As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe. Add to that stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five; and a fascinating mix of modern and traditional festivals, ceremonies and events, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country.

Must see in Eswatini

MKHAYA GAME RESERVE

Mkhaya (meaning home) is found in the lowveld of Swaziland. Initially it was set up to preserve the indigenous Nguni cattle, but has since taken on the role of protecting endangered species that once frequented this area. It is one of the best places in the world to see Black Rhino. Mkhaya is divided into several encampments to facilitate the management of such special species as: sable, roan, Livingstone’s eland, tsessebe, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino.

All safaris in Mkhaya are offered on a guide basis only, no-self-driving is allowed. There is only one catered camp in the game reserve.

MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Conservation came to Swaziland reasonably late with Mlilwane the first conservation initiative only being proclaimed in 1961. It is a very narrow piece of land and quite small is size, 4560 hectares, thus unable to support large herds of wildlife. With the possible exception of the leopard (very seldom seen), it has no dangerous game.

Mlilwane is found between Mbabane and Manzini.

Mlilwane can be explored with a guide or as self-guided, mainly on the grasslands in the southern part of the park. The northern part of the park can be explored on horse back or on an overnight trail.

Activities include: walking, hiking, horse riding, the cave trail, cultural experiences, birding, mountain biking, trip to the Rock of Execution, 2 night Klipspringer trail, game and sunset drives.

You have the option of staying in a luxury lodge, rest camps, beehive huts, self-catering rondavels/cottages or camping. The best of the accommodation offering is Reilly’s Rock.

HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

The 22 000 hectare Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed in 1967, on the land that used to be the royal hunting grounds. Today the park has the largest herds of antelope in Swaziland. There is a special enclosure that houses a pride of lions and these can only be viewed on guided game drives.

Certain areas of the park are open for self-drives, but other areas are only accessible on guided game drives.

Activities include: day and night game drives, rhino drives (white rhino), mountain biking, walking trails and birding.

Accommodation is available in the form of self-catering cottages.

THE PIGG’S PEAK

The Pigg’s Peak area is one of savannah, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and nature reserves. The town was founded during the gold rush of the late 19th century and also boasts the oldest iron ore mine, namely, Lion Cavern.

Places of interest in the area are: Phophanyane Falls, Hawane Dam, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Ngwenya Glass Factory, Nsangweni Bushman Paintings and the Komati River Gorge.

If you want to really want to experience part of the Swaziland culture, it is possible to became part of a tradition wedding ceremony.

EZULWINI VALLEY

This 30km long valley is home to eSwatini’s capital, royal residence and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Of interest in the area: Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre, Swazi National Museum, walking, hiking, art galleries, caving, horse riding, birding, mountain biking, white water rafting, quad biking, and golf.

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