Swaziland: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Swaziland (officially renamed Eswatini in 2018) is one of Africa’s last remaining absolute monarchies? This tiny landlocked kingdom, nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, packs an incredible diversity of experiences into a country smaller than New Jersey. Despite its compact size, Swaziland offers travelers an authentic African experience with stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

From tracking rhinos on foot in protected reserves to witnessing the colorful Reed Dance ceremony where thousands of maidens honor the Queen Mother, Swaziland delivers unforgettable experiences that larger African destinations often can’t match. The country’s small size means you can go from mountainous highlands to lowland savannas in just a few hours, making it perfect for travelers who want to experience diverse African landscapes without spending days on the road.

Getting to Swaziland

Most international visitors arrive in Swaziland via South Africa. The country has one international airport, King Mswati III International Airport (SHO), which offers limited flights primarily connecting to Johannesburg. For most travelers, flying into Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport and then taking ground transportation to Swaziland is the most practical option.

By Air

Airlink operates flights between Johannesburg and King Mswati III International Airport. These flights take approximately 50 minutes but can be relatively expensive compared to ground transportation options. If you’re planning to fly directly into Swaziland, it’s best to book well in advance.

By Road

Many travelers opt to drive from South Africa or take a shuttle service. The journey from Johannesburg to Mbabane (Swaziland’s capital) takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on border crossing times. Several border posts connect Swaziland with South Africa, with Ngwenya/Oshoek being the most commonly used crossing point from Johannesburg.

Shuttle services like City Ride offer comfortable transportation from Johannesburg to Mbabane with daily departures. These services typically include border crossing assistance, making the process smoother for international visitors.

Entry Requirements

Most visitors to Swaziland require a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and most European nations, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Swaziland

Swaziland enjoys a mild climate year-round, but different seasons offer unique experiences. The best time to visit depends on your interests and the activities you plan to enjoy.

Dry Season (May to September)

The winter months bring clear, sunny days with cooler temperatures, especially in the highlands. This is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources and the thinner vegetation makes them easier to spot. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in June and July, so pack warm clothing if visiting during this period.

Wet Season (October to April)

Summer brings warmer temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape transforms into lush green scenery, making it ideal for photography. Bird watching is excellent during this period as migratory species arrive. While some rural roads may become difficult to navigate during heavy rains, most tourist areas remain accessible year-round.

Cultural Festivals

If experiencing Swazi culture is high on your list, consider timing your visit around these major cultural events:

• Umhlanga (Reed Dance) – Usually held in late August or early September, this eight-day ceremony brings tens of thousands of unmarried girls and young women together to honor the Queen Mother.
• Incwala – The kingship ceremony typically takes place in December or January, depending on the lunar calendar.
• Bushfire Festival – This international music and arts festival usually occurs in late May, featuring performers from across Africa and beyond.

Getting Around Swaziland

Swaziland’s compact size makes it relatively easy to explore. The country is approximately 200 km (124 miles) from north to south and 130 km (81 miles) east to west, meaning you can drive across the entire country in just a few hours.

Rental Cars

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Swaziland at your own pace. Major international rental companies operate at King Mswati III International Airport and in Mbabane. Driving is on the left side of the road, and while main highways are well-maintained, some rural roads may require a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season.

Public Transportation

For budget travelers, kombi minibuses are the main form of public transportation. These shared vans operate on set routes between towns and villages. While inexpensive, they can be crowded and don’t run on fixed schedules – they typically depart when full. Kombis are great for experiencing local life but may not be ideal if you’re on a tight schedule.

Guided Tours

Many visitors opt for guided tours, which can be arranged through hotels or tour operators like Swazi Trails. These range from half-day excursions to multi-day packages covering the country’s highlights. For wildlife viewing in national parks, guided game drives are often the best option as guides know where to find animals and can share valuable insights about the ecosystem.

Where to Stay in Swaziland

Swaziland offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly backpacker hostels. Most tourist facilities are concentrated in the Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) between the cities of Mbabane and Manzini.

Luxury Lodges

For those seeking upscale accommodations, Swaziland offers several luxury game lodges and resorts. The Royal Swazi Spa Valley Resort features a hotel, casino, and golf course in a beautiful setting. Foresters Arms, a colonial-style country hotel in the highlands, offers a more intimate luxury experience with excellent dining options.

Mid-Range Options

Numerous comfortable lodges and guesthouses cater to mid-range budgets. Mantenga Lodge near the cultural village offers beautiful mountain views, while Hawane Resort provides comfortable chalets in a tranquil setting. Many of these establishments include restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Budget Accommodations

Budget travelers will find several good options, including Lidwala Backpacker Lodge in Ezulwini Valley, which offers both dormitory beds and private rooms in a beautiful mountain setting. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary provides affordable beehive huts and camping facilities within the reserve, allowing you to stay close to nature.

Unique Stays

For a truly memorable experience, consider staying in traditional beehive huts at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or the community-run Shewula Mountain Camp, which offers basic but authentic accommodations with stunning views across to Mozambique.

Top Attractions in Swaziland

1. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland’s oldest protected area and a must-visit destination. What makes this sanctuary special is the ability to explore on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback – a rare opportunity in African wildlife areas. The absence of dangerous predators means you can safely walk among zebras, warthogs, and various antelope species.

The sanctuary offers a range of accommodation options, including the popular traditional beehive huts. Don’t miss the hippo pool, where you can often spot these massive creatures during the day. The sanctuary’s Rest Camp features a restaurant overlooking a waterhole, perfect for wildlife viewing while enjoying a meal.

2. Hlane Royal National Park

For a classic Big Five safari experience, head to Hlane Royal National Park, Swaziland’s largest protected area. This savanna ecosystem is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, and a variety of other wildlife. Unlike Mlilwane, self-driving is restricted in certain areas, and guided game drives are the best way to explore.

The park’s main camp, Ndlovu, features a restaurant overlooking a waterhole where rhinos and elephants often come to drink. Accommodation options include comfortable cottages and camping facilities. For the best wildlife viewing, book an early morning or late afternoon game drive when animals are most active.

3. Mantenga Cultural Village

Located within the Mantenga Nature Reserve, this living museum offers insight into traditional Swazi life. The village features 16 traditional structures built according to authentic methods, with cultural demonstrations and guided tours explaining Swazi customs and daily life as it was in the 1850s.

The highlight for many visitors is the vibrant traditional dance performance held twice daily (11:15 am and 3:15 pm). The energetic Sibhaca dance showcases the performers’ incredible athleticism and is accompanied by powerful drumming and singing. After the performance, guides take visitors through the village to explain traditional Swazi lifestyle and customs.

4. Mkhaya Game Reserve

Known as Swaziland’s refuge for endangered species, Mkhaya Game Reserve offers one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife experiences. The reserve specializes in rhino conservation and provides excellent opportunities to see both black and white rhinos up close. What sets Mkhaya apart is the opportunity to track rhinos on foot with experienced guides – an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodation at Stone Camp consists of open-sided stone and thatch cottages, allowing you to feel immersed in nature while maintaining comfort. The reserve operates on an all-inclusive basis with game drives, guided walks, meals, and accommodation bundled together.

5. Malolotja Nature Reserve

For hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, Malolotja Nature Reserve in Swaziland’s northwestern highlands offers spectacular mountain scenery and biodiversity. The reserve features numerous hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks, including routes to the impressive Malolotja Falls, which plunges 95 meters down a rocky gorge.

Adventure seekers shouldn’t miss the Malolotja Canopy Tour, which includes 10 ziplines crossing the forest canopy with stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. The reserve is also home to rare wildlife, including the endangered blue swallow, and offers comfortable cabin accommodation for overnight stays.

Cultural Experiences in Swaziland

1. Reed Dance Festival (Umhlanga)

If you’re fortunate enough to visit during late August or early September, the Reed Dance (Umhlanga) ceremony is an extraordinary cultural experience. This eight-day event brings together thousands of unmarried girls and young women who cut and present reeds to the Queen Mother (Ndlovukati) as a tribute and symbol of their purity.

The main day features thousands of dancers in traditional attire performing before the royal family and spectators. While primarily a serious cultural ceremony, parts of the event are open to respectful visitors. If planning your trip around this event, remember that exact dates are announced only a few weeks in advance as they follow the lunar calendar.

2. Swazi Craft Markets

Swaziland is renowned for its high-quality handicrafts, and visiting local markets and craft centers is one of the best ways to experience Swazi creativity and support local artisans. The Ezulwini Craft Market and Manzini Central Market offer a wide variety of handmade items, from woven baskets and wood carvings to jewelry and textiles.

For a more curated experience, visit specialized craft centers like Ngwenya Glass, where you can watch artisans create beautiful glassware from recycled glass, or Swazi Candles, famous for their colorful animal-shaped candles. Many of these centers offer workshops where you can try your hand at traditional crafts.

3. Shewula Mountain Camp

For an authentic community tourism experience, visit Shewula Mountain Camp, Swaziland’s first community-owned tourism project. Located on the Lubombo Mountains with panoramic views extending to Mozambique, this eco-tourism initiative offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Swazi rural life while supporting local development.

Activities include guided village tours, traditional meals, cultural performances, and nature walks. Accommodation is basic but comfortable, with traditional-style huts offering an immersive experience. All profits from tourism activities directly benefit the Shewula community of around 14,000 people.

Adventure Activities in Swaziland

1. White Water Rafting

The Great Usutu River offers exciting white water rafting opportunities, particularly during the rainy season (November to March) when water levels are highest. Several operators offer guided trips ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

2. Mountain Biking

Swaziland’s varied terrain makes it an excellent destination for mountain biking. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary offers the unique experience of cycling among wildlife, while Malolotja Nature Reserve provides more challenging mountain trails with spectacular scenery. Bikes can be rented from operators like Swazi Trails in Ezulwini Valley.

3. Quad Biking

For an adrenaline-pumping way to explore Swaziland’s landscapes, quad biking tours are available in several locations. The highlands near Piggs Peak offer particularly scenic routes with mountain views and river crossings. Tours typically include safety briefings and are suitable for beginners.

4. Horse Riding Safaris

Experience wildlife viewing from horseback at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where guided rides take you through grasslands and forests among zebras, antelopes, and warthogs. Both novice and experienced riders are catered for, with horses matched to your ability level.

Practical Tips for Visiting Swaziland

Currency

The official currency is the Lilangeni (plural: Emalangeni, code: SZL), which is pegged at par with the South African Rand. South African Rand is widely accepted throughout Swaziland, but Emalangeni are not accepted in South Africa. ATMs are available in major towns, and credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, though cash is preferred in rural areas and markets.

Language

Siswati and English are both official languages. While Siswati is the mother tongue for most Swazis, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few basic Siswati phrases like “Sawubona” (Hello) and “Ngiyabonga” (Thank you) is appreciated by locals.

Safety

Swaziland is generally considered one of the safer countries in Africa for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, especially in urban areas. Avoid displaying valuables, be cautious when using ATMs, and don’t walk alone at night. The biggest safety concerns for most visitors are road accidents, so drive carefully and be aware of livestock on rural roads.

Health

Malaria is present in the lowveld regions (eastern Swaziland), particularly during the rainy season. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before traveling. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas and major accommodations, but bottled water is recommended in rural locations. Swaziland has a high HIV prevalence rate, so appropriate precautions should be taken.

Etiquette

Swazis are generally conservative and traditional in their outlook. When visiting rural areas or cultural sites, modest dress is appropriate – women should avoid short skirts and revealing tops, while men should avoid shorts in formal settings. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during cultural ceremonies.

Dining in Swaziland

Traditional Swazi Cuisine

Traditional Swazi food centers around maize, which is prepared as a porridge called “liphalishi” (similar to South African pap) and served with meat and vegetable stews. Game meat is popular, particularly impala and kudu. Other local specialties include “emasi” (sour milk) eaten with porridge, and “sidvudvu” (pumpkin porridge).

Where to Eat

The Ezulwini Valley offers the widest range of dining options, from upscale restaurants at major hotels to casual cafés. Restaurants like Edladleni at Mantenga Lodge serve traditional Swazi dishes with a modern twist. For international cuisine, The Calabash in Ezulwini offers excellent seafood and steaks, while Malandela’s Restaurant at House on Fire combines good food with a creative atmosphere.

Dining Experiences

For a unique dining experience, consider a traditional Swazi feast at Mantenga Cultural Village or Shewula Mountain Camp, where meals are prepared using traditional methods and ingredients. Several game lodges also offer bush dinners under the stars, combining excellent food with an atmospheric setting.

Local Beverages

Swaziland produces its own beer, Sibebe, named after a famous rock formation. Traditional fermented beverages include “umcombotsi” (sorghum beer) and “buganu” (marula fruit beer), which is seasonal and available during the marula harvest in February and March. The country also produces good quality wines at Malkerns Valley estates.

Suggested Itineraries for Swaziland

3-Day Highlights Tour

Perfect for those visiting Swaziland as part of a larger Southern Africa trip:

• Day 1: Arrive in Ezulwini Valley, visit Mantenga Cultural Village for a dance performance and tour, then explore Swazi craft markets.
• Day 2: Spend the day at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoying a guided game drive or walking safari, with optional mountain biking or horseback riding.
• Day 3: Visit Ngwenya Glass factory to watch glass-blowing demonstrations, then enjoy the Malolotja Canopy Tour before departing.

5-Day Comprehensive Tour

For a more in-depth experience of Swaziland’s diverse attractions:

• Day 1: Arrive and explore Mbabane, visit the Sibebe Rock for hiking and panoramic views.
• Day 2: Tour Ezulwini Valley, including Mantenga Cultural Village, craft markets, and Swazi Candles.
• Day 3: Full day at Hlane Royal National Park for wildlife viewing, with overnight stay at the park.
• Day 4: Travel to Shewula Mountain Camp for community tourism experience and stunning views.
• Day 5: Visit Mkhaya Game Reserve for rhino tracking before departure.

7-Day Adventure Tour

For active travelers wanting to experience Swaziland’s natural beauty and adventure activities:

• Days 1-2: Explore Malolotja Nature Reserve, hiking to waterfalls and enjoying the canopy tour.
• Days 3-4: Wildlife viewing at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, with mountain biking and horseback safaris.
• Day 5: White water rafting on the Great Usutu River (seasonal).
• Day 6: Quad biking tour in the highlands near Piggs Peak.
• Day 7: Cultural experiences in Ezulwini Valley before departure.

Why Swaziland Should Be on Your Travel List

Swaziland may be small in size, but it delivers an authentic African experience that’s increasingly hard to find elsewhere. The country’s compact nature means you can experience diverse landscapes, encounter amazing wildlife, and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions all within a few days – without the long drives and logistical challenges of larger African destinations.

What truly sets Swaziland apart is the warmth of its people and the preservation of traditional culture alongside modern development. Here, ancient ceremonies still play an important role in everyday life, creating opportunities for cultural exchanges that feel genuine rather than staged for tourists.

Whether you’re tracking rhinos on foot, ziplining through mountain forests, watching traditional dancers perform with incredible energy, or simply enjoying the spectacular scenery, Swaziland offers memorable experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. This tiny kingdom truly deserves its reputation as Africa’s friendly gem – a destination that punches far above its weight in terms of experiences offered to travelers.