also available.

      We have a choice of rooms, all of which include a full breakfast, at competitive rates to suit your budget. Mantenga Lodge is centrally situated and provides an ideal base from which to explore Swaziland. Whether you stay for business or pleasure, you can relax at the swimming pool or enjoy the view on our deck while having sundowners or a delicious meal from our restaurant.
    • filter_dramaLearn
      Swaziland is named for Mswati II, who became king in 1839. The royal lineage can be traced back to the Dlamini clan. The population is divided roughly between Nguni, Sotho and Tsonga, the remainder being 3% white. The current king is Mswati III, son of Sobuza II who had about seventy wives. He rules jointly with Indlovukazi, the Queen Mother. The primary symbol of Swaziland is not what the West would typically associate with nationhood - flags or monuments - but the king himself. The relationship between king and people is demonstrated through the incwala, a ceremony lasting several weeks which focuses on traditional rule, unity of the state, primacy of agriculture, sacredness of land, fertility and potency. Mswati's relationship with his people has been made even more unique through the introduction of chastity decrees for the under-18s to combat the rise of AIDS. However, Mswati III broke the rule when he married a 17-year-old girl, his thirteenth wife, in 2005. Mswati III has come under further criticism for attempting to purchase a private plane during a period of persistent drought and famine. Dissent grew so vociferous that the media was banned from making disparaging remarks about the monarchy, and the plane in particular. In the third year of drought, further plans to build luxury palaces for his wives whilst his people starved led to mass criticism. In 2005, Mswati III signed the country's first constitution though, in effect, nothing has changed: opposition parties remain banned, and the King remains absolute monarch.

      Swaziland's main exports are sugar, grown on plantations throughout Swaziland, soft drink concentrates, cotton, maize, tobacco, rice and wood pulp. Demand for asbestos, once a major export, has fallen greatly due to health risks associated with the product. The land is badly overgrazed and over-farmed. This is particularly problematic as Swaziland suffers from persistent droughts. Unemployment hovers at around 25%. This figure is contributed to by inability to work as a result of AIDS.

      Swazis build their huts depending on whether they are descended from Nguni or Sotho: Nguni huts are beehive in shape; Sotho huts have window frames and full doorways. Living space is roughly divided into three parts: living accommodation, animal housing and the 'great' hut, reserved for the spirits of the patrilineal ancestors. Each chief's wife has her own hut. Land is owned by local chiefs or the Crown; much land has been bought back for the nation and unclaimed spaces are used for grazing and collection of firewood. There is a growing class system due to the expansion of the middle classes. Social rank can be determined through the individual's relation to the head of their clan or to the royal family. In urban areas, fluency and proficiency in English is the main social delineator.

      There are festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, the most notable being the King's Birthday on April 19 which is celebrated with a national 'day off' and local festivities, and the Reed (Umhlanga) Dance, a three day ceremony which takes place around August when thousands of maidens (virgins) congregate from all over Swaziland. The King is permitted to pick a new bride from their number.
    • filter_dramaWork
      • Volunteer

        Volunteer for a day at Matjana Preschool, a not-for-profit pre-primary school in Kaphunga, Rural Swaziland. For more details and to contact us at Matjana [https://sites.google.com/a/matjanapreschool.org/www/home]. Matjana Preschool was established by a group of volunteers without any organizational assistance and opened in 2007, the first preschool in the area. Since then with the support of International donors it has grown from strength to strength. In 2007, 19 children attended Matjana Preschool and one local woman was employed as the preschool teacher (working with an Australian volunteer teacher). In 2008 newly purchased furniture has allowed the organization to increase the class size; they now have a class of 22 students and enough funds to pay a second local teacher. They hope to build a new classroom at some point in the future (depending on donations) so that they can accept up to thirty students per year and continue employing two local women.

    • filter_dramaStay safe
      Swaziland has a much lower crime rate than other countries in the region.

      [wiki=1a66bc5232bf83b121ac95bc9bf542f7#Hippopotamus]Hippopotamuses[/wiki] are found (rarely) in the country's rivers, and are one of the more dangerous animals you are likely to come across. They are actually quite fast animals, as well as being extremely strong and with large, powerful jaws. They often stay submerged in shallow water during the day, but come out at night to graze. They can be unpredictable, territorial and very protective of their young. Do not stand between a hippo and the water.

      Crocodiles are a more common danger when swimming in rivers.

      Swaziland also has one of the highest numbers of people struck by lightning per capita in the whole world and it is common to know (or know of) somebody who has been struck by lightning

      Be careful when crossing any of Swaziland's nineteen border gates. It is forbidden to take meat into certain areas, and the soldiers have the right to search both you and your vehicle extensively. It is extremely inadvisable to stray into 'No-Man's Land', a 5km stretch of territory between Mozambique and Swaziland; several locals have been shot by soldiers guarding the edges of the respective territories.

      Whilst physical violence is not prevalent (save on weekends when many may imbibe copious quantities of brandy or marula, a highly intoxicating alcoholic beverage), wandering around alone after dark is not advisable, particularly outside Mbabane and Manzini where there is little or no street lighting. Keep your money hidden and, if you are working or travelling in impoverished rural areas, do not eat expensive foods in front of the locals, particularly the children, who, especially if they are AIDS orphans and fed as part of the Sebenta school programme, do not get to experience luxury items.

      While Swazi main roads are in good repair, a four wheel drive is essential to see much of the interior, unless you wish to be stranded miles from anywhere, with a patchy telephone signal as mobile telephone masts are few and far between. Other drivers, particularly HGVs, often overtake without warning and without checking for oncoming traffic. 'Kombis', local minibuses which function as taxis, drive at a neck-or-nothing rate with more than a full quota of passengers.
    • filter_dramaStay healthy
      Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world; nearly 1 in 3 adults are infected. Never have unprotected sexual intercourse. If you happen to find romance in Swaziland, insist on an HIV test before taking things further.

      There are risks for [wiki=0078f451f0ca15a100842bde7236e9c9]bilharzia[/wiki] if you frequent infected streams, as well as seasonal risks for [wiki=49dfefcfe97076df8593914699d96353]malaria[/wiki] in the North-East parts of Swaziland near Mozambique. Be sure to use mosquito nets and repellent where necessary.
    • filter_dramaRespect
      Swaziland is predominantly Christian, and modesty in dress is encouraged.

      Swazis adhere strongly to their historical traditions, which are widely practised today. Many who are suffering from an illness will consult a sangoma to determine its cause and an inyanga to prescribe a treatment. It is the height of disrespect to be disparaging towards these individuals or to refer to them as witch doctors.
    • filter_dramaContact
      Cellphone coverage is similar to South Africa, even in most nature reserves there is coverage (although it might be weak). There is only one wireless operator in Swaziland, namely MTN-Swazi. SIM cards from South Africa do not work here, unless it's MTN and roaming has been enabled. It's easy to buy a starter pack with a MTN-Swazi sim card pretty much at every gas station or grocery store. You do not need proof of residence or ID to get a pack.

      Although there is coverage, the phone service itself is bad with many calls not connecting (or connecting to the wrong phone number), texts not arriving and international calling being more expensive than in South Africa.

      Note that "Starter Pack" SIM cards expire within 30 days if not used, and that they cannot be used in South Africa.

      [wiki=ac04038726725caa1a5e2918e13939be]de:Swasiland[/wiki]
      [wiki=7ff19035d078a5badcae79996d4e695c]eo:Svazilando[/wiki]
      [wiki=e15db9e87a027f16b998843a027823d2]es:Suazilandia[/wiki]
      [wiki=71e8899d2c63fc685edb8e0a44d479dd]fi:Swazimaa[/wiki]
      [wiki=27ed989edcaf4485c9284279733a152b]fr:Swaziland[/wiki]
      [wiki=4cc4ff06a47419eba7eef8be8903cd25]hu:Szváziföld[/wiki]
      [wiki=30a5745991cf20a04b4f4a7698664995]it:Swaziland[/wiki]
      [wiki=5efd3238c64cfe494ae46f4b4451950d]ja:スワジランド[/wiki]
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      [wiki=702e46d4b52dcb762b6b4cd25fae7c10]pl:Suazi[/wiki]
      [wiki=a3494d572be188af2106deb125548eb2]pt:Suazilândia[/wiki]
      [wiki=a563f427fead226deda162eaf86ca4da]ro:Swaziland[/wiki]
      [wiki=789b873951d85916c02b768037d51be3]ru:Свазиленд[/wiki]
      [wiki=a5e245c731ca15ac6de2112ed508119b]sv:Swaziland[/wiki]
      [wiki=ac10bfe7afd65527d0115960225707d8]zh:斯威士兰[/wiki]
      [wiki=7e1bf80d9bb82743a7c30d0cb973ef40]wts:Category:Swaziland[/wiki]

      [[WikiPedia:Swaziland]]
      [wiki=2dfeca90c979d3b579214e760356abc2]Dmoz:Africa/Swaziland/[/wiki]
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