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Travel to the Eswatini
Eswatini combines accessible reserves, living culture, and short travel times. Base in the Ezulwini Valley for Lobamba’s national institutions, the museum, and royal memorial park. Nearby, Mantenga Cultural Village offers guided insight into Swazi customs with a walk to Mantenga Falls, while Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary supports walking, cycling, and horse riding among plains game on marked trails.
In the east, Hlane Royal National Park focuses on classic bushveld drives and waterhole hides, and Mkhaya Game Reserve concentrates on guided rhino tracking and low-impact routes that protect sensitive habitats. To the northwest, Malolotja Nature Reserve provides signed day hikes, a canopy tour over forested gorges, and varied birding. Sibebe Rock rises above rural homesteads with guided paths to the summit, and nearby Phophonyane adds trails to waterfalls and forest patches.
Craft and design sit along the main routes. Ngwenya Glass showcases hand-blown pieces made from recycled materials, with workshop viewing and a retail outlet. In the Malkerns area, Swazi Candles demonstrates poured and molded techniques, surrounded by small craft stalls. Markets in Manzini and Mbabane bring together woven baskets, carvings, textiles, and beadwork.
Community-led tourism features on the Lubombo Plateau at Shewula Mountain Camp, where village walks, homestead visits, and guided hikes contribute to local projects. Overnight stays allow sunrise and sunset viewpoints across the borderlands toward Mozambique.
Travel planning follows the cultural calendar. The Umhlanga (Reed Dance), usually in late August or early September, and the Incwala, often from December into January, proceed according to royal schedules with set visitor protocols. Border posts link Eswatini with South Africa and Mozambique, enabling add-ons to Kruger, Maputo, and KwaZulu-Natal. Accommodation ranges from basic camps to private reserves; advance booking is recommended for rhino tracking, canopy tours, horse riding, and community activities.
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Must Visit in Eswatini
Eswatini, the land of Ezulwini & Lobamba, Malolotja & Mantenga, and the Hlane–Mkhaya reserves.
Probably one of the most compact culture-meets-wildlife adventures in Southern Africa!
Ezulwini Valley & Lobamba
A scenic base for exploring Lobamba’s royal heritage, and craft markets. From here, discover scenic viewpoints, browse local craft markets, and enjoy vibrant restaurants. Its central location makes it easy to venture out on guided hikes, cultural encounters, and wildlife experiences
Mantenga Village & Mlilwane
Pair Mantenga’s guided homestead, dance, and music sessions with a hike to the falls. Continue to Mlilwane for walking, cycling, or horse riding among plains game, marked trails, and viewpoints—an easy culture-and-nature day close to Ezulwini’s accommodations and services.
Hlane & Mkhaya
Explore Hlane’s Lowveld Reserves on guided drives and at waterhole hides. Move to Mkhaya for intimate, ranger-led rhino tracking and controlled-access roads that protect habitats. Overnight stays increase viewing opportunities and support ongoing conservation and local employment.
Malolotja & Phophonyane
Head into Highveld Reserves for day hikes, a canopy tour above forested gorges, and streamside birding. Add Phophonyane’s forest trails and waterfalls plus viewpoints toward rural landscapes. Bases near Mbabane and Piggs Peak make logistics straightforward for flexible outings.
Sibebe Rock
Join a guided ascent of this granite dome rising above homesteads and cultivated fields. Trails follow established routes to the summit area, revealing rock formations and views. A steady climb suited to walkers comfortable with uneven terrain and variable weather.
Craft Circuit: Ngwenya Glass, Swazi Candles & Markets
Watch recycled glass blown into tableware at Ngwenya, then see poured and molded designs at Swazi Candles. Combine with Mbabane and Manzini markets for baskets, textiles, beadwork, and carvings. Easy stops between reserves for gifts, browsing, cafés, and restocking essentials.
Shewula Mountain Camp (Lubombo Plateau)
Stay at a community-run hilltop camp offering village walks, homestead visits, and sunrise or sunset viewpoints toward Mozambique. Fees support local projects and guides. Overnight options add atmospheric evenings, simple meals, and wide skies away from busier routes and towns.
Cultural Calendar: Umhlanga & Incwala
Plan around two key ceremonies: Umhlanga (Reed Dance), usually late August or early September, and Incwala, often December into January. Attendance follows royal schedules and visitor protocols; local operators confirm dates, plan logistics, and ensure respectful viewing during public segments.
Eswatini in Video
Nothing documents a destination better than a short video and that applies to Eswatini as well.
Take a look at our Inspiration Africa YouTube Channel where you will find many travel related videos about Africa; don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to be kept up to date with new posts.
Must Do in Eswatini
Each destination offers its own experiences and here are some "must do" activities to experience in Eswatini!
Best Time to visit Eswatini
Eswatini’s dry season (May–September) offers clear skies, cooler days, and good wildlife viewing at Hlane, Mkhaya, and Mlilwane—great for hiking Malolotja and climbing Sibebe. Late dry season (August–September) is also when the Umhlanga Reed Dance usually occurs, adding cultural interest.
Spring into early summer (October–November) brings rising temperatures, green landscapes, wildflowers, and returning migratory birds—ideal for photography and birding. Mid-summer (December–February) is hot with afternoon showers; waterfalls run well, birding peaks, and the Incwala ceremonies typically unfold between December and January.
Autumn (March–April) is a comfortable shoulder: warm days, easing rains, and fewer visitors. Always factor altitude—highveld areas are cooler and misty at times, while lowveld parks are warmer year-round. Festival dates follow royal schedules and can shift, so confirm timing before you travel.
Bear in mind that each season has its own particularities, and that a non-advised season may well correspond perfectly to your specific needs.
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Eswatini Travel Tips
By default, since we only work on a tailor-made basis, each of our travel projects will always be accompanied by our travel tips on the destinations to be visited. These will of course be adapted to the type of trip envisaged and the reality of the activities and places visited. If you would like general travel advice for Eswatini, please don't hesitate to contact us via the "contact us" button.
Where to Stay in Eswatini
Eswatini offers a wide choice of accommodation, from community-run mountain camps and cozy guesthouses to private reserves and polished safari lodges.
Given the price level, it's important not to make the wrong choice. Our mission is to help you select what you like best. While inviting you to explore new options.
Eswatini Combines Well With
Eswatini is a relatively isolated destination, both geographically and in terms of accessibility.
As a result, it will almost always be combined with a visit to one of the neighboring destinations. For example:.
