Highlights
Hlane Royal National Park
The country's largest protected area, in the eastern lowveld, home to lions, elephants and white rhinos. Waterholes near the rest camp attract animals in the dry season, and guided drives and walks are offered.
Mkhaya Game Reserve
A small private reserve known for its rhinos, both black and white, which visitors can sometimes track on guided walks. Visits are usually booked with guided drives and meals included.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The country's oldest protected area, in the Ezulwini Valley, where zebra, antelope and warthogs graze beside walking, cycling and horse-riding trails. With no dangerous big game, it is easy to explore on foot.
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Highland grasslands, gorges and waterfalls in the north-west, with hiking trails and a canopy tour of zip lines over a forested valley. The reserve also contains the Ngwenya iron ore mine, one of the oldest known mines in the world.
Ezulwini Valley and Mantenga
The 'Valley of Heaven' between Mbabane and Lobamba has the Mantenga Cultural Village, a recreated traditional homestead with dance performances, and the nearby Mantenga Falls.
Sibebe Rock
A huge granite dome near Mbabane, often described as one of the largest exposed granite monoliths in the world. Guided hikes climb to the top for views across the hills.
Umhlanga and Incwala ceremonies
Umhlanga, the Reed Dance, brings thousands of young women to Ludzidzini royal village, usually in late August or September. Incwala, a sacred kingship ceremony, takes place around December or January. Dates are set each year, so check locally.
Crafts of Malkerns and Ngwenya
Workshops around Malkerns produce handmade candles, weaving and baskets, and Ngwenya Glass recycles glass into animal figures and tableware in a studio you can watch.
Interesting facts about Eswatini
- The country changed its official name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, marking fifty years of independence.
- Eswatini has two capitals: Mbabane is the administrative capital, and Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital.
- The Ngwenya mine in Malolotja is believed to have been worked for red ochre and iron ore tens of thousands of years ago.
- The lilangeni is pegged one-to-one to the South African rand, and the rand is accepted alongside it.
- Eswatini is one of the few countries in the world where the monarch holds executive power.
Best time to visit
The dry winter months, roughly from May to September, are best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at waterholes and vegetation is thinner. Days are mild and sunny, but nights in the highlands can be cold. Summer, from October to April, is hot and green, with afternoon thunderstorms and good birdwatching. Umhlanga takes place in late winter, and Incwala in early summer.
Practical information
| Capital | Mbabane (administrative); Lobamba (royal and legislative) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swazi lilangeni (SZL); the South African rand is accepted at the same value |
| Languages | siSwati, English |
| Plugs | Type M |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 999 police, 977 ambulance, 933 fire |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Tipping in restaurants for good service is customary, as is tipping guides, game rangers and petrol station attendants. |
Getting around
Most visitors drive, often as part of a road trip from South Africa, and the main roads are paved and in good condition; gravel roads lead into some reserves. Minibus taxis link towns cheaply but are crowded and less practical for reaching reserves. The country is small, so you can cross it in a few hours. Border posts with South Africa and Mozambique have set opening hours, so check them before planning your route.
Staying connected in Eswatini
Mobile coverage is good in Mbabane, Manzini, the Ezulwini Valley and along main roads, with 4G in the larger towns. Coverage can drop in the mountains, deep valleys and in parts of the game reserves. Lodges and hotels often offer Wi-Fi, which may be limited to the main building. Download offline maps for reserve roads, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
See Eswatini eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Eswatini
- Google Maps: Driving directions on main roads; download offline maps for reserves and rural areas.
- WhatsApp: Widely used by lodges, guides and tour operators to confirm bookings.
- XE Currency: Convert between lilangeni, South African rand and your home currency.