Eswatini Travel Guide
Eswatini may be one of Africa’s smallest countries, but it’s full of charm, culture, and adventure. A landlocked country in Southern Africa, Eswatini is an underrated gem that’s worth including in your itinerary. Explore wildlife reserves, shop for handmade African crafts, and hike through the scenic highlands. You can also visit a local village and spend the night in a traditional beehive hut to immerse yourself in Swazi culture.
Eswatini Stats
Official Languages: Siswati, English
Population: 1.25 million
Capital Cities: Mbabane, Lobamba
Currency: Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Power Outlet: Type M
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Cycling with Zebras in Eswatini
We spent two days exploring Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary on foot and by bicycle. The sanctuary is home to zebras, antelope, hippos, and more. This article recounts our experience.
Top Experiences in Eswatini
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike or cycle through Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for zebras, antelope, hippos, and crocodiles. Predators such as lions and leopards are not found in the sanctuary, making it safe to cycle through without a guide.
Mantenga Nature Reserve. Tour the village of Mantenga and see a live cultural performance, offering a unique look into local traditions. Visitors can also hike out to the nearby Mantenga Falls, where along the way you will have the chance to spot smaller animals such as vervet monkeys and warthogs.
Sibebe Rock. Hike to the summit of Sibebe Rock, a massive and smooth granite rock that towers over the surrounding landscape. Sibebe Rock is over 3 billion years old and the 2nd largest monolith in the world, behind Uluru in the Australian Outback.
Hlane Royal National Park. One of Eswatini’s big game parks, come to Hlane for a chance to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, leopards, and more. Go for a game drive or a guided walk through the national park, and camp here to listen to the sounds of wildlife at night.
Sleep in a Beehive Hut. Spend a night in a beehive hut, a dome-shaped thatch hut that is the traditional house of the Swati people. This was one of our favorite accommodations we’ve stayed in around the world!
Shop for Local African Art. Wander through local markets scattered across Eswatini. They are vibrant hubs with handmade crafts, sculptures, and clothing.
Malolotja Nature Reserve. This highland conservation area features plenty of hiking trails, untouched mountainous landscapes, a diverse range of flora and fauna, and even a zipline course.
Mkhaya Game Reserve. A big game park in Eswatini, Mkhaya offers great chances of sighting all sorts of wildlife, including the black rhino. Go on game drives and guided walks, and consider staying at Stone Camp, a set of lodges with knee-high stone walls, thatched roofs, and open-air windows.
When To Visit Eswatini
The best time to visit Eswatini is during their winter months, from May to October. Temperatures will be pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities such as game drives and hiking. You can also expect sunnier days with little rain. Due to the drier weather, spotting wildlife becomes easier as they converge around the remaining water sources.
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