SWAZILAND/ ESWATINI

- Swaziland / Eswatini - 

 

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The landlocked country commonly known as Swaziland, and officially renamed the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2018, might be Africa’s smallest destination. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.

Many guests merely cross it quickly as part of the wildly popular Kruger to Coast road trip, en-route to either the tropical northern coastline of Kwazulu Natal or Mozambique. But at the Travel Cafe we recommend spending at least two nights in this tiny country with its rolling green hills. From stunning wildlife encounters, beautiful scenery and adventure activities such as rafting, adventure-caving, quad biking to gorgeous mountain bike routes and a colourful local culture – Eswatini has much to offer, all wrapped up in a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere.


Most visitors enter Swaziland through the northern border at Jeppe’s Reef, after having explored Kruger Park. After a few days’ safari, the verdant hills of Swaziland – and more specifically the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, aptly named the Valley of Heaven – create a welcome contrast.


If you wish to take a break from game-viewing, why not visit Matenga Cultural Village? Here you can experience the local singing and dancing and learn all about the traditional Swazi diet, customs, and family structure. We encourage you to complete the adventure by spending a night in a traditional beehive hut.


While in Ezulwini Valley, don’t miss out on Lobamba, Swaziland's spiritual and cultural heart. This laid-back town is home to Swaziland's monarchy, as well as its most important buildings. Here, visitors can look forward to the Lobamba Royal Village with the Royal Kraal, the Parliament Building, and the National Museum. A visit to Ngwenya Glass, Africa's most prestigious glass factory, is also highly recommended. While Ngwenya pieces can be found in art galleries and airport shops around the world, you can pick up signature works here at wholesale prices and watch the glass blowing process from a viewing platform above the workshop.


If you cannot get enough of safaris, then Swaziland has its own beautiful parks, such as Milwane Game Reserve or Hlane Royal National Park, where you can enjoy excellent wildlife sightings in complete tranquillity far from the usual tourist hordes.


Hikers should also make note to allocate enough time during their African itinerary, as this small but scenically beautiful country of emerald peaks, rivers, ravines, rolling valleys, and waterfalls is a hiker's Eden. Hike up to Matenga Falls, Swaziland's most famous Falls with the biggest volume of water, or Sibebe Rock, the second-largest exposed granite dome in the world (after Uluru in Australia). Over three billion years old, this is one of Swaziland's most surprising natural attractions, yet it is barely known by the wider public. This is one of the most rewarding Swaziland tourist attractions that promises views to remember for a lifetime.

 

As if these attractions aren't reason enough to visit, Swaziland is renowned for its beautiful colourful festivals, such as the Umhlanga Reed Dance. This ceremony takes place during the last week of August or first week of September at the King’s palace in Ludzidzini Royal Village. During the eight-day ceremony, close to 40,000 unmarried girls cut reeds and present them to the Queen Mother in an elaborate dancing ceremony. The main day to attend the celebration is on the seventh day, when the king in also in attendance.

Cultural experiences really don’t get more authentic than this. There are hardly any tourists and locals genuinely celebrate the event.


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 Itineraries to South Africa

- Best time to go to Swaziland / Eswatini -

Best time to go to The Serengeti

Winter (June to September) 


Winter is one of our favourite times to go to Swaziland. As with much of Southern Africa, this is the dry season, resulting in blue skies, comfortable temperatures and no humidity. Since Swaziland is an adventure destination, perfect for hiking, rafting, mountain biking, caving and so forth, winter offers the best conditions for all these activities. 

The winter months are also the best game-viewing months in all of eSwatini’s beautiful national reserves. The only downside to this season could be frequent dry-season bushfires, which while unthreatening, produce a dusty haze that is not conducive to landscape photography.


Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) 


The transition months are some of the most beautiful and underrated times to visit Swaziland, both in terms of weather and activities. Daytime temperatures are far milder than in summer, and the humidity is much lower. Animals will be a lot more active than in summer making game-viewing a lot more exciting. 

If you wish to witness eSwatini’s most impressive and authentic festival, the Umhlanga Reed Dance, we recommend travelling late August or early September. Alternatively, don’t miss the King’s birthday in April, a colourful and exciting national holiday. 


Summer (December to February) 


Summer is our least favourite season to visit Swaziland purely due to the heat and humidity. Swaziland enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and temperatures routinely reaching over 40ºC / 105ºF. This season also brings violent electrical storms, usually in the late afternoon, when cataclysmic flashes light up the landscape. While extremely impressive, it can limit your enjoyment when on walks or hikes and lightning strikes can cause problems. 


The rainstorms will also transform dirt roads to unmanageable torrents in minutes and turn city streets into rivers, as the plumbing struggles to keep up with the downpours. Heavy downpours also have an impact on white-water rafting and caving, leaving some rivers too swollen to navigate safely. 

For photographers, however, there is no doubt that the rainy season brings the best light, with lush foregrounds and dramatic skies. It is also a time of many festivals, such as the sacred Incwala Ceremony in January or the Marula Festival in February.
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