Swaziland

Despite being the capital and the largest city in Swaziland, Mbabane has the atmosphere of a large village. The town is relaxed and the people are welcoming and friendly. Not many visitors drop by, so they are curious about the few who come. There is not much to see in Mbabane in terms of... well, anything. However, Mbabane does have an oversized Taiwanese embassy, probably due to the fact that Swaziland is one of the few nations that officially recognise Taiwan as an independent state. The centre of action is at the minibus station and the next door open air Swazi Plaza, but don't get fooled with the fancy name, it's very simple. Mbabane is best used as a base to get to nearby sights like Sibebe Rock and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, but if you have your own mean of transportation, there is no reason to stay there.

This rather small private wildlife sanctuary is a great place for some low key safari. The reserve is quite pretty, although it lacks the usual spectacular wildlife like lions, rhinos, elephants, lions or buffalo. On the bright side, it means you are allowed to walk or bicycle around the park on your own, something that is rare in Africa. The game consists mostly of impalas, kudus, zebras, warthogs, monkeys and various antelope species, but there are hippos and crocodiles, so stay clear of the water’s edges. The Main Camp, built on the banks of a river, have a sun deck where you can observe these beasts in action mere meters away, with a cold beer in your hand - perfect.

People will for sure be impressed when you casually slip into a conversation that the biggest granite rock in the world is in Swaziland. The rock is called Sibebe and is even the 2nd biggest rock in general, only outdone by Ayers Rock (Uluru) in Australia. However, at 3 billion years old, Sibebe is roughly 3 times older than its Australian counterpart and hardly receives any visitors. You can climb and scrabble up the face of the massive granite dome to heights over 200 m. During the clamber you will enjoy the enormity and tranquility of Sibebe, as well as be rewarded with stunning panoramas that stretch to the eastern Lubombo mountains.

The picture doesn't do Sibebe justice for it only shows a tiny ripple of this massive rock.