Swaziland

The Kingdom of Swaziland may be the smallest in the southern hemisphere, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of Africa’s biggest adventures.

Antelopes and zebras run among the rugged rolling hills of the Malolotja Nature Reserve, so whether you choose a walking safari, tree top canopy tour or mountain bike to see the splendour, it remains one of the few remaining places on earth to catch sight of the endangered black rhino in the wild.

Tradition is still a prominent feature of this proud nation. In the Royal Valley at Lobamba, witness the Umhlanga dance, where 40,000 girls cut reeds in offering to the queen mother. The celebration – high in energy, loud in voice and bright in colour – lasts for eight days and is the cultural event of the year.

Those after a memento will be well served with vibrant, handmade arts and crafts, which are on sale at the country’s local markets. For visitors wishing to unwind, the Kingdom boasts a little luxury too. First-class spa resorts offer massages, treatments and thermal springs, while 18-hole championship golf courses and even casinos mean that you’re never short of adventure in the Royal Valley.