Exploring Eswatini Guide: The Best Things To Do & See

Coined the Switzerland of Africa, The Kindgodom of eSwatini boasts some spectacular mountain views, lush green valleys, and cultural things to do.

In this guide we’ll explore how to get to Eswatini, what are the best eco-accommodation in Eswatini and what things you need to do when you visit.

eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of Africa’s smallest nations, nestled within South Africa and steeped in tradition. Upon entering from Mozambique, you could feel it’s a clean, well-enough developed country similar to South Africa.

Despite its size, the country hosts five national parks that feature the Big Five and even a healthy rhino population. If you’re spending time in South Africa or Mozambique, I highly recommend stopping by and exploring tranquil Eswatini.

Essential Info For Your Eswatini Trip

How to Get to Eswatini

From South Africa: Drive from Johannesburg (4-5 hours) or Durban (3-4 hours) via different border crossings like Oshoek or Golela. The roads are well-maintained and nice, therefore ideal for self-drive or traveling by bus.

If you want to travel by public transport from South Africa, I recommend checking out SiyeSwatini Shuttles for a more enjoyable trip.

From Mozambique: Drive from Maputo (2-3 hours) via the Lomahasha border. Make sure your car rental allows cross-border travel. For more up-to-date information, I recommend visiting the Facebook Page DriveMoz.

I went by public transport from Maputo to Eswatini. From the Junta bus station in Maputo, you need to take the only bus that heads towards the Eswatini border. The price was 150 Rand or 700 Meticales, taking 2 hours. I was there by 7 am and the bus was full by around 8 am. From the Eswatini border, you take the Impala Bus (waits outside of Immigration) which takes you to Simunye for 25 Rand. From there, I took another minibus to the town of Setiki where I spent the first two nights.

By Air: You can arrive to Eswatini via plane, landing at Eswatini’s King Mswati III International Airport. The country does have limited international connections but many go over Johannesburg. It seems like most travelers arrive by car from neighboring countries.

From Eswatini’s King Mswati III International Airport you can get into town the easiest by booking a private taxi to your hotel in Mbabane or Manzini.

Getting Around Eswatini

The best option for exploring Eswatini in my opinion is a self-drive. Especially if you want to visit game parks or rural areas, having your own car makes exploring this country so much more possible.

If you love to explore Eswatini on your own, I recommend booking your adventure car here. Bear in mind for some roads you might need a 4×4!

Public Transport: Minibuses are a common way to get around the country. Having traveled from Maputo to Eswatini all the way by public transport, I can say it’s possible to do so. Depending on where you are, buses are more or less frequent, but new and comfortable. It’s typically minibusses that leave when full. These mini buses will get you around the bigger cities but aren’t a reliable option if you want to visit the national parks.

Guided Tours: If you love to travel with others or privately in a more guided setting, I ‘d recommend checking out this adventurous 4-day Best of Eswatini Tour. It’ll take you to most spots on this guide, but also spots I didn’t get to visit due to not having my own car.

Eswatini Visa Requirements

Eswatini has a visa-free policy for citizens of South Africa, the EU, the UK, and many other countries for stays of up to 30 days. Check the official Eswatini government website for the best info on your individual situation.

Top Things to Do & Explore in Eswatini

Stay at Mabuda Farm and Explore Siteki

If you’re coming from Mozambique, one of the areas you can spend a few days in is Siteki. Perched on the scenic Lubombo Plateau, Siteki is a tranquil town that offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys. The town itself has a laid-back vibe, with friendly locals and a few small markets to explore.

I decided to stay at the well-rated Mabuda Guest Farm, about 15 minutes from the center. Nestled in nature, the farm is an actual working farm with animals, horse stables and some charming cottages.

Go Hiking, Horseriding & Birdwatching

Mabuda Farm offers a range of hikes to guests and outside visitors. You can hike the Shepherd’s Trail or Valley View Trail, both offering stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside

Go Birdwatching at the Lilys Pond and have a picnic – it’s a very charming spot!

If you want a bit of a longer walk, you can head out to the Sunset Rock. Ideally, you’d visit during sunset but also during the day, it’s a lovely spot. From there you can hike a little loop for about 2km back towards the farm.

Indulge in Eswatini Coffee

Whether you’re a coffee lover or someone who enjoys supporting local establishments, Mabuda Coffee is a hidden gem in Siteki. The café takes pride in serving high-quality coffee. While Eswatini doesn’t produce coffee on a large scale, Mabuda Coffee serves delicious freshly brewed coffee – supporting local or regional roasters when possible.

Siteki Eswatini Accommodation

This picturesque working farm Mabuda Guest Farm combines rustic charm with modern comfort, making it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and families. The farm’s peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush gardens and open fields, is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It features a pool, fantastic cafe & restaurant and has affordable hostel-like rooms and common area.

Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatini’s oldest protected area and a peaceful retreat to see wildlife like zebras, hippos, and antelope in a scenic, open environment. Its about a 25-minute drive from Mantenga town and possible to visit independently.

The park allows you to go on guided game drives, guided walking safaris, mountain biking, or even horseback safaris.

I decided to walk a trail by myself, since there are no predatory animals in the park (no more hippos, but crocodiles) you can go on your own. Make sure to check the board or ask the guides which trail might be worth walking according to your interests. We were lucky to have seen one of the local Nyalas, a first one for me!

Mlilwane Eswatini Accommodation

Mlilwane Game Sanctuary offers a range of charming accommodations that blend seamlessly with the serene surroundings. Here, guests can stay in traditional beehive huts, which are round, grass-roofed structures that provide an authentic Swazi experience or opt for more conventional chalets and cottages. The sanctuary also caters to budget travelers with camping facilities and rustic dormitories.

Discover Swazi Culture at Mantenga Cultural Village

Dive into Eswatini’s rich traditions with a visit to the Mantenga Cultural Village. This reconstructed Swazi village showcases the nation’s history, customs, and vibrant dances. This place is easy to visit on your own when staying in Lobamba.

You have the chance to visit at two different times each day. Once you pay the entry fee at the gate, it’s a leisurely 15-minute walk along the river to the village.

For the ultimate Swazi experience, you can book this wholesome half-day Swazi Culture Tour that takes you to the Mantenga Village and beyond. Indulge in some typical Eswati food and methods of cooking, browse an arts & crafts market and go on a city tour.

Explore a Swazi Village

Right at the entrance you’ll be greeted by the ‘Chief’ who’ll explain the unique traditions and customs, show you around the village and let you explore a house from the inside. It’s super interesting to learn about Swazi heritage and way of life. Despite being a cultural thing, set up for tourists – it was fabulous!

Watch a Swazi Dance Performance

Afterward, you’ll be visiting the main tent to watch a traditional Swazi dance performance. Again, it’s something very unique, starting from the unique songs, drumming on animal-skinned drums, display of special clothes and impressive dances.

Visit Mantenga Waterfall

When you visit the Cultural Village I suggest you combine your visit with a hike to Mantenga Falls. This one is the country’s largest waterfall by volume and a lovely addition to end your visit. It’s a short 15-minute walk to the falls, and although you can’t swim in the water, it’s a fantastic sight.

Visit King’s Palace and National Museum

Get a glimpse into Eswatini’s monarchy at the Ludzidzini Royal Village or the King’s Palace near Lobamba. Pair this with a stop at the National Museum, where you can learn about Swazi history, artifacts, and its connection to wildlife and nature.

Go Shopping For Handcrafted Art & Experiences

Discover Swazi Candles

Something everyone recommended me to do was to visit the Swazi Candle Fabric. Located in the Malkerns Valley, this spot offers beautifully handcrafted candles in various shapes and patterns, alongside a market featuring other artisanal crafts.

If you love to dive deeper, I recommend reserving a spot on this fun Eswatini Culture & History Tour. Here you get the chance to visit the oldest iron mine in the world, learn more about the culture of the country at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park and so much more!

Visit Ngwenya Glass Shop

Another unique thing to do in the Ezulwini Valley is to visit the Ngwenya Glass Shop. Witness the skill of glassblowers creating eco-friendly, recycled glass products that are to die for! Explore the shop and bring home some souvenirs like vases, jewelry, and figurines.

Discover Hlane Royal National Park and Beyond

If you’re looking for a big-game experience, head to Hlane Royal National Park, where you can spot lions, rhinos, and elephants. The park offers guided game drives and quiet picnic spots, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary. Since I had no private car available, I decided to skip the experience but would have loved to see the rhinos!

If you’re up for an adventure and want to see the White Rhino, I recommend booking this full-day wildlife tour to Hlane Royal National Park from Manzini. This tour is ideal if you want to get off the beaten track and spot giraffes, lions, elephants and hopefully the White Rhino!

Book The Best Eswatini Accommodation For Hlane Royal National Park

Sleep in Kaphunga Traditional Village

Something I wished I would have known about sooner – kaPhunga. About 60 km from Manzini you find a traditional village that hosts visitors for the night. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Swazi people, learn their way of life first hand and sleep in a traditional beehive house. This has to be one of the most unique things to do in Eswatini!

If you don’t want to drive yourself, I recommend booking this 2-day Immersive Swazi Homestay Experience. With this tour, you’ll also explore the Manzini Market and try some local food and even visit the local school on one of the days.

Ezulwini Valley Accommodation Eswatini

Located in the Ezulwini Valley, Mogi Boutique Hotel offers a stylish and intimate stay with personalized service. It’s close to top attractions like Mantenga Nature Reserve and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a perfect base for exploring. With charming rooms, lush swimming pool, modern amenities to self-cater, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s great for both leisure and business travelers. The view of the mountains from my terrace was one of my favorite things!

Situated in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley, the Mantenga Lodge is a family-friendly option with spacious rooms and easy access to cultural sites like Mantenga Cultural Village. It features an on-site restaurant, a lush pool, and beautiful gardens. The dining area is a spacious outdoor terrace with the best views of the nearby Execution Mountain and valley.

Book The Top Ezulwini Eswatini Accommodation Here

My stay in Eswatini was short but still allowed me to explore some hidden gems, all included in this guide. I hope you get to explore this unique region and its special culture.

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