Swaziland

Trip Start May 24, 2009
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Trip End Sep 02, 2009


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Where I stayed
Malolotja National Park
(Barberton hotels)

Flag of Swaziland  , Hhohho,
Sunday, May 31, 2009

When I was younger, I had many half-formed and naive views of the world. Looking back, it's embarrassing to recall some of these. For example I used to think, way back when I was about 2 weeks younger than I now am, that taking the BazBus around South Africa would be a better way of seeing the country than hiring a car. Laughable! What an idiotic young fool I was.

The decision to rent has been vindicated many times, not least here in Swaziland. The hostel that the BazBus drops off at was advertised as within walking distance of all sights of the eZulwini valley, and it was - just a good couple of hours of walking involved. The car has given us so much more freedom to explore.

Our next stop after Kruger, was to spend a couple of nights in another National Park, this time Malolotja NP in Swaziland. This is a place of fewer animals but stunning scenery, and our hike down to see the Malolotja falls was lovely. But the main thing about our stay here was the first chance we've had since we got here to actually relax a little. This was the first time we didn't have to be up and out early so as to get somewhere else before it got dark (sunset is around 5pm at the moment, so short days to achieve everything).

And the cabin we stayed in was massive - actually for 5 people, but the per person rate system worked in our favour. Sitting out on the little patio we had, watching the sun go down and drinking cheap South African wine, was a lovely way to relax.

On our way out of Swaziland came the eZulwini valley, the place of kings. Here was the National Museum, not that there were any signs to indicate its location. Next door was a memorial park for the last king, which gave a very fond account of his 60-odd year reign until his death in the early 80's. The museum provided a more thorough history of the country, although it was strangely quiet about the 'new' king - it appears he is not as much loved, maybe the less said the better.

We only had just over 48 hours in Swaziland, but with friendly waves wherever we drove and even some synchronised dancing by some children hoping we would stop at their stall, it was strangely disappointing to be heading back into South Africa...

I.
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