destinationsbydesign

The tiny landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland in southern Africa has been dubbed the 'Switzerland of Africa'. A diligent, progressive and hands-on attitude towards wildlife preservation, led by conservationist Ted Reilly, has endowed it with some of the most striking and populated reserves on the African continent. Coupled with the survival of their carefully guarded traditional tribal values and customs, Swaziland is a destination like no other.

Travelling with us to Swaziland, you’ll not only participate in the best of Africa wildlife experiences, but you’ll get to meet Mr Reilly himself, the man whose drive and tenacity for over 40 years has played a crucial role in arresting the poaching of the world’s rhinoceros population.

Feed the bushbabies at Reilly's Rock and enjoy a ‘sun downer’ overlooking the magnificent Mlilwane reserve

At Mkhaya Game Reserve you’ll have the best chance in Africa of meeting the very rare black rhino in the wild. We guarantee sightings of rhinos, tsessebe, elephants, buffalo, giraffe and many more fascinating animals with unique and entertaining characteristics.

No trip to Swaziland is complete without spending time at Hlane Reserve, which covers 30,000 hectares of Swazi Bushveld, and is home to lion, elephant and white rhino, with an abundant and diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa.

As you listen to the rumbling roars of not-so-distant lions in the still of the night, you’ll know, this is Africa.

Any time of the year is great to visit Swaziland, and we always ensure your experience with the unique and vividly preserved culture of the country is rich. Meet the chief of a local village. Be entertained with traditional dances and songs.

Our September and January trips are timed to enable you to participate in two of the most unique cultural celebrations performed in the world today. Umhlanga, which attracts young women from all over the country in September, is an opportunity for the King and suitors to choose new brides. The women’s beauty is displayed as they dance and perform. January is the time to visit to be part of the most important and sacred of all Swazi ceremonies, the Incwala, (‘first fruits’) harvest festival.

Destination Swaziland offers a combination of magnificent wildlife encounters, vast and dramatic landscapes, and warm, gentle people with a rich and living history and culture. No wonder it is one of our favourite places in the world. Join us for eleven days you must experience at least once in your lifetime.