Mkhaya Game Reserve
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…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
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.
Unlike South Africa, eSwatini has managed to hold on to that slow-down-this-is-Africa feeling and that’s why it’s gaining in popularity. Everything remains small and personable and the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed. Instead of making a flying visit here on your way to Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal or Mozambique, consider staying at least a week to do the country justice. If you plan a visit during the winter months, try to make it coincide with the Umhlanga (reed) festival, one of Africa's biggest cultural events.
Explore eSwatini (Swaziland)
- Mkhaya Game Reserve
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…
- Mantenga Cultural Village & Nature Reserve
The entrance fee to this tranquil, thickly forested reserve covers a guided tour of the Swazi Cultural Village, a ‘living’ cultural village with authentic…
- Hlane Royal National Park
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,…
- Sibebe Rock
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,…
- Malolotja Nature Reserve
The ruggedly beautiful Malolotja reserve is a prime spot for hiking, with varied terrain to keep walkers interested. The centrepiece is the Komati River,…
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
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…
- NNisela Safaris
Nisela is a small private reserve nestled at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains south of Nsoko. Wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and numerous species…
- MMlawula Nature Reserve
Mlawula doesn't boast many large mammals, though you'll surely see a few antelope and perhaps a spotted hyena. The draw here, though, is the excellent…
- MMbuluzi Game Reserve
The small and privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve boasts a range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope species and wildebeest. There…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout eSwatini (Swaziland).
- See
Mkhaya Game Reserve
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…
- See
Mantenga Cultural Village & Nature Reserve
The entrance fee to this tranquil, thickly forested reserve covers a guided tour of the Swazi Cultural Village, a ‘living’ cultural village with authentic…
- See
Hlane Royal National Park
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,…
- See
Sibebe Rock
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,…
- See
Malolotja Nature Reserve
The ruggedly beautiful Malolotja reserve is a prime spot for hiking, with varied terrain to keep walkers interested. The centrepiece is the Komati River,…
- See
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
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…
- See
Nisela Safaris
Nisela is a small private reserve nestled at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains south of Nsoko. Wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and numerous species…
- See
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Mlawula doesn't boast many large mammals, though you'll surely see a few antelope and perhaps a spotted hyena. The draw here, though, is the excellent…
- See
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
The small and privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve boasts a range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope species and wildebeest. There…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
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