We made two separate trips into Swaziland from South Africa. Piggs Peak is only about a two hour drive from Andre’s home in Waterval Boven (See ZS Section).
Highlands Inn (Room #6)
Piggs Peak
Telephone: 09268-71144
This was our first visit to Swaziland. We rented two rooms for three days which cost about 180 USD. Dinner for four of us only rang up to about 20 USD. This is a very reasonable priced country to visit.
Be sure to ask for room number 6 because just outside the window is about a 30 foot tower and a 3 element tri-bander perched on top. The front desk has custody of the rotor control box. It takes a bit of talking to get them to understand what you’re trying to describe. Once you have the control box, you have to climb the tower to plug the cable into the side of the rotor.
Most of the locals can speak English although you may have to go very slowly and repeat often. They are the friendliest people I’ve met on any of my trips to date.
At the hotel there is a section that is rented out of a gift ship. They have many authentic gifts that were hand-crafted in different countries all over Africa. Their prices were very cheap by U.S. standards. I purchased what amounted to about a suitcase full of gifts for 65 USD.
View Swaziland is very hilly with lush vegitation.
Guesthouse This is the Highlands Guesthouse
Antenna Tower with Mosley TA-33
Vertical Tower again with Cushcraft A4S Vertical
Station We pushed two desks together to make a very good operating position.
3DA0CQ QSL Card Front
3DA0CQ QSL Card Back
Licensing: It is just a matter of filling out an application for your license. Andrew drove to their capital city of Mbabane and applied in person in advance of our trips, but I believe you can submit your application by mail assuming you give yourself plenty of time.
Equipment:
Kenwood TS-850 Transceiver
486-DX Laptop Computer
Inverted Vee’s for 40 & 80
Heath Micromatic Keyer
Mosley TA-33 Antenna
Kenpro Rotor
Cushcraft A4S Vertical
Customs:
Swaziland officials are very aware of the positive economic impact of tourism. They go out of their way to try and make you feel comfortable and welcome. However, your vehicle may be subjected to a search if you look a bit suspicious.
