The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, lies almost surrounded by South Africa. If you are taking a tour from the Kruger to KwaZulu Natal, you may need to travel through this mountainous country en route. Enjoy its gentle undulating landscape dotted with Swazi villages. And take in some game viewing at the scenic Mkhaya and Mlilwane game reserves. It also provides a fascinating cultural and wildlife experience.
Though it is a small country, Eswatini has several ecological zones. From rain forest in the northwest to savanna grassland in the dry eastern parts. The western edge of the kingdom is heavily forested with deep gorges, lush valleys, and fast flowing rivers and waterfalls. But from Mbabane, you descend to the grassland plateau containing many tropical fruit farms. Here is where the majority of people live.
The Swazis have a well-developed sense of their own culture. And they are open-minded and friendly in their outlook. They are renowned craftsmen and women. You can buy their basket ware, colourful fabrics, carvings, and Mother of Pearl in friendly markets and roadside stalls.
Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, Eswatini (Swaziland) more than makes up for this with a diverse range of attractions and activities. White-water rafting is on offer for the adventurous. Whilst others can enjoy a laid-back round of golf, mountain biking, game-viewing or a gentle horse ride through the Mlilwane Game Reserve. It is also well-known for its craftwork and we recommend a visit to Ngwenya Glass, Baobab Batik or Swazi Candles.
We recommend a two night stay in Eswatini. A one night stay is functional but doesn’t give you much time to relax. As the driving is fairly slow. (There are many villages to drive through with pedestrians walking by the road.)
We recommend one of the lodges in the Ezulwini valley. One of the best is the time-warped Reilly’s Rock Lodge, with its sense of history and tranquil ambience. However it lies within the lovely Mlilwane National Park which offers game-viewing, bush walks and horse-riding.
