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Amazing Webventures: Let's Explore Swaziland!

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Pack Your Bags - We're Heading to Swaziland!

When you hear the name Swaziland, what part of the world do you picture? If you said South Africa, you'd be in the general vicinity. Actually, Swaziland is a tiny African country about the size of New Jersey, surrounded on three sides by South Africa. Even though it's an independent country, it has much in common culturally with the Zulus and the Siswalis groups of South Africa.

Technically referred to as the Kingdom of Swaziland, it's about the about 6,700 square miles, with a current estimated population of 1,128,814. Swaziland is divided into four distinct regions, each picturesque and very different in vegetation and terrain.

The beautiful flag of Swaziland tells the story of this dual monarchy: Blue stands for peace. The tassel is a symbol of the monarchy. Yellow represents mineral wealth.
Red symbolizes battle.

You'll find the terrain of this tiny country diverse, ranging from mountain plateau to savanna. Not sure what a savanna is? Here...read all about it before you touch that suitcase.

This lens is your gateway to Swaziland. We'll leave in an hour, so don't be late.

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
~St. Augustine

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Map of Swaziland

The Children of Swaziland

The Precious Children of Swaziland is a Charity set up to aid thousands of children who have been orphaned or infected themselves by HIV/AIDS. From their website:

Despite being one of Africa's smallest nations, Swaziland has the highest prevalence of HIV in the world. Approximately one-third of its people are living with the virus, and out of the country's population of 1 million, some 10 per cent are orphans and vulnerable children.

We aim to aid the children of Swaziland fight against HIV/Aids, poverty, homelessness, disease, child labour, children used by adults to commit crime, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, lack of/poor education, violence and their general wellbeing."



What is School Like in Swaziland?

A Christian missionary in Swaziland reports on the condition of Swazi schools:

"Monday mornings are a bit different as each student brings a big stick or piece of wood to school. At first, I thought this was for some kind of science project until I learned that it was for the kitchen. Yes, the students are required to bring the firewood for cooking the food in the big cast iron, three legged pots. So on this day there are stacks and rows of wood near the entrance gate of the school. So they gather together, and the teachers rotate being the MC (master of ceremonies). They call upon different grades to lead choruses. Then a student will chime up and begin to sing, soon followed by the rest of the students. They sing beautifully in parts complete with hand motions and everything. "
Read the full report.
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Life on the Savanna

African Savanna




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Swaziland Recipes

Each Amazing Webventure gives us an opportunity to sample local dishes. Swaziland uses a rich array of spices in their cooking, making this one of the most mouth-watering places yet.

Come along and explore favorite recipes of this region. I'll be adding to the list, so check back occasionally.
The Fair Trade Cookbook
This website includes recipes from sources that use fair-trade products from local farmers. Includes a delicious Chicken Atchar recipe using kumquats and delicious spices. Yum.
Fish and Vegetable B'stillas
What in the world are B'stillas? It's a savory pie, that's what! This recipe uses lemon, cod, olive oil, red chile paste, and more. Sounds delicious.
Cracked Wheat Salad
This salad is a cook's dream because it must be made the day before serving.
African Peanut Soup
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Uses common ingredients you'll most likely have on hand.
Spicy Lamb Stew with Apricots
Cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cayenne pepper enhance this North African-style dish. Serve the stew over the Saffron-Cardamom Rice or plain basmati...

Flickr Images of Swaziland

Licensed under Creative Commons

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Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. ~Mark Twain

The Arts in Swaziland

Swazi culture is enriched by historical music and dance. One annual event honors the Queen Mother, and is called the Reed Dance. Young girls traditionally take part in this celebration, which is a colorful display of Sibhaca. Sibhaca dance involves stomping the feet.

Boys and young men compete in Sibhaca dancing for special occasions, as well.

A Traditional Sibhaca Dance
Sibhaca Dancing at Matjana Pre-Primary School

Swazi crafts include woodcarving and ornate carvings in soapstone. Grass weaving, pottery, and batik are popular, also. The Indingilizi Gallery, established in 1982, offers a center for international and local artist. It is considered a reliable resource for buyers of contemporary art, and offers African collectibles for export.

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Off the Beaten Path in Swaziland

Where to spend your travel change...

Pigs Peak Mountains
Beautiful hiking excursions. Here's a collection of photos taken by a traveler who hiked this area.
Road Trip to Swaziland
Take one Pennsylvania tourist in Swaziland, add run-in with a Black Mamba, Burros in the road, and a fantastic stop at the Ngwenya Glass Factory, and you have an unforgettable road trip.
Backpacking in Swaziland
A couple of friends share their backpacking journey across Swaziland in this descriptive account, complete with color images.
Amber on a missions trip
The following are exerpts from Amber's missions letter: We had a 34 hour travel time to Swaziland via London and Johannesburg. The first thing I noticed when I got off the plane was ...
The World is My Oyster
A 27-year-old's account of her wanderings through Swaziland
The Real African Experience
A detailed journal by a traveler who is on a wildlife-viewing expedition in Swaziland.

Leave a Footprint

  • mbgphoto May 15, 2009 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    Interesting lens. I l ove learning about different countries. I haven't been to any country in Africa yet...someday I hope!
  • C-Joy Feb 21, 2009 @ 7:13 am | delete
    I was so happy to see this country featured! My parents visited Swaziland back in the 70's - it was the trip of a lifetime and the trip that sparked my love for travel (even though I was left behind)
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