I have recently spent an exhausting 6 days working on an exhibition stand at the Adventure Travel Show and the Destinations Show in London, promoting the Kingdom of Swaziland and Sense Africa. After only 1 day it dawned on me how limited the general public's knowledge is about the Kingdom of Swaziland. I had all sorts of questions thrown at me, and a lot of people avoiding me because they didn't want to admit that they had no idea where the Kingdom of Swaziland was in the world. The fact that they were standing in the Africa section might have given the continent away.However, there was one person who really tested by patience. The gentleman in question approached me on the third day.
'So, tell me about Switzerland.'
'Well, Switzerland is a country in Europe, it is very mountainous, often has a lot of snow and people enjoy their skiing there. Swaziland,' I continued in a jovial yet sarcastic manner, 'has plenty of mountains but doesn't often have snow for skiing because it's so warm in Africa.'
'So this isn't Switzerland then?'
'No, This is Swaziland, you are in the African section,' I said through gritted teeth and a wonderful smile, while standing in front of a 2m high picture of an elephant and an African boy in traditional dress dancing.
'I don't want to go to Africa', was the gentleman's response. I said nothing, but I suspect my look of exasperation said it all, the gentleman in question ambled off towards the Middle East.
After six days, I like to think that I've got my Swaziland promotional speech down to a fine art. So here it is…
"Swaziland is a Kingdom about the size of Wales, located in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa and Mozambique. It is easy to get around Swaziland, travelling distances are small and the country is relatively stable (in an African sense) because it is an absolute monarchy and all the people are from one tribe. It is a wonderful place to visit and gives you that up close and personal experience in Africa.
"It has three main things to offer: stunning scenery, captivating culture and wonderful wildlife viewing.
"The scenery ranges from mountainous regions to low land bushveld, where you can walk in wildlife reserves (where the larger animals do not reside), unaccompanied and at your own pace, discovering Swaziland for yourself. If you are into your walking this is one of the few places in Africa where you can follow marked trails in game reserves, enjoying Africa to the full. The scenery has also created an adventurous aspect to the Kingdom and you can mountain bike, whitewater raft, zip wire, trek and horse ride to your hearts content.
"Swaziland is also steeped in its culture, and you will see Swazis in their local dress practically every day and there is always the opportunity to see traditional dancing and singing. You can experience the 'real' Africa by letting locals show you around their own homestead and have a traditional healer throw the bones for you. The Swazis are an exceptionally friendly nation and are always happy to have a conversation about their heritage, welcome you into their homes or even play a game of football with you.
"And as for the wildlife, there is the opportunity to see the Big 5 in Swaziland, but there are only 12 leopard in the kingdom, and I have never seen one there. However, you can see elephants, rhino, buffalo and lion in Swaziland. Swaziland is reputedly meant to be the best place in the world (said in a Carlsberg accent) to see white rhino. If you go to both Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve, and you don't see rhino, you will probably have had your eyes closed for the duration!
"Swaziland is a safe place to travelling, whether it be with family or as a self drive. But if you really want to have that personalised up close experience, then I would recommend going with a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator. And of course that is with me."
I found the days challenging, but I love a challenge, and I hope that I have made a few more people interested in Swaziland. And of course that they would use Sense Africa to organise their holiday for them.
Fingers crossed.
