Ezulwini (South Africa)

The Ezulwini valley means 'the place of paradise' in swati, the language of Swazis living (logically) in Swaziland. It stretches for almost 30 km, from the capital, Mbabane, to Lobomba, the royal village where the feudal people held their main celebrations.

In this valley, there are all kinds of ways to enjoy yourself: a golf course, thermal baths (the Cuddle Puddle, rich in magnesium and concentrated into a beautiful swimming pool), comfortable hotels and restaurants. Hiking remains the main activity, but horse trekking and rafting are also very popular. 

Ezulwiniis a very 'green' region and more pleasant than the high mountains. I personally preferred the treks which were less difficult than the Lesotho and Drakensberg ones. For me, the most breathtaking panoramas were from the top of the Malagwane Hill, which overlooks the valley, but also the Mantenga Nature Reserve, with its beautiful waterfalls.

In the Malolotja Nature Reserve, it's more the local fauna that brings in visitors: antelopes, zebras, caribou, wildebeest and almost 300 species of bird. You can see them in an environment which differs from their usual habitat, the savannah.