Although this small kingdom is still commonly known as Swaziland, in 2018 it was officially renamed Eswatini. This is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere; you can drive through it in one day! Even though it’s so small, the climate and topography are diverse, ranging from a cool and mountainous highveld to a hot and dry lowveld. The scenic highveld is forested with gum and pine tree plantations whilst the extent of agriculture amongst the dry bushveld thorn is quite surprising. You will pass lush green sugar cane fields, framed by colourful bougainvillea, large citrus orchards and banana plantations. Swaziland is a developing country with a small economy, yet the Swazi people have an entrepreneurial spirit. There are numerous road stalls selling consumables like firewood, construction wood, fruit and vegetables. Because this country isn’t on a major travel route, most travellers don’t make the effort to cross its borders. However, Swaziland offers interesting cultural experiences, indigenous arts and crafts, friendly people, diverse landscapes and wildlife reserves home to the Big Five. Those who venture off the beaten track will be very pleased that they traversed this little kingdom.