Swaziland – A Wedding and Honeymoon destination in Southern Africa

Rugged mountains and breathtaking countryside, the Kingdom of Swaziland is a honeymoon dream.

Home to Africa’s last absolute monarch, this is a small landlocked country that is best known not only for its wide wilderness but also for its romantic side. Located on the border of Mozambique, the Kingdom of Swaziland is filled with beautiful valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls and nature reserves. Slow down your pace and enjoy the exciting honeymoon destinations of Swaziland that offer so much.

Winter is fast approaching the Southern Hemisphere but don’t let that deter you from planning your honeymoon to this beautiful country that is only a four and a half hours drive from Johannesburg. How could you resist a honeymoon snuggled alongside the fireplace, while roasting marshmallows with your love?

Swaziland enjoys a relatively mild winter, which means that the days are warm with the evenings becoming colder. Warm winter days call for horseback riding and exploring the countryside on one of these magnificent animals, quad biking and the opportunity to experience some exhilarating fun! What better way to explore Swaziland’s many and varied highlands, forests, and reserves than on foot or enjoy a 4×4 game drive. Another way to explore Swaziland’s landscapes is by mountain bike on one of the many dedicated trails.

Climbing, abseiling and canopy tours should most definitely be on your list but if you would prefer a slower pace, bird watching or hiking will invite you to unwind.

Swaziland’s many accommodation options will leave you spoilt for choice from game lodges, guesthouses, resorts and log cabins. Each one will invite you in and make you feel as though you are home whilst on your honeymoon. There is nothing more romantic that enjoying a sundowner with the sounds of the bush just outside or falling asleep under the stars.

Bordering Mantenga Nature Reserve and tucked beneath Sheba’s Breast Mountain in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley lies Mogi Boutique Hotel. Serene mountain and valley views await guests with walking trails and al fresco breakfasts while you are serenaded by birds.

Mkhaya is a charming, rustic stone camp in the heart of the 10 000 ha Mkhaya Game Reserve, surrounded by ancient fig, leadwood, knob thorn and giant sausage trees. Beneath this canopy, rustic stone and thatched cottages are spread out along a dry riverbed or on an elevated edge of the riverine forest.

In the heart of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary close to Mbabane in Swaziland, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge is an historic colonial homestead providing a comfortable base for the “eco-honeymooner”. With charmingly furnished interiors and bedrooms, the lodge exudes the ambience of a bygone era.

Perched on the edge of a mountain with breathtaking views across a scenic valley to the great Sibebe Rock, the largest granite outcrop in the world and home to the rare black eagle is Ematjeni Guest House which offers its guests both tranquility and adventure in abundance.

Amidst this setting of legendary romance and breathtaking natural scenery, Phophonyane Falls Eco Lodge and Nature Reserve is a unique and special place. Nothing will make you want to leave this tranquil nature lover’s paradise.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, Foresters Arms is only a 27 km scenic drive from Mbabane in the heart of the Kingdom of Swaziland, ideally placed for all attractions. Colourful gardens and beautiful views provide a serene setting, reflected in the lounges, bar and restaurant, warmed by roaring log fires.

Swaziland is a unique honeymoon destination and will not disappoint any couple. The friendliness of its people and the diverse range of attractions and accommodation will leave you spoilt for choice. Swaziland offers honeymoon guests the experience of a lifetime!

Getting married in Swaziland:
According to the Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Swaziland, all persons getting married in Swaziland are subject to the legislation of the Marriage Act, 1964 which does not differentiate between Swazi citizens and visitors with regard to the solemnization of a marriage in the kingdom of Swaziland. Intending bridal couples should in all cases consult the marriage officer in Swaziland who is to perform the ceremony to ensure compliance with the prescribed formalities.

• Develop the tourism sector as a national priority in an environmentally sustainable and culturally acceptable manner,
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of government policies and strategies on tourism,
• Market Swaziland as a tourism destination through the provision of a platform for industry stakeholders,
• Encourage, facilitate and promote local and foreign investment in the tourism industry, and
• Ensure the contribution of tourism to the socio-economic development and continued improvement of quality of life in the Kingdom of Swaziland

www.thekingdomofswaziland.com