These are the best places to travel this summer

eSwatini (Swaziland)

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)  captured in light mist at sunrise in Kruger, South Africa.....If you would like to join an upcoming photo safari please visit....<a href="www.southcapeimages.com">www.southcapeimages.com</a>

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

In short: big things come in small packages. The intriguing Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) is diminutive but boasts a huge checklist for any visitor. Rewarding wildlife watching? Tick. Adrenaline-boosting activities such as rafting and mountain biking? Tick. Lively and colorful local culture, with celebrations and ceremonies still common practice? Tick. Plus there are superb walking trails, stunning mountain and flatland scenery, varied accommodation options and excellent, high-quality handicrafts.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • A white rhino, known as Masalempini, and her calf in Mkhaya Game Reserve.

    Mkhaya Game Reserve

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Spectacular Mkhaya was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction. It’s known, however, for its black and white rhino…

  • Traditional Swazi Beehive huts and fences in Mantenga Swazi Cultural Village, Swaziland.

    Mantenga Cultural Village & Nature Reserve

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    The entrance fee to this tranquil, thickly forested reserve covers a guided tour of the Swazi Cultural Village, a ‘living’ cultural village with…

  • Mbuluzi, Swaziland- Famous Swazi landmark "Sibebe Rock", is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world and the world's second largest rock.

    Sibebe Rock

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    About 8km northeast of Mbabane is Sibebe Rock, a massive granite dome hulking over the surrounding countryside. It's the world's second-largest monolith,…

  • African Blesbok antelope in Swaziland

    Malolotja Nature Reserve

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    The ruggedly beautiful Malolotja reserve is a prime spot for hiking, with varied terrain to keep walkers interested. The centrepiece is the Komati River,…

  • Hlane Royal National Park

    Hlane Royal National Park

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    You come to Hlane Royal National Park for the big stuff. eSwatini’s largest protected area, this well-organised reserve is home to elephants, lions,…

  • In the fields

    Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    There are many reasons to visit this private reserve – eSwatini’s first protected area: it's quiet, easily accessible and really rather beautiful. Its 46…

  • Nisela Safaris

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Nisela is a small private reserve nestled at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains south of Nsoko. Wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and numerous species…

  • Ngwenya Iron-Ore Mine

    eSwatini (Swaziland)

    Ngwenya is one of the world’s oldest known mines. The visitors centre has an interesting display of photographs and information, including the original…

Advertisement

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in eSwatini (Swaziland)

Advertisement