Eswatini · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Eswatini
These are the places worth your time in Eswatini, from the craft studios of Malkerns and the royal sights of Lobamba to rhino at Hlane and wild hikes in Malolotja. Classics sit beside quiet corners few travellers find, so every kind of visitor has something to love.
Places to Visit in Mbabane
Shopping and Markets
- Mbabane Market (Msunduza Street)
Fresh produce, grass baskets, soapstone carvings and emahiya cloth sold by the people who make them. - The Mall Mbabane (Mbabane town)
The city's central mall for banks, SIM cards, groceries and a coffee break. - Swazi Plaza (Mbabane town)
A busy shopping centre with supermarkets, pharmacies and everyday shops.
Nature and Outdoors
- Sibebe Rock (Pine Valley)
A vast granite dome with guided community trails and sweeping views over the hills. - Pine Valley (Pine Valley)
A quiet river valley of farms and forest for walking and cycling just minutes from the city. - Mhlambanyatsi forests (Mhlambanyatsi)
Pine and eucalyptus plantations with quiet trails southwest of the capital.
Stays
- Mountain Inn (Mbabane)
A long-running family hotel with gardens and views down into the Ezulwini Valley. - Foresters Arms (Mhlambanyatsi)
A cosy country inn among pine forests, loved for Sunday lunch and misty walks. - Brackenhill Lodge (Mbabane)
A peaceful hillside lodge with walking trails and wide views over the hills. - Lidwala Backpacker Lodge (Between Mbabane and Ezulwini)
A friendly hostel with gardens and a pool, handy for both the city and the valley.
Things to Do
- Mbuluzi River walks (Pine Valley)
Gentle riverside walks through farmland on the edge of the capital.
Arts and Culture
- Bulembu heritage village (Bulembu)
A former mining town reborn as a community project, with old buildings and cool mountain air.
Restaurants
- Mbabane Market food stalls (Mbabane Market)
Hearty plates of sishwala, stew and grilled meat with the city's workers.
Places to Visit in Ezulwini Valley
Nature and Outdoors
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Ezulwini Valley)
Walk, cycle or ride among zebra, wildebeest and antelope in the kingdom's first sanctuary. - Mantenga Falls (Mantenga Nature Reserve)
A short forest walk to a waterfall tumbling over granite into a lush gorge. - Execution Rock on Nyonyane (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
A steep hike up the sanctuary's rocky peak for the best view in the valley. - Sheba's Breast (Ezulwini Valley)
The distinctive peak above the valley, a landmark and a challenging climb.
Stays
- Mlilwane Rest Camp (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
Sleep in a traditional beehive hut with warthogs wandering past your door. - Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
A colonial era house in botanical gardens with valley views and a calm, romantic feel. - Sondzela Backpackers (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
A much loved hostel inside the sanctuary with a pool, campfire and wildlife on the lawn. - Mantenga Lodge (Mantenga)
Comfortable rooms in the forest a short walk from the falls and cultural village. - Royal Swazi Spa (Ezulwini)
A classic resort with a golf course, pools, spa and casino in the heart of the valley. - Lugogo Sun (Ezulwini)
A family friendly resort hotel next to the Royal Swazi with easy access to the valley sights.
Restaurants
- Hippo Haunt Restaurant (Mlilwane Rest Camp)
Eat beside the dam while hippos and crocodiles go about their business. - Mantenga Lodge restaurant (Mantenga)
A deck in the forest for a simple lunch after the falls.
Arts and Culture
- Mantenga Cultural Village (Mantenga Nature Reserve)
A recreated 1850s homestead and a thrilling sibhaca dance show. - National Museum of Eswatini (Lobamba)
The story of the Swazi nation told through dress, weapons, photographs and homesteads. - King Sobhuza II Memorial Park (Lobamba)
A memorial to the king who led Eswatini to independence, with a small museum. - Eswatini Parliament (Lobamba)
The striking parliament building at the centre of the royal capital.
Bars and Nightlife
- Royal Swazi Casino (Ezulwini)
The valley's evening hotspot for a flutter, a drink and live entertainment. - Hippo Haunt bar (Mlilwane Rest Camp)
Sundowners by the hippo pool with a crackling fire on cool evenings.
Things to Do
- Royal Swazi golf course (Ezulwini)
A scenic course under the mountains, open to visiting golfers. - Swazi Trails (Mantenga)
The established adventure operator for rafting, caving and cultural tours. - Gilbert Reynolds Memorial Cave (Gobholo, near Mbabane)
Squeeze and crawl through a granite cave system on a guided caving trip. - Great Usutu River rafting (Bulungu Gorge)
Whitewater rafting through a gorge on the kingdom's biggest river. - Mlilwane horse trails (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
Guided rides among zebra and antelope, suitable for beginners. - Mlilwane mountain biking (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary)
Rent a bike and pedal sanctuary tracks past grazing wildlife.
Shopping and Markets
- Ezulwini Craft Market (Ezulwini Valley main road)
Rows of stalls selling baskets, carvings, beadwork and cloth, with friendly bargaining. - The Gables Shopping Centre (Ezulwini)
Supermarket, cafés and banks, the valley's everyday stop for supplies.
Events
- Umhlanga Reed Dance (Ludzidzini, Lobamba)
The great late winter ceremony of song, dance and reeds, one of Africa's most spectacular gatherings. - Incwala ceremony (Ludzidzini, Lobamba)
The sacred kingship ceremony around the summer solstice, with public days of dancing. - Independence Day celebrations (Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba)
Celebrations each 6 September with parades, music and dance.
Places to Visit in Malkerns
Arts and Culture
- House on Fire (Malandela's)
A sculptural arts venue hosting concerts, theatre and film through the year. - House on Fire mosaics and sculpture (Malandela's)
Wander the venue's mosaics, carvings and gardens even when no show is on.
Events
- MTN Bushfire (House on Fire)
One of Africa's best loved music and arts festivals, usually in late May. - House on Fire concerts (Malandela's)
Regular live music and theatre nights in the open air amphitheatre.
Restaurants
- Malandela's Restaurant (Malkerns)
The valley's classic garden restaurant, with a pub and craft shops next door. - Malkerns farm stalls (Malkerns Valley)
Fresh pineapple, litchis and avocados straight from local farms.
Stays
- Malandela's B&B (Malkerns)
Simple, colourful rooms steps from House on Fire and the restaurant.
Shopping and Markets
- Gone Rural (Malandela's)
Grass baskets and homeware woven by rural women, bought straight from the source. - Swazi Candles Craft Centre (Malkerns)
Watch artisans make the famous animal candles, then browse the craft shops. - Baobab Batik (Malkerns)
Hand dyed batik wall hangings and textiles from a long-standing studio. - Mahlanya Market (Mahlanya)
A busy roadside market for fresh produce and crafts at local prices. - Malandela's craft shops (Malandela's)
A cluster of craft and gift shops beside the restaurant.
Bars and Nightlife
- Malandela's Pub (Malkerns)
A friendly pub for a drink before a show at House on Fire.
Things to Do
- Malkerns farm cycling (Malkerns Valley)
Gentle cycling through pineapple and citrus farmland.
Places to Visit in Manzini
Shopping and Markets
- Manzini Market (Manzini town)
The kingdom's biggest market, with crafts upstairs and fresh produce and spices below. - Bhunu Mall (Manzini town)
A central mall for shopping, banks and food courts.
Stays
- George Hotel (Manzini town)
A well known central hotel with a pool and restaurants. - Summerfield Botanical Garden and Resort (Matsapha)
Lush botanical gardens around a lake, with a resort and restaurant.
Events
- Eswatini International Trade Fair (Mavuso Trade Centre)
A big annual show of local business, food, crafts and music, usually around late August.
Arts and Culture
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Manzini town)
Manzini's Catholic cathedral, a landmark in the commercial capital.
Restaurants
- Manzini Market food stalls (Manzini Market)
Cheap, filling local meals and fresh fruit amid the bustle.
Things to Do
- Manzini Wanderers football (Manzini)
Catch a lively local football match and feel the crowd's passion.
Places to Visit in Malolotja Nature Reserve
Nature and Outdoors
- Malolotja Nature Reserve (Hhohho)
Wild highveld hiking among zebra, eland and waterfalls in the kingdom's great wilderness. - Malolotja Falls (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
The highest waterfall in Eswatini, reached on a steep full day hike. - Malolotja multi day trails (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Remote trail camps and long routes for experienced hikers. - Malolotja birding (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Look for blue swallows and southern bald ibis on the high grasslands.
Things to Do
- Malolotja Canopy Tour (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Glide across a forested gorge on cables and platforms with expert guides.
Stays
- Malolotja log cabins (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Self catering cabins with mist, quiet and grassland views. - Hawane Resort (Hawane)
Chalets and a restaurant close to Malolotja and Ngwenya.
Shopping and Markets
- Ngwenya Glass (Ngwenya)
Watch glassblowers turn recycled bottles into animals and tableware, then shop. - Ngwenya Glass Craft Village (Ngwenya)
A cluster of craft shops beside the glass factory.
Cafés
- Ngwenya Glass coffee shop (Ngwenya)
A sunny café overlooking the hills after a visit to the furnaces.
Arts and Culture
- Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine (Malolotja Nature Reserve)
One of the oldest known mines on earth, with an ancient ochre working at Lion Cavern.
Places to Visit in Piggs Peak
Stays
- Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge (Piggs Peak)
A lush ecolodge beside cascading falls in its own nature reserve. - Maguga Lodge (Maguga Dam)
Lakeside chalets and a restaurant overlooking the dam.
Nature and Outdoors
- Phophonyane Falls (Phophonyane Nature Reserve)
Cascades and forest trails in a private reserve north of Piggs Peak. - Maguga Dam (Maguga)
A huge reservoir in the hills with viewpoints and boat trips.
Arts and Culture
- Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter (Nsangwini, near Maguga)
San rock paintings in a cliffside shelter, reached with community guides.
Places to Visit in Hlane Royal National Park
Nature and Outdoors
- Hlane Royal National Park (Lubombo)
White rhino, elephant and lion in the kingdom's largest park. - Mlawula Nature Reserve (Lubombo mountains)
Gorges, river walks and rare plants in the Lubombo mountains. - Mbuluzi Game Reserve (Mlawula)
A private reserve where you can walk and cycle among giraffe and zebra. - Hlane vulture colony (Hlane Royal National Park)
One of the densest nesting colonies of white-backed vultures in the region.
Stays
- Ndlovu Camp (Hlane Royal National Park)
Lamp lit cottages beside a waterhole where rhino come to drink. - Bhubesi Camp (Hlane Royal National Park)
Quiet stone chalets by the river in a remote corner of the park. - Shewula Mountain Camp (Shewula)
A community run camp with village walks and huge views towards Mozambique.
Things to Do
- Hlane lion drive (Hlane Royal National Park)
A guided drive into the lion section, best at dawn or dusk. - Hlane rhino walk (Hlane Royal National Park)
Walk with rangers to see white rhino on foot. - Hlane mountain biking (Hlane Royal National Park)
Guided cycling in the safe section of the park.
Restaurants
- Ndlovu Camp restaurant (Hlane Royal National Park)
Dinner overlooking the waterhole as elephants come to drink.
Events
- Marula Festival (Lubombo region)
The buganu season celebration, when communities share marula brew in late summer.
Arts and Culture
- Siteki town (Siteki)
A small hilltop town on the Lubombo ridge with markets and views over the lowveld.
Places to Visit in Mkhaya Game Reserve
Nature and Outdoors
- Mkhaya Game Reserve (Phuzumoya)
Black and white rhino, sable and buffalo on guided drives.
Stays
- Stone Camp (Mkhaya Game Reserve)
Open fronted stone cottages lit by lamps, deep in the bush.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Ramblas Restaurant (Mbabane town, Mbabane)
A long-loved spot for a relaxed dinner with a varied menu and a cosy atmosphere. - Edladleni Restaurant (Manzana, Mbabane)
Traditional Swazi dishes cooked from family recipes in a hillside setting. - Indingilizi Gallery (Johnson Street, Mbabane)
A small gallery showing contemporary Swazi art, crafts and textiles. - Sibebe Survivor (Sibebe Rock, Mbabane)
An annual charity hike that brings thousands of walkers to the granite dome. - Mozambique Restaurant (Mbabane town, Mbabane)
Portuguese and Mozambican style seafood and peri peri chicken in the capital. - Bulembu Country Lodge (Bulembu, Mbabane)
Stay in a restored mining era building high in the mountains near the border. - Mugg and Bean Mbabane (The Mall, Mbabane)
A reliable stop for coffee and big breakfasts between errands. - Mantenga Craft Centre (Mantenga, Ezulwini Valley)
A cluster of craft shops and a café on the road to the falls. - Calabash Restaurant (Ezulwini, Ezulwini Valley)
A long-standing restaurant known for hearty European cooking. - Lihawu Restaurant (Royal Villas, Ezulwini, Ezulwini Valley)
Afro-fusion cooking in an elegant setting at the Royal Villas. - Cuddle Puddle hot spring (Ezulwini, Ezulwini Valley)
A natural warm spring pool tucked into the valley. - Royal Villas (Ezulwini, Ezulwini Valley)
A quiet, upmarket hotel with gardens, pools and a well regarded restaurant. - Sambane Coffee Shop (Swazi Candles Craft Centre, Malkerns)
Lunch and coffee in a garden setting among the craft shops. - Ngwempisi Gorge (Ngwempisi, Malkerns)
A wild river gorge with remote hiking routes far from the tourist trail. - Nyanza Cottages (Malkerns, Malkerns)
Farm cottages with horse riding and quiet country views. - Legends Backpackers (Malkerns, Malkerns)
A budget lodge close to Mlilwane and the craft studios. - Woza Nawe village homestay (Kaphunga, Manzini)
Stay with a rural family and share daily village life. - Manzini Club (Manzini town, Manzini)
A historic social club with sports, a bar and a slice of local life. - Mahamba Gorge (Nhlangano, Manzini)
A dramatic gorge in the south with hiking and a small lodge. - Mahamba Gorge Lodge (Nhlangano, Manzini)
Stone chalets above a quiet gorge near the southern border. - Mahamba Methodist Church (Mahamba, Manzini)
Among the oldest churches in the country, near the southern border. - Endlotane Studios (Ngwenya, Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Tapestry and art studio in the hills near the border. - Hawane Dam and nature reserve (Hawane, Malolotja Nature Reserve)
Wetlands and a reservoir with good birding near Malolotja. - Simunye Country Club (Simunye, Hlane Royal National Park)
A relaxed club and lodge in the sugar estate town near Hlane. - Nisela Safaris (Nsoko, Hlane Royal National Park)
A lodge and small reserve in the southern lowveld.