It has four very distinctive geographical regions.  The scenic highveld area where Mbabane the capital is situated, is at an altitude of 1 200 m on the western border of the country.  The hilly middleveld or grasslands, lying at an average 700 metres above sea level, is the most densely populated region with Manzini the principal commercial and industrial town.  The lowveld is typical African bush country of thorn trees and grasslands.  Along the eastern border with Mozambique is the Lubombo plateau,  at an altitude of approximately 600 metres.  The origin of the Swazis can be traced to a mass migration from central Africa many centuries ago, when a small group, the Nguni, branched off from the main stream.  In about 1750 these people settled in what is now Southern Swaziland.  Missionaries, hunters and traders arrived in the area around 1840, and after the Anglo-Boer War, Swaziland was ruled for 66 years by the British until independence was obtained in 1968.  Today Swaziland has a Constitutional Monarchy in which executive authority is vested in the king, King Mswati III.

Mbabane, situated at the northern end of the Ezulwini Valley, is the capital of Swaziland.  The Mbabane Market has reasonably priced authentic crafts, including beadwork, stone and wood carvings, grass weaving and colourful cloths.  The largest granite rock in the world, Sibebe Rock, is on the outskirts of Mbabane.  There are spectacular views of Pine Valley from here, and it is also an excellent picnic spot.  The Tea Road winds its way to the top of the Mdzimba Mountains, burial place of the Kings.  From the burial ground, there is a magnificent panorama of the Ezulwini Valley spread out beneath the twin peaks of Sheba's Breasts, referred to in Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines.  The Malolotja Nature Reserve, situated 35 km from Mbabane towards Pigg's Peak, is Swaziland's largest park at 18 000 hectares. It contains over 26 species of animals, a variety of flora and bird life, walking trails, picnic sites and the country's largest waterfall, the Malolotja Falls, which plunge 90 m into the valley below.  The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is over 4 450 hectares in size, has over 25 species of animals and over 200 species of bird life.  Dominated by the jagged Nyonyane Peak, the sanctuary offers several tough walks. 

Accommodation comprises Swazi bee-hive huts.  Hlane Royal National Park, situated in the Lowveld, 40 km from the Mozambique border, has modern self-catering accommodation.  Up to 10 000 animals gather here in the dry season, including lion.  Phophonyane Nature Reserve, situated on the escarpment where the highveld plunges towards the lowveld plains, is known for its waterfalls and diversity of flora and lush riverine vegetation.  Over 200 species have been recorded.  Accommodation is in thatched cottages or a tented safari camp.  The Nsangweni Bushman Paintings and Komati River Gorge are situated 20 km south of Pigg's Peak in a forested area.  Guides are available from the District Commissioner's office at Pigg's Peak.  The Swazi Cultural Village is situated near The Mantenga Falls.  Accommodation is provided in authentic Swazi bee-hive huts or luxury tents on unique wooden platforms among the trees.  Traditional Swazi dances are performed twice a day.  Ngwenya Mine is the oldest in the world (± 45 000 years).  Guides are available from Ngwenya Glass, and it is a spectacular 90-minute walk to the mine.  The Sotho Ruins and Lion Cavern are situated near the Malolotja Nature Reserve.  The ruins are possibly one of the oldest mines in the world, dating back to 43 000 BC.  Guides are available from the warden at the reserve.

Mkhaya Game Reserve was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction and is a proclaimed Nature Reserve. Its focus has expanded over the years to include other endangered species such as black rhino, roan & sable antelope, tsessebe, white rhino, elephant and other locally endangered species.