9 Best Things To Do In Eswatini

Are you looking for the best things to do in Eswatini? Read about our visit here.

We did a quick border hop to Eswatini. It just didn’t feel right that I’d visited 50 other countries but not one that was right on my doorstep. My husband had been there a few times, but my children and I hadn’t so we set off from Johannesburg and crossed the border at the Ngwenya border post, 4 hours away.

About Eswatini

Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa. The landlocked kingdom is bordered by Mozambique in the north-east and the rest of it is surrounded by South Africa. Previously known as the Kingdom of Swaziland, the official name of the country was changed to the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2018 to align with the country’s indigenous name and to avoid confusion with Switzerland, which often happened in international settings.

Despite its size, Eswatini has 2 capitals–Mbabane is the administrative capital and Lobamba is the legislative capital.

Our trip

View from our apartment

The road we took via Middelburg and Carolina was good. The main roads in Eswatini are also good tarred roads. However, the roads to attractions in rural areas may be dirt/gravel roads.  

We travelled there on a Tuesday and breezed through the border on the South African side. The Eswatini side took a bit longer as there were more people there. Our passports were stamped on both sides and we had to pay R100 for our vehicle to cross over. Our trunk was checked and then we were in Eswatini. When we returned on Friday, the border was much busier on both sides.

At first glance, Eswatini looked a lot like South Africa, but as we ventured further in, it became more mountainous. We stayed at a three-bedroom apartment just 20 minutes from the border. It was spacious and comfortable and had an amazing view of the mountains covered with forests.

10 minutes after we got there, we were struck by load shedding which was first implemented in Eswatini two weeks prior to our visit. Fortunately, it lasted only 1.5 hours in the evenings and 1 hour in the mornings, not as long as in South Africa.

We spent two days exploring the country during which we visited its major cities, and main attractions.   

9 best things to do in Eswatini

1.Mantenga Cultural Village and Waterfall

Mantenga Cultural Village (See Execution Rock in the background)

Mantenga Cultural Village consists of a living museum where you can tour a traditional homestead, learn about local customs, and watch dance performances from their international troupe. There are two performances a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We got there just after the morning show, but we were in luck as a school group had just arrived, and another show was held for them, so we got to experience it. The final segment was interactive with many audience members participating.

Mantenga Cultural Village Dance

Thereafter, we did a tour of the recreated 19th-century village. It was interesting and we learnt a lot about Swazi culture. The village lies in the shadow of Nyonyane Mountain with its granite peak known as Execution Rock. The rock has a dark history as this is where criminals were executed in the past. After being marched to the summit, they were given a choice: jump with dignity or be forced off with spears.

Mantenga Waterfall

We ended our visit with a drive to the waterfall, where warning signs cautioned us to beware of crocodiles.

2.Ngwenya Glass Factory

Ngwenya Glass Factory

Just a short drive from the Ngwenya border, this eco-friendly glass-blowing factory bills itself as Swaziland’s hottest attraction, and it literally is. We entered through the storefront which sells stunning glass items made in-house. The store leads to an elevated observation deck from where one can watch craftsmen transform recycled glass into exquisite figurines, vases, and tableware using fire.  The factory is set in a landscaped garden, home to many peacocks, and there are other stores on the premises too, including a chocolate shop.

3. Ngwenya Old Mine

Ngwenya Old Mine

Near the glass factory, is the Ngwenya Old Mine, one of the oldest mines in the world, which dates back over 43,000 years.  Early humans extracted minerals from the mine, which were used as red ochre pigment in rock art, cosmetics, and ritual body paint.

The mine is on UNESCO’s Tentative List and may become the country’s first official World Heritage Site. It is now part of a nature reserve and mining is prohibited. Visitors can take guided tours to the mining areas including Lion Cavern, the oldest part of the mine, and learn about the site’s archaeological, cultural, and industrial significance.

4. Swazi Candles

Animal candles at Swazi Candles

This is a workshop in the Malkerns Valley, where skilled artisans craft colourful, decorative candles using centuries-old techniques. Visitors can watch the candle-making process and browse a variety of handmade products, from animal-shaped candles to batik textiles and wood carvings. We saw a wax elephant being made in 5 minutes, which was impressive. The centre is surrounded by other craft outlets. We purchased some soaps and candles, and some Black Mamba sauce, which is made in Eswatini.

5. Summerfield Botanical Gardens

Summerfield Botanical Gardens

This is a lush oasis with manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, and exotic plant collections, where swans glide on the water, and peacocks roam the gardens.

Peacocks at Summerfield Botanical Gardens

Part of an exclusive resort, day visitors are allowed too. We enjoyed sundowners at The Palm Cascades restaurant overlooking the lake.

Sundowners at Palm Cascades

6. House on Fire

House on Fire

A popular festival venue, House on Fire is famous for its eclectic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. From large-scale music festivals (like the annual MTN Bushfire) to intimate performances, this quirky space is a hub for creativity. It also hosts art studios, quirky sculptures, and a restaurant.

House on Fire

7. Malolotja Canopy Tour

The Malolotja Canopy Tour is set deep within Malolotja Nature Reserve, one of Eswatini’s last untouched mountain wilderness areas. It allows you to glide through the forest canopy via a series of elevated platforms, zipline slides, and a 50-metre suspension bridge that crosses the Majolomba River. As you move from platform to platform, you’re treated to dramatic views of towering cliff faces, lush forest canopies, and the rugged peaks of the Malolotja mountains. You can also spot wildlife and rare bird species in their natural habitat.

8. Sibebe Rock and Other Hikes

Sibebe Rock – cc DepostiPhotos

Sibebe Rock, just north of Mbabane, is one of Eswatini’s most iconic natural landmarks and a geological marvel. This immense granite dome is around three billion years old, making it one of the oldest geological features on Earth. It is the world’s largest exposed granite dome and the second-largest monolithic rock after Australia’s Uluru. Hiking trails wind through sculpted boulders, granite slopes, caves, and hidden forest clefts, with panoramic vistas rewarding those who reach the summit. 

Other than Sibebe, Eswatini has an extensive array of other hiking trails, ranging from gentle walks to challenging multi-day treks. Many reserves allow for self-guided hikes, letting visitors explore at their own pace.

9. Wildlife-viewing

Hlane Royal National Park

Wildlife in Eswatini is both abundant and accessible, thanks to the country’s 17 protected areas and diverse habitats.  Some, like Hlane Royal National Park, boast the Big Five. However, we didn’t visit any, as it’s something we do often in South Africa.

Good to know

• Take your passports with you when crossing the border. If you are travelling with your vehicle, you may also be asked to present your car papers, so be sure to take these with you.
• South African passport holders do not need a visa to visit Eswatini.
• The Swazi currency, the lilangeni, is pegged to the South African rand and currency exchange is not necessary as rands are widely accepted, although you may receive change in lilangenis. Prices are similar to South Africa.
• Internet in the country is generally slow. Our MTN mobile connection didn’t work consistently while we were out and about, and the wi-fi at our accommodation was often quite slow too.
• Swazi Plaza in Mbabane is the country’s biggest shopping centre, where you will find many South African franchises. We went there for lunch.

Swazi Plaza

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.