Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland (Umbuso weSwatini), is a landlocked country, situated between South Africa and Mozambique. It was named after the 19th century King Mswati II, the country is still a monarchy, led by King Mswati III. The head of state is the king, who appoints the prime minister and a small number of representatives for both chambers of parliament. Elections are held every five years to determine the majority of the representatives. Swaziland was a protectorate of the United Kingdom before it gained independence in 1968. Swaziland is a small country , no more than 200 km north to south and 130 km east to west. The western half is mountainous, descending to a Lowveld region to the east. The eastern border with Mozambique and South Africa is dominated by the escarpment of the Lebombo Mountains. The climate is temperate in the west, but may reach 40 degrees celsius in summer in the Lowveld. Rainfall occurs mainly in the summer and may reach 2 m in the west.

MBABANE - with an estimated population of 100,000, is the capital and largest city of Swaziland, situated in the centre of the country.

MALOLOTJA NATURE RESERVE covers 1,800 ha of mountain wilderness in north west Swaziland. The park includes Ngwenya Mountain, Swaziland's second highest mountain (1829 m), and Malolotja Falls which drop 90metres. Habitats include primarily short grassland and Afromontane forest. Birds include sunbirds, sugarbirds, blue cranes and swallows and the rare Bald ibis which have a nesting colony on cliffs near Malolotja Falls. Malolotja Nature Reserve adjoins the Songimvelo Game Reserve in South Africa, and together they form the Songimvelo-Malolotja Peace Park.

HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK was a private royal hunting ground before being turned over to conservation. Hlane, meaning 'wilderness', was named by King Sobhuza II. The park and its adjacent dispersal areas covers 30,000 hectares of Swazi Bushveld, and is the largest conserved area in the country. It is home to lion, elephant and white rhino. Wildebeest, zebra and impala are attracted to the waterholes during the dry winter months, June to September. It has an abundant and diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting white-backed vultures in Africa. Raptors include martial eagles, bateleurs, and Long-crested Eagles, as well as several species of vultures.