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| Piggs Peak | ||
| Country | Eswatini | |
|---|---|---|
| Search for a province ends with the state | ||
| Residents | 5.000 | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 4568   | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Piggs Peak is a small town in the north of Eswatini, best known for its large hotel and casino complex, as well as the Phophonyane Falls.
background
Piggs Peak was founded in 1884 during the gold rush in southern Africa and named after an early resident, William Pigg. Today the place is a small provincial nest that lives mostly from forestry and support from foreign aid organizations, has a "main road" and where there is not much to see apart from a supermarket. Outside are the actual attractions, the Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve and Piggs Peak Casino.
getting there
By plane
The nearest airports are in Manzini (please refer Arrival by road) and Mbombela (Nelspruit).
By train
There is no rail link to Piggs Peak.
In the street
If you go out of that direction Durban and iSimangaliso Wetland Park come, it is best to drive over the south of Eswatini firstManzini) And then to Mbabane. Near the capital of the country, at Motjanethen begins the King Mswati II Highway (MR1), a single lane, winding road through Eswatini's mountains. The Highway leads over Piggs Peak to the border crossing Jeppe's Reef to South Africa in the north. There he goes to the R570 to Malelane at the Kruger National Park above. You should expect a maximum speed of around 80 km / h, although on average you will be traveling a little slower, especially if you come from the south. Coming from the east leads the MR2 through the place that continues to the west to the border crossing Bulembu leads, but is also only very poorly developed.
mobility
The place is small, but hardly suitable for walking.
Tourist Attractions
- Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve. A beautiful, small nature reserve that is privately operated and offers very beautiful hiking trails. There are several paths along the romantic Phophonyane waterfalls that lead the visitor into the secluded nature of the reserve. There is also a restaurant here that offers a different evening meal every day and you can stay in huts or even tents without electricity. The reserve is about nine miles north of Piggs Peak on the highway MR1, or 20 km south of the border crossing to South Africa Jeppe's Reef.
activities
- The Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino was particularly popular with South Africans during apartheid times and is still the most famous casino in the country. In addition to the "gambling den", there is also a good souvenir shop in the well-kept complex.
shop
In the village itself there is a relatively large supermarket, in which there are all basic items for daily use.
- The first address for Souvenirs is this Peak Fine Craft Centerwhich is 14 km north of town, between Phophonyane Falls and the casino. A few shops have been built here, all of which offer excellent handicrafts, which are also exported abroad. Especially the fabrics from Ethnic bound and the wonderful sisal products (baskets, jewelry and more) from Tintsaba are a nice and inexpensive souvenir. Artisans have set up their stands in front of the shops and mainly offer animal sculptures made of wood and stone. The Craft Center is extremely important for the area, as it offers one of the few sources of income for the population.
- Souvenirs can also be bought in the hotel and casino complex, which has a well-stocked shop. Most of the goods offered there can also be found in the Craft Center.
kitchen
nightlife
accommodation
security
Even if the people in the area are very poor, you can feel safe as a tourist. There is practically no crime and you don't have to fear contact with the local population, who are very friendly and respectful.
health
Practical advice
Piggs Peak's post office is on the main road, more in the southern part of town. The Swazi Post may not be the most reliable postal company in the world, but you can post postcards and letters here without any problems.
