10 places to visit in eswatini

KNOWN for being especially friendly and laid-back, the Swazi people are committed to preserving their culture in the face of modernisation, which means that traditional customs play a large part in everyday life. Visitors to eswatini are in for a unique and authentic African experience.

We have found a list of 10 places you should see if you visit this country:

1. MKHAYA GAME RESERVE

Home to rare species like the black rhino and the Nguni breed of cattle, as well as antelope, elephants, and a host of other animals, this small, private reserve in south-eastern eswatini is also notable for its many mkhaya, or knob thorn, trees, which bear a type of fruit that Swazis use for brewing beer.

2. MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY:

This secluded park in the Ezulwini Valley, in central eswatini, is known for its relaxed atmosphere and lovely hiking trails through grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and some of the highest points in the kingdom. Catch glimpses of giraffes, zebras, and more on self-guided tours, horseback, or in open Land Rovers.

3. SIBEBE ROCK

Located just north of Mbabane, eswatini’s most famous geological feature is a huge granite dome rising out of the countryside. Thrill seekers may scramble up the nearly 304.8m rock and its surrounding boulders; the less adventurous may check out the Bushman paintings marking the rocks at the summit.

4. MALOLOTJA NATURE RESERVE

The country’s least touristy park, in the north-western highlands, is full of excellent finds: ancient mountains streaked with waterfalls, nearly 300 different species of birds, and the world’s oldest mine.

5. NGWENYA GLASS FACTORY AND MINE

Ngwenya means “crocodile”, referring to a large croc-shaped mountain along eswatini’s western border. The Ngwenya Mine, which lies inside Malolotja Nature Reserve, holds the oldest iron-ore workings in the world, dated to 43000 years ago.

6. MBULUZI GAME RESERVE

Hippos, wildebeests and more roam freely in this small reserve in northeastern eswatini. The southern portion is free of predators, so visitors may explore a handful of trails on foot.

7. MLAWULA NATURE RESERVE

This park near the Mozambique border is so large that it comprises both dry savannas and tropical forests. It’s widely regarded as one of the best, most varied hiking spots in the country.

8. EZULWINI VALLEY:

The country’s royal heartland and tourism centre is worth a quick visit for its gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and its selection of local handicrafts.

9. HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

You’ll find leopards, lions, cheetahs, and other awe-inspiring animals at this park near the former royal hunting grounds.

10. BULEMBU

A historic town in the northern part of the country, Bulembu, which once housed a thriving mine, provides a fascinating look back in time, with its abandoned homes, Art Déco buildings and long cableways. The nearby mountains are thought to be some of the oldest in the world. The ideal time to travel to Eswatini is between May and October. Between November and April, it’s hot and rainy and there’s an elevated risk of contracting malaria. In December and January, crime often spikes. | IOL Travel