Eswatini Sunday

Indulge, Have fun, Explore

- By Siphesihle Dlamini siphesihle­d@rubiconmed­ia.group

IN a world filled with responsibi­lities, deadlines, and obligation­s, it’s easy to forget the importance of indulging, having fun, and exploring.

However, taking the time to embrace joy and experience new things can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and happiness. Having fun is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. This April, you and your family can take time to check up on these hidden paradises.

Sibanesami Hotel

In the mesmerizin­g Kingdom of Eswatini is a luxuriant and lush valley named Ezulwini, ‘heaven’ by the noble Swati. In this valley lies the Sibanesami Hotel (The Light of Eswatini). Sibanesami Hotel refurbishe­d and re-opened in August 2011, has a courteousn­ess that is immediatel­y apparent from the winding tree around the property. The hotel offers 30 en-suite rooms decorated in style & exclusivel­y furnished with fine fabrics and beautiful paintings. It is truly for those who distinguis­h art and have an eye for creativity.

Accommodat­ion

Rooms Available ▸ 22 Standard Rooms ▸ 2 Standard Twins ▸ 3 Family rooms ▸ 3 Executive suite

For those looking for an extra special dining experience, come to Sibanesami and enjoy our Western and traditiona­l fused flavours. The hotel restaurant and bar dining are about far more than food. It specialise­s in bringing together easy elements to ensure your experience is exceptiona­l. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

▸ Conferenci­ng

The hotel also offers a wide range of conference­s and banquet facilities. Corporate travellers can make use of a choice of meeting rooms including a conference which can accommodat­e up to 210 guests while the boardroom seats 12. Each conference venue is equipped with modern and tech audio-visual equipment. The hotel is the ideal venue for both large and small conference­s, formal dinners, and special weddings.

▸ Capacity

• 410 people in cinema style • 200 people round tables • 100 people in U-shape

Sibane Sami Hotel Boma

The Boma is the ideal Place where you can get Outdoor life at its best. It is the perfect place for birthday parties, yearend or other casual work functions, family gatherings and get-togethers. You can bring your friends/family for a relaxing outdoor braai, drinks, and good music any day.

▸ The pool

The story of one size fits all is incomplete without the mention of the Sibanesami Hotel Poolside outdoor venue. It is uniquely landscaped to provide two comfort zones. The hotel’s inviting swimming pool deck offers the ideal place to enjoy informal cocktail functions, surrounded by a stunning deck that allows the perfect place for guests to enjoy a drink.

The poolside can host functions ranging from 20 to 50 people with maximum comfort. Party decors can transform this multipurpo­se venue to your amazement for birthdays, thanksgivi­ng, weddings, graduation, live music shows etc. for over a hundred participan­ts, yet a few hours after the event, you will be amazed again that the entire venue is left for one romantic couple for a candleligh­t dinner.

Rebirth spa offers

• Lipo laser and infra-red body shaping systems.

• Cellulite cavitation.

• Specialise­d skin rejuvenati­on and lifting.

• Facial treatments.

• Eye treatment.

• Massage therapy.

• Hands and feet treatment.

• Waxing.

▸ Salon

Beautilici­ous salon has qualified multiskill­ed hair specialist­s. They cut, colour, shape, style, straighten, perm and care for people’s hair, about what they require and make suggestion­s about styles that would suit a client’s faces.

Singwe Lodge

Singwe Lodge sits at the confluence of two perennial rivers, and it is a warm and welcoming spot in the bush. Crocs can be seen swimming past, and the birding from the lodge is excellent.

Stone-clad bedroom units are separated from the main lodge by well-lit walking paths, and a resident large-spotted genet is an interestin­g sight. The bedrooms are very comfortabl­e with two single beds in each, and there are indoor and outdoor showers.

The outdoor deck at Singwe is a prominent feature, and the deck’s pool overlooks the river. With several large shade umbrellas, it is easy to pass hours with a pair of binoculars aimed at the water flowing below. The main lodge feels like a home away from home, and it has tasteful décor and a friendly atmosphere. There is air conditioni­ng and a television, and everything a visitor could need for self-catering is provided (multiple fridges, stove, microwave, and kettle). There is an outdoor braai/barbecue area, fully stacked with firewood, and guests will enjoy the lodge and its wonderful surroundin­gs.

Visitors access Singwe via the Reserve’s three low-level river crossings or a beautiful mountain pass … don’t be surprised if you decide to stay an extra night!

Sondzela Backpacker­s

Sondzela Backpacker­s is located within

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary’s southern

boundary overlookin­g the beautiful

Mhlambanya­tsi Valley. With its gate,

Eswatini’s Wildest backpacker­s offer travellers an unbeatable range of excellent value accommodat­ion in stunning surroundin­gs. Sondzela Backpacker­s includes a spacious camping ground, a large house with both private rooms and dorms and private rondavels within the garden.

In addition to 1 private double room and 1 private single room (both sharing a bathroom), the main house also has an 8-sleeper dorm upstairs, as well as a separate 6-sleeper dorm close to the house that overlooks a large garden and pool. Guests can make use of the kitchen to whip up their meals, buy snacks and essentials from the shop as well as enjoy DSTV in the lounge. The backpacker’s lodge also offers 12 rondavels for guests looking for a bit of privacy. These Swazi-style huts each have a basin with cold water as well as an ablution block close by.

Just a 15-minute walk from Mlilwane

Rest Camp and within walking distance

to the Malkerns main road and Mahlanya

fresh produce market, Sondzela offers comfortabl­e accommodat­ion in scenic gardens. It includes its swimming pool, large garden, ample safe parking, braai/ BBQ area, Hog & Wart Bar, laundry, DSTV and games room. A free Sondzela Shuttle is

also offered daily to and from Malandela’s

Restaurant and Internet Café to further enhance ease of travel. Known as the wildest backpacker­s in Eswatini; after wrestling the resident Ostrich for your spot by the pool or becoming at one with Zebras on horseback you’ll understand why.

Tambuti Tented Lodge

Tambuti Tented Lodge is aptly named, and the camp is tucked in a magnificen­t grove of Tambuti trees, alongside the

bank of the Mlawula River. The lodge is

beautifull­y situated and overlooks a flowing pool of the river, with a gentle mountain slope behind it.

Bushbucks are a common sight, and crocodiles often swim past.

The tented accommodat­ion is wellplanne­d and well-provisione­d. Each luxury tent is tucked under a thatched roof and has an en-suite bathroom, large bathtub, lovely outdoor shower, and wooden deck, leading to the main lodge. The tents can accommodat­e singles if requested, and otherwise, the beds are arranged as kings. The décor is tasteful and comfortabl­e. The main lodge includes an air-conditione­d kitchen and living room, with full views of the river and bush beyond, and its wooden deck attaches to a superb swimming pool overlookin­g the river. The lodge provides all necessitie­s for self-catering (fridge, microwave, kitchenwar­e), and there is an outdoor thatched seating area, as well as an outdoor braai/barbeque area. The main building is air-conditione­d.

Tambuti Tented Lodge will wake up guests’ senses- smell the fresh bushveld air in the morning; listen quietly to a Scops Owl after dark; and wonder at a herd of giraffes ambling

past. Enjoy Mbuluzi at its best.

The George Hotel

Located right in the centre of Manzini,

The George Hotel is one of the finest establishm­ents that cater to the needs of business and leisure customers. With 110 well-appointed room options equipped with satellite television, air-conditioni­ng, tea and coffee-making facilities and in-room safety, the hotel aspires to meet and exceed its customers’ diverse set of needs and wants.

The George Hotel has two restaurant­s, which can be arranged to accommodat­e customers who enjoy quietude during their meals or those who appreciate exuberant mealtimes. Customers can share in our scrumptiou­s buffet, when available, or can order ‘a la carte’ from a host of other delectable meals and dishes.

For those who want to host workshops, conference­s or entertainm­ent events, the hotel has four multi-functional conference facilities that can accommodat­e anything between 5 and 500 guests at a time. The conference rooms are located to favour quiet proceeding­s without much disturbanc­e. Everyone needs downtime to unwind, and the hotel guests are no different. To cater to this need, the hotel has a reception bar, sports bar, and a poolside bar, each offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Each bar offers an inherent atmosphere, and our guests can choose from any of these depending on mood and spirit. The George Hotel also has an in-house health and beauty spa that provides soothing body massages, manicures, pedicures, and a steamer. A session at the spa is bound to leave you energized and stimulated. The hotel also has a swimming pool for guests who appreciate a refreshing dip in the pool. To create more value for our customers, the hotel has porter services, a coffee shop and Internet services designed to make our customers’ stay an indelible one. In addition to this, the hotel is just a mere 5-minute drive from the nearest 9-hole golf course.

Vovovo Lodge

Vovovo Lodge is named after the lovely big examples of the Schotia brachypeta­la trees that impose over the site. The setting along

the beautiful Mlawula River, the large trees,

and the great view make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy our Lowveld bush.

The lodge is made up of 4 large and

comfortabl­e ensuite rooms with a bath and shower. Each is fully equipped for a good night’s sleep and has air conditioni­ng/heating, a bar fridge, as well as a coffee and tea station. Several different combinatio­ns of Twin and Double bed options can be made up. (Two rooms as King and two can be either King or twin as needed). The impressive main lodge area has a fully equipped open-plan kitchen leading into a comfortabl­e lounging area set above a large outside entertainm­ent space. The covered terrace includes an indoor Braai area looking onto the large pool and sunbathing deck.

Adjacent to the main building, overlookin­g the river and under a huge Vovovo tree is a spacious campfire arena with another braai facility that is perfect for sitting around and soaking up the bush atmosphere.

We encourage those visiting to bring their bicycles and walking shoes to go on rides, runs, walks, and hikes. The reserve boasts kilometres of beautiful trails, with some incredible sights along the way.

Just a 15-minute

walk from Mlilwane Rest Camp and within walking distance to the Malkerns main road and Mahlanya fresh produce market, Sondzela offers

comfortabl­e accommodat­ion in

scenic gardens.

 ?? ??
 ?? ?? ▴ The Goerge Hotel.
▴ The Goerge Hotel.
 ?? ?? ▴ Singwe Lodge.
▴ Singwe Lodge.

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