Kingdom of Swaziland from a Missionary's View!

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Beautiful mountains of Northwestern Swaziland. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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This is probably not your usual journal about a visit to a far away place. It is actually the account and photographs of a group of young people who are students of following Christ at a discipleship school in the Midwest. My son is one of those students who went on this missionary trip to help serve the people and children of Swaziland, Africa. All of the young men and women took these photos as they ministered to these lovely beautiful people in that area. I cannot take credit for these amazing photos. They belong to them along with the memories that will never leave them for as long as they live. I do hope they do not mind sharing them with you. Swaziland is a country in South Africa on t...Read More

This is probably not your usual journal about a visit to a far away place. It is actually the account and photographs of a group of young people who are students of following Christ at a discipleship school in the Midwest. My son is one of those students who went on this missionary trip to help serve the people and children of Swaziland, Africa. All of the young men and women took these photos as they ministered to these lovely beautiful people in that area. I cannot take credit for these amazing photos. They belong to them along with the memories that will never leave them for as long as they live. I do hope they do not mind sharing them with you.

Swaziland is a country in South Africa on the southeastern side of the continent that has the highest percent of HIV/AIDS of all the African countries. It is estimated that by 2026, the country of Swaziland will be extinct of it's people all lost to AIDS.

There are a few people who have dedicated their life and time to help try to slow those odds down. The Valley of Hope, in Bulembo the northwest part of Swaziland is one of those groups. It is a Christian organization that has concentrated on the orphans of that area. The ABC House of Bulembo (Abandoned Babies for Christ) is working hard and furious to keep these children alive and trained in stopping the epidemic spread of AIDS.

Also, they minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the people who now live in this once gold mining town in Swaziland called Bulembo. It is just north of Mbabane, the capital. You can see the many small houses that look like matchbook boxes all in arrow as they climb the hilly terrain of these mountains and hills.

Piggs Peak, where most of these photos were taken and the surrounding areas is Swaziland's former gold reef now reliant upon timber and is also the gateway to and from the Kruger National Park and the Makonjwa mountains.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Local buses are also cheap but don't run all that frequently and often take a long time to get anywhere.
If you aren't driving a car, the cheapest most efficient way to get around is on kombies (mini-bus taxis). There are also cabs to hire that are more expensive but also the only option when you need to travel after 7pm. Read Less

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Stone Camp

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Hotel | "Stone Camp at Mkhaya Game Reserve"

Stone Camp Sleeping Hut!! Photo - Stone Camp, Malkerns, Swaziland

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When my son called home to tell us about this great experience at Stone Camp at the Mkhaya Game Reserve, I could not imagine until I saw these photos how wonderful it was, a true "Bush" experience in the wilds of Africa in Swaziland. He tried to explain that the bathrooms were next to the jungle, open walls with stone pillars that allowed you a view of the flora as you sat on the toilet. Now that is a vision. The food was wonderful and there was always enough to eat. The people are very friendly and kind. They gathered under the "sausage tree" to eat outside. Lanterns were used for light, and nets were pulled around the beds that were in the open air under grass roofs.This Camp is well...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 30, 2006

Stone Camp
Central Reservations:
Malkerns, Swaziland
+268 528 3943

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Mkhaya Game Reserve

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Attraction | "Mkhaya Game Reserve Safari!"

Elephant Herd at Mkhaya Game Reserve Photo - Mkhaya Game Reserve, Swaziland, Africa

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Mkhaya Game Reserve Safari!After a few weeks of working hard at the Valley Of Hope in Bulembo, the group had a great surprise given to them. They were taken to the Mkhaya Private Game Reserve for a safari and a stay in the wonderful Grass and Stone Huts. Deep in Mkhaya's midst is Stone Cottage which offers semi-open stone and thatch cottages and comfortable safari tents with en suite facilities set is a bird rich riverine forests. A giant Sausage tree is the focal point of the camp, under which many a camp fire story has been shared. It prides itself on a no nonsense approach to providing the genuine feeling of Africa.How great it was for them to enjoy this outing especially when t...Read More

Mkhaya Game Reserve Safari!

After a few weeks of working hard at the Valley Of Hope in Bulembo, the group had a great surprise given to them. They were taken to the Mkhaya Private Game Reserve for a safari and a stay in the wonderful Grass and Stone Huts. Deep in Mkhaya's midst is Stone Cottage which offers semi-open stone and thatch cottages and comfortable safari tents with en suite facilities set is a bird rich riverine forests. A giant Sausage tree is the focal point of the camp, under which many a camp fire story has been shared. It prides itself on a no nonsense approach to providing the genuine feeling of Africa.

How great it was for them to enjoy this outing especially when they were not expecting it. A real rare gift to them all for their hard dedicated work.

In the southeast of Swaziland, the heart of the lowveld lies an unspoilt wilderness, haven to endangered species who roam the magnificent African bush. Swaziland's refuge for endangered species, Mkhaya specialises in the protection and breeding of black and white rhino and other rare game. All travel within the reserve is by open Land Rover or on foot with skilled Swazi rangers. Late afternoon and early morning game drives and all meals are included. Evening meals are enjoyed under the African night skies and your Swazi hosts are always willing to share their rich culture and natural musical talent. http://www.go2africa.com/accomm_temp.asp?id=2204

Mkhaya Private Game Reserve is the Kingdom’s refuge for endangered species. It is self supporting through the breeding of indigenous pure bred Nguni cattle, which were close to extinction. It has also had success with black and white rhino, roan, sable, eland, and tsessebe. It lacks the commercialism of other game reserves and its luxury tented camp is a model for sensitive development. Managed entirely by friendly Swazi staff, the daily camp routine revolves around delicious meals cooked on the fire, Land Rover game drives and guided walks. Mkhaya is the Kingdom’s VIP safari destination. http://www.go2africa.com/swaziland/swaziland/mkhaya-game-reserve/)

Central Reservations:
Tel: (+268) 528 3943 / 4
Fax: (+268) 528 3924
P.O. Box 311, Malkerns, Swaziland
reservations@ Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 30, 2006

Mkhaya Game Reserve

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Piggs Peak

Attraction | "Hiking around Piggs Peak, Swaziland!!"

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After being in Bulembu for a few days and working hard painting some buildings for the orphanage, some of the students decided to do some hiking around the Piggs Peak area. Gorgeous views and waterfalls (where some of the students were baptised) were a real treat as they walked the hills in northwestern Swaziland. Information from (http://www.places.co.za/swaziland/).Piggs Peak: a town and administrative centre for Hhohho, Swaziland. Accommodation (5) : Hawane Resort, Mtunzi's Village, Orion Piggs Peak Hotel, Phophonyane Falls Lodge & Nature Reserve, Protea Hotel Piggs Peak Attractions (2) : Phophonyane Falls, Piggs Peak Casino Event Venues : Orion Piggs Peak Hotel,...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 30, 2006

Piggs Peak
Northwestern Swaziland
Piggs Peak, Swaziland

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The Children of Bulembu, Swaziland

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Children of Bulembu, Swaziland, Africa Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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Actually, the photos in this review speak "a thousand words". The piercing dark eyes of these children look at you into the very depth of your soul. These are some of the many children of Bulembu. Actually, the children and grandparents are the majority of the population in this community as well as many other communities in Africa who have been effected by the wide spread of HIV/AIDS. These special personal photos were taken by the students of the RMC Discipleship School from Illinois on their mission trip to Bulembu, Swaziland, Africa. I hope they do not mind my sharing them with you. They are wonderful photographs that merit viewing by the traveling people on IgoUgo.com. My son is one of ...Read More

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Bulembu, a Mining Town in Swaziland

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Part of the village of Bulembu, Swaziland. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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Bulembu, Swaziland in Africa is an unusual situation besides the fact that it was once a prosperous old mining town. It now houses people who are being aided and helped to re-populate and fight the terrible odds of becoming extinct in the next quarter of a century. It is the hope of many to bring it back as a Town of Orphans. Families and foster parents will be trained to raise these orphans in a Godly manner so they can help stop the spread of AIDS. One, or several of the orphans will be placed with a foster home. It's isolation aids in that effort.The students from RMC Discipleship School in Illinois have also participated in that effort by traveling and staying in Bulembu for a period of ...Read More

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Picture of Love and Hope in Swaziland.

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The warmth of a Snuggle! Swaziland. Photo -

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This review is about the love and hope that the RMC of Illinois missionary students gave to the children and orphans of the Bulembu town at the Valley of Hope and the surrounding area in Swaziland.The faces, the smiles, the love, the tenderness, the need, and the hope. Hope is the purpose of this project. Once a private mining town, now given to Empower Africa and the organization of the Valley of Hope, they are working to restore an area torn apart by AIDS. It is also a beautiful part of the continent, full of lush mountains, and woods.My son was one of the students, his stories were unbelievable about some of these children. But they are resilient and resourceful. The children in...Read More

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Bulembu's Valley of Hope Organization

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Valley of Hope Community Center. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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I was not familiar with the country of Swaziland until my son called one day to say he was going there on a missionary trip with his school. About twelve fellow students would comprise the group, plus an advisor. Below is a link to a description of the Valley of Hope in the town of Bulembu, Swaziland written by the directors and Christian TODAY magazine. All the photos in this journal and review were taken by the students. http://www.todaymagazine.co.za/main.php?page=archive&articleid=146...Read More

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Countryside of Northwestern Swaziland.

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Countryside Northwestern Swaziland. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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Northwestern Swaziland is probably the prettiest in the whole country, the mountains and the rainfall make it much more lush. It is a hikers and backpacker's paradise. The hill country makes for a nice walk. Visit this site for some translations of English into Swazi.

*http://www.mintour.gov.sz/royalexperience/

The photos in this review were taken by the RMC missionary students as they served among the Swazi people. Enjoy!!!

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ABC House Orphanage, Bulembu, Swaziland

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ABC House Orphanage, Bulembu. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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The RMC student missionaries spent much time with the ABC House Orphanage in the Valley of Hope. All the photos in this journal and reviews were taken by these students.

As far as the ABC House of Bulembu, Swaziland it was part of their travels. Below is a link to their website listed.

http://www.swazivalleyofhope.org/abc.html

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Swaziland's Future...Its children!!

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Children playing with strange long blond hair. Photo - Swaziland, Africa

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A country is not a country without its people, especially their children. The Swazi people are handsome and warm and friendly. Many are diligent to fight the odds against them. See that strength and power in these photographs taken by the missionary students who worked and laughed with them. In spite of their deep physical and emotional scars from abuse, negligence and abandonment these children strive to overcome with the love and care given to them, hopefully they will overcome the destruction of their country from HIV/AIDS.

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