Things to do and places to visit:
Piggs Peak named after William Peak is found in the northern parts of the country, in the Hhohho region. Piggs Peak famously known for its spectacular gold mining, mined during the year 1889 and 1957. Not only is this town known for its gold, there is also plenty of accommodation with luxurious hotels and casinos, lodges and guest houses.
Orion Piggs Peak hotel located on the main route between the Kruger National Park of South Africa and Mbabane makes a perfect stopover for visitors. This is the biggest hotel found in this area. Also visitors will not run around while at the Piggs for there is a redecorated and a wonderful resort for tourist at the Bulembu lodge.
Not only is this town overflowing with accommodation, there are plenty of things to do and places to see, visit the Maguga dam one of the largest dams in the kingdom and experience its dazzling and peaceful water outing, also at the dams adjacent there is a garden operated by local community where you can relax.
Visit the historic Bulembu village situated 19km west of Piggs Peak, next to the now non-operational asbestos mine and take a look at Emlembe, the highest Mountain in Swaziland. Dev
ils Bridge is a rock structure on the slopes of Emlembe Mountain which forms an ordinary snaking crossing between South Africa and Swaziland.
Also while in town you can browse through at the Peak Fine Craft Centre nearby where you can find Swazi and African crafts worth buying. At the Tintsaba Crafts find the best artistic and function basket and home waves and also at Likhweti Craft find beautiful African accessories and silver shop.
The Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) identified Rock paintings attributed the san in many parts of Swaziland, the largest of them are found in the Western highveld areas. The paintings demonstrate animals and people in dances, hunts and battle scenes and are comparable in style and colourings to the rock art found in Drakensburg, Lesotho and other parts of Sourthen Africa.
The best known style is:
Nsangwini in the northern Hhohho region in the area of Chief Molwane Dlamini, paintings are damaged and fading.
Sandlane paintings still in reasonably good condition can be seen at Sandlane, about 1km from the Sandlane border post.
Dlangeni next to Shiyabedla Gama’s home there are other paintings that have at least two eland that are clear but the other animals have faded.
Maguga dam area one of the paintings that would have been covered by the dam will be saved.
Other rock painting site have been identified in the Ezulwini Valley near Sheba’s Breasts at kuthandeni, at Nkaba near the Luyane Stream on the banks of Mpetsane stream near the Ngwempisane river at Ntfungula mountain and in the environs of Gege.
The Phophonyane waterfall is situated at Peaks Peak. Come and enjoy the peaceful envoronment while dazing the stream fall along the rocks of phophonyane.
• Fizz down the Usutu River on a white-water rafting trip (website: www.swazitrails.co.sz). The rapids through Bulungu Gorge give a thrilling ride and you'll need to negotiate a 10m (33ft) waterfall. Away from the rapids you can also float lazily down the river checking out the ‘flat dogs' in the water.
• Go game-spotting on a wildlife drive, organised through Big Game Parks (website: www.biggame.co.sz). Mkhaya Game Reserve is a top private reserve where you may spot the elusive black rhino; and in Hlane Royal National Park look out for lion, elephant and plenty of antelope.
• Organise any number of activities in the beautiful and serene Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary, including mountain biking, horseriding and game walks - where you have a chance of spotting giraffe, warthog, antelope, hippos and eagles.
• Soak those weary bones in the ‘cuddle puddle', one of the many hot mineral springs around the country. This one is situated in the Ezulwini Valley.
• Hike the magnificent countryside. There are plenty of options including the ascent to Malolotsha Falls at Piggs Peak; Sibebe Mountain, a huge granite outcrop that provides a scenic spot for a picnic; and the climb up Emlembe, Swaziland's highest peak.
• Throw a fishing line in at Mlawula Nature Reserve and admire the varied species of antelopes and birds. This is where the Lebombo Mountains meet with the surrounding lowveld.
• Discover true African wilderness at the rugged Malolotja Nature Reserve. There are hiking trails galore, ranging from after-lunch strolls to week-long treks, and 280 species of bird have been recorded here.
Contact details :
Swaziland Tourism Authority
Tel: (40) 49693/75.
Website: www.welcometoswaziland.com
Kingdom of Swaziland High Commission in the UK
Tel: (020) 7630 6611.
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1630, Fri 0900-1600 (by appointment only).
Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland in the USA
1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009, USATel: (202) 234 5002.
Website: www.swazilandembassyus.com
