The prestigious Royal Villas rest in the shadow of the Ezulwini
mountains and welcome you with five star elegance to unspoilt Swaziland.
Just ten minutes from Mbabane, and twenty-five minutes from the
Oshoek Border, the unique African setting and secure surroundings
provide a luxurious and central base from which to explore the marvels
of Swaziland and Southern Africa.
Swaziland is small, diverse, unspoilt and offers both individual
travelers and conference delegates a variety of attractions and
activities. Scenic drives around the countryside, unique arts and
crafts and more vigorous adventures such as hiking, white water
rafting and game drives are all available. This landlocked little
nation offers a rich traditional culture, abundant exotic wildlife,
and wonderfully varied and picturesque terrains.
Geography
Swaziland offers a wide variety of landscapes, from the mountains
along the Mozambican border to savannas in the east and rainforest
in the northwest. Swaziland is bordered in the north, west and south
by the Republic of South Africa and by Mozambique in the east. Although
Swaziland has a land area of only 17 364 square kilometers, roughly
the size of Wales or the American State of New Jersey, it contains
four separate geographical regions.
Business and Social
Business is conducted relatively informally and lightweight suits
and a tie are the accepted form of business dress.
Appointments should be made and business cards carried. Elegant
casual wear is the norm for social occasions. As a result of the
good climate, entertaining often takes place out of doors. Alcohol
is available and smoking is generally acceptable.
Business Hours
Office and shop hours are usually 08h30- 13h00 and 14h00 - 17h00
Monday to Friday. Bank hours are 08h30- 14h30 Mondays to Fridays
and some banks open from 08h30 - 11h00 on Saturdays.
Climate
Swaziland boasts one of the most pleasant climates in the world.
The Highveld region has a temperate climate while the other three
regions are sub-tropical with wet summers and dry winters and although
summer temperatures can be quite high, the winters are mild.
Clothing
Year round the ladies will need summer dresses, skirts, slacks and
blouses. In the evening in the Highveld and during the winter months
(May to September) a sweater is necessary. Gentlemen wear lightweight
lounge suits, slacks and sports coats with casual shirt. During
the evening at smart hotels and restaurants, gentlemen are expected
to wear a jacket. Formal evening dress is seldom worn unless visitors
are attending a gala function or elegant private dinner party. At
the royal kraals ladies must wear dresses – or a sarong.
Currency
Lilangeni (singular) or Emalangeni (plural) and cents is the currency
of Swaziland. It is of equal value to the South African rands and
cents and both currencies are in circulation.
There is no currency control at border posts and no limit to the
amount of currency a traveler may carry. All internationally accepted
credit cards and travelers cheques are honoured in Swaziland.
Religion
The chief religion is Christianity, with Zionists being the largest
denomination. There are also Jewish, Muslim and Bahá'í
communities.
Electricity
Electric current is supplied at 220 volts AC 50Hz nd 15 amp round-pin
wall sockets are used.
Health
Only when arriving from a yellow fever infected area is a vaccination
required. Although malaria has been largely eradicated, precautions
are recommended in certain lowveld areas.
Languages
Siswati and English are the official languages, English is the medium
of instruction in all schools and is widely understood. Proceedings
and debates in Parliament are in both languages.
Local Time
Swaziland is at GMT + 2 hours
Passports and Visas
All visitors require valid passports and travel documents.
Photography
Photographing the Royal Palace, the Royal Family uniformed police,
army personnel, their vehicles or aircraft is prohibited in Swaziland.
Traditional ceremonies may be photographed with permission from
the Government Information Service, PO Box 451, Mbabane.
If visitors wish to photograph a homestead or an individual, they
should ask permission. A small gratuity may be expected in exchange
for permission to take photos.
Swaziland is blessed with stunning mountains, gorgeous rivers and
International grade crafts.
Cultural tours, shopping expeditions, and numerous outdoor activities
are all available through local service providers.
Outdoor activities include:
Caving, White Water Rafting, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Canoeing,
Game Drives, Adventure Walks and Hikes, Fishing, Boating, Quad biking,
Horse riding and Paragliding
Other local activities available:
World class golf courses, casinos, kids camps, Traditional Dancing,
workshop tours of local glassblowing, batik and candle making
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