Ever been so close but so far away? That’s how I’ve always felt with my trips to South Africa. I’m on trip number 6. Never in my life did I think I’d make it here once, but life can surprise you. Since my first trip I’ve always wanted to go to Victoria Falls. It’s a 90-minute plane ride from Johannesburg. So close! But on each trip I’ve taken, I never made it. I hate it when that happens. I was determined to prevent that from happening last November when I was at the South Africa/ Swaziland Border.
My agenda for work to me to the Oshoek [pronounced O-Shook] Border with Swaziland. Swaziland is a land-locked country within South Africa. There was no need for me to leave South Africa. But it would be unfortunate if I was at the border crossing and never took the effort to cross. The process is easy, but it takes a bit of time and effort to complete the paperwork and follow through the various steps.
Here’s a YouTube video with some of the highlights. You may be wondering where is Oshoek? It may surprise you to learn that it is high in the mountains, where it was cold and rainy – not the image of Africa I had in mind. See for yourself…
So what does Swaziland look like? It’s a lot like the South African side. You wouldn’t know the difference – at least where I was. I didn’t have the time to venture further into the country, but that wasn’t the goal.
Aside from my passport stamp, here’s the only evidence I have that I made it into Swaziland.
With another country under my belt I purchased some Swaziland souvenirs and returned back to South Africa. I was in and out in under 30 minutes. Consider this; I spend more time grocery shopping or commuting to work than I spent in Swaziland! Who does that?
It was all worth it. Live with no regrets, that’s my mantra.
Have you ever pushed yourself to venture further to see or do something that was so close, yet so far away? I’d love to hear about it. Share by commenting below.
For more photos, videos and adventures, visit my Facebook Fan Page.
I’ll see you out there…!
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Hi all, i have been to Mbabane b4 also only been in the country for 2hours, I leave for swazi again on friday 11 March 2011 for some business, will be in swazi for a week, Beautiful country
2 hours! That’s quick.
Hi Ben,
It’s a shame you spent such a short time in Swaziland. It seems you did it for the experience of crossing the Oshoek border (something I usually hate).
I live in Manzini, in the centre of Swaziland, having come here as a volunteer in 1985, and not returned.
Swaziland is a beautiful country, and yet, I suppose, quite a lot like South Africa, but so much more relaxed.
I hope, if there is a next time, you will give Swaziland a bit more of a chance to impress. If you do plan to -feel free to contact me.
Mike
Mike, you are absolutely correct. It was a shame that my visit to Swaziland was so short and I crossed for the experience of it. I was at Oshoek for a business trip and didn’t really need to leave the country, but with Swaziland being so close, I had to make the trip. Had I had more time, a trip to the city would be in order! Next time. Thanks for the invitation to connect. Perhaps our paths will cross.