Eswatini Travel Guide

Read this comprehensive travel guide for Eswatini to know more about its must-visit places, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health tips, and much more!


Introduction to Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Eswatini is one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, with King Mswati III as its current ruler. The official languages spoken are SiSwati and English, and the currency used is the Swazi lilangeni.

As a traveler, you’ll feel welcomed by the friendly locals and amazed by the country’s natural beauty. Let’s dive into some of the must-visit places in Eswatini.

List of Places to Visit in Eswatini

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: It’s Eswatini’s oldest reserve and an excellent place to learn about its wildlife and conservation efforts. It offers a wide range of activities like mountain biking, horse riding, and nature walks.

  2. Ngwenya Glass Factory: This factory produces beautiful handcrafted glassware from recycled glass bottles, and visitors can watch the glassblowers in action. You can buy souvenirs at the factory’s gift shop.

  3. Mkhaya Game Reserve: Mkhaya is Eswatini’s premier wildlife sanctuary, with an emphasis on rare and endangered species like black and white rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. Visitors can opt for game drives or guided bush walks to get up close to the wildlife.

Natural Attractions of Eswatini: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Sibebe Rock: It’s one of the world’s largest granite intrusions and offers excellent hiking opportunities. The view of the Ezulwini Valley from the top is breathtaking.

  2. Malolotja Nature Reserve: It’s Eswatini’s premier highveld reserve and boasts spectacular scenery, including waterfalls, gorges, and grasslands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, and mountain biking.

  3. Hlane Royal National Park: It’s famous for its abundance of wildlife, including lion prides, elephants, rhinos, and many more. Visitors can opt for guided game drives or self-drives to explore the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eswatini

Eswatini is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Some of the best hiking and biking routes are:

  1. The Usuthu Gorge hike, which includes stunning views of the Usuthu River and the surrounding hills.

  2. The Tibondzwene Mountain hike, which offers a bird’s eye view of Manzini town and the surrounding countryside.

  3. The Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area bike ride, which is a challenging but rewarding ride through forests, hills, and traditional homesteads.

Best Things to Do in Eswatini: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do in Eswatini. Here are some of the must-try activities and tours:

  1. Swazi Cultural Village Tour: Learn about Eswatini’s rich culture and traditions by touring the Swazi Cultural Village. Visitors can witness traditional dances, music, and craft-making demonstrations.

  2. Elephant Back Safari: Get up close and personal with elephants by taking a ride on their backs. Visitors can experience the thrill of riding these majestic animals while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

  3. Mountain Biking: Eswatini’s scenic bike routes offer a unique way to explore the country’s natural beauty. Visitors can rent bikes and gear from local operators and embark on guided or self-guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eswatini

For those looking to spend a week in Eswatini, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a guided bushwalk or mountain biking. Day 2: Explore Piggs Peak and see the beautiful Maguga Dam. Day 3: Hike up Sibebe Rock and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Day 4: Visit Hlane Royal National Park and take a guided game drive or self-drive. Day 5: Relax in Ezulwini Valley and visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory. Day 6: Visit Mkhaya Game Reserve and go on a guided game drive or bushwalk. Day 7: Head to Malolotja Nature Reserve and hike through its beautiful trails.

Food and Drink Scene of Eswatini

Must-Try Dishes

Eswatini’s cuisine is influenced by Southern African and Portuguese cooking styles. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

  1. Braai: A traditional South African barbecue, typically featuring meats like chicken, beef, or lamb.

  2. Potjiekos: A stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, cooked over an open fire.

  3. Bunny Chow: A dish originating from Durban, South Africa, consisting of a hollowed-out bread roll filled with curry.

Local Beverages

  1. Sibebe Premium Lager: A local beer brewed in Eswatini.

  2. Sinangwana: A traditional Swazi beer made from maize and sorghum.

  3. Roiboos Tea: A popular non-alcoholic beverage made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, which is native to South Africa.

Where to Stay in Eswatini: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eswatini offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Offers various lodges, cottages, and a campsite for visitors.

  2. Lugogo Sun: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Ezulwini Valley.

  3. Malandela’s Guest House & Backpackers: Offers both private and dormitory-style rooms for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Eswatini: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eswatini is known for its unique handicrafts and traditional artwork. Some of the must-visit markets are:

  1. Ezulwini Craft Market: Here, you can find a wide range of handmade crafts and souvenirs, including pottery, beads, and carvings.

  2. Gone Rural: A social enterprise that produces handmade woven baskets, tableware, and other crafts.

  3. Swazi Candles: A popular destination for candles made out of beeswax and paraffin.

Local Culture and Customs of Eswatini

Eswatini’s culture is rich and diverse, with traditional beliefs and customs that are still practiced today. Here are some interesting facts:

  1. Eswatini is known for its Umhlanga (Reed Dance) ceremony, where young girls from different regions of the country present reeds to the queen mother.

  2. The royal family plays an essential role in Eswatini’s culture and traditions.

  3. The Swazi people are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, including intricate beadwork and weaving.

Best Time to Visit Eswatini

The best time to visit Eswatini is during its dry winter months (May to August). The weather is cool, and there is little to no rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities. However, some wildlife may be harder to spot during this period than in the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eswatini

Do:

  • Observe traditional customs and dress codes, especially when visiting cultural sites.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Visit Eswatini’s wildlife reserves and learn about its conservation efforts.

Don’t:

  • Photograph locals without their permission.
  • Smoke or litter in public places.
  • Disrespect the royal family or Eswatini’s cultural heritage.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eswatini

Eswatini is a relatively safe country to travel to, but visitors should be cautious and take basic safety precautions. It is advised to stay vigilant at night and not carry valuables in isolated areas.

Health in Eswatini

Visitors are required to have certain vaccinations before coming to Eswatini. Malaria is prevalent in some areas, so it’s essential to take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Eswatini: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eswatini

The two nearest airports to Eswatini are:

  1. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is 375km from Eswatini.

  2. King Mswati III International Airport, located approximately 70km from Eswatini’s capital city, Mbabane.

Bus Stations Near Eswatini

Local bus companies operate between Eswatini and other surrounding countries, such as South Africa and Mozambique.

Other Options

Renting a car is a popular option for those wanting to explore the country’s scenic routes.

How to Get Around in Eswatini

Traveling around Eswatini is relatively easy. Main roads are well-maintained, and there is public transport to most areas. Taxis and minibusses are readily available from the main cities and towns.

Where to Go Next from Eswatini: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eswatini is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is an excellent starting point for travelers wanting to explore other countries in the region. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Kruger National Park in South Africa
  • Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique
  • Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Conclusion

Eswatini is a fascinating and vibrant destination that offers a unique blend of wildlife, culture, and adventure. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder why so many travelers are drawn to this small country in Southern Africa. We hope this guide has given you a glimpse of what Eswatini has to offer and inspired you to start planning your trip!

Map of Eswatini Map of Eswatini Traditional dance Traditional dance Visa policy of Eswatini Visa policy of Eswatini The terminal of King Mswati III Int. Airport The terminal of King Mswati III Int. Airport Kombis. Kombis. General store General store Making pap Making pap Nhlangano Nhlangano


    Hlane Royal National Park
    Lobamba
    Mbabane
    Mkhaya Game Reserve
    Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary