Things To Do
in Eswatini
Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a landlocked monarchy bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Its landscapes span cool highveld plateaus, dense forests, and sun-kissed lowveld where wildlife roams, creating a dramatic contrast across short distances. The country is renowned for its rich Swazi culture, traditional ceremonies, and royal heritage concentrated in Lobamba and Mbabane.
Visitors can experience intimate wildlife encounters, vibrant markets, and memorable cultural performances in a welcoming, relatively compact destination.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at King Mswati III International Airport and travel to Mbabane. After settling in your accommodation, enjoy a traditional breakfast of putu and amasi. Take some time to refresh before heading out to explore the city.
Visit the Swazi Market in Mbabane, where you can shop for local crafts and beautifully woven baskets. Engage with friendly vendors who are eager to showcase their handmade goods. Sample some local street food for an authentic taste of Swazi cuisine.
Dine at a local restaurant, savoring dishes prepared with spices unique to Eswatini. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and live music that often accompanies the meal. After dinner, take a stroll around the town and experience the vibrant nightlife.
Head to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for a morning filled with wildlife viewing. Go on a guided walking safari to see antelope, zebra, and various bird species. The fresh morning air and sounds of nature will invigorate your spirit.
In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst stunning landscapes, taking in the beauty of the sanctuary. Afterward, rent a bicycle to explore the extensive network of trails. The experience allows for close encounters with wildlife while enjoying the lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, return to your accommodation within the sanctuary. Enjoy a relaxed dinner under starlit skies, where the sounds of crickets and the distant roar of lions create a magical ambiance. Reflect on the day's adventures around a cozy bonfire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🥛Loaf of bread / liter of milk | $1-2 |
| 🚌Public transportation (local ride) | $0.50-2 |
| 🍺Beer at bar | $2-4 |
| 🏨Hotel per night (midrange) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Swazi culture and welcoming people
- Close to nature with well-managed wildlife reserves
- Compact country with diverse landscapes within driving distance
- Strong assortment of markets, crafts, and traditional performances
- Limited nightlife compared to some neighbors
- Rural transport can be slower and less frequent
- Some areas have limited healthcare facilities; plan for private care or travel to major hubs
- Seasonal malaria risk in low-lying areas; consult a travel clinic
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Unjani?" - How are you?
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Yebo" - Yes
- "Cha" - No
- "Hamba kahle" - Go well / Goodbye
Places to Visit in Eswatini
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic granite dome offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding plains and escarpments; sunrise and golden-hour photography are superb.
Waterfront and savanna scenes with wildlife silhouettes; a relaxed setting for close-up and landscape shots.
Tiered waterfalls and the Mantenga Cultural Village provide lush backdrops for portraits and nature photography.
Colorful glasswork and workshop interiors; great for candid shots of artisans at work and showroom windows.
Highland vistas and rugged escarpments ideal for panoramic landscape photography during clear days.
Food in Eswatini
Eswatini Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting, slow-braised beef stew served with mielie pap (maize meal porridge) – a classic Swazi-meets-African combination.
Must-Try!
Leafy greens (often spinach or similar greens) cooked with peanut sauce and sometimes mixed with beans or maize; a staple, nutritious side dish.
Fermented cow’s milk (emas i) typically enjoyed with maize meal; a refreshing and traditional accompaniment.
Skewered and grilled meat (often lamb or beef) marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, a popular street-food favorite.
A hearty green-leaf dish prepared with maize meal on the side; common in rural homes and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling urban market offering fresh produce, spices, ready-to-eat snacks, and crafts; ideal for tasting local flavors and picking up souvenirs.
Large market with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and street foods; friendly vendors and a lively atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to Swazi royal heritage and elders; greetings and polite conversation are important in all interactions.
Dress modestly in rural areas; lightweight, breathable clothing in towns is fine, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting cultural sites or villages.
A warm hello (greeting) goes a long way. Use siSwati greetings when possible and be mindful of personal space in crowded markets.
Safety
Tipping in Eswatini
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically expect 10–15% if service is not included. Small tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are appreciated but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in towns and lodges; ATMs are common in Mbabane and Manzini. Carry some cash for rural markets and smaller eateries where cards may not be accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Lowveld; carry sun protection and a light rain jacket. Wildlife viewing is good early and late in the day; rivers and waterfalls are at their most dramatic after rain.
Cool to mild days with chilly evenings in the highlands; layers are essential. Dry conditions in many areas make road travel easier, but some rural routes can be rough after rain elsewhere.
Pleasant temperatures with the landscape coming to life; great for hiking and photography as flora blooms. Rain is possible late in the season, so keep a light rain layer handy.
Transition period with warm days and occasional rains; good for wildlife and cultural events. Humidity is manageable; pack a light layer for evenings.
Eswatini at Night
Hiking in Eswatini
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding hike to the base or viewpoints of the Sibebe granite dome, offering dramatic panoramas and challenging terrain.
Gentle to moderate trails that wind through savannah, woodland, and wetlands with wildlife sightings.
Highland trails with rugged landscapes, suitable for experienced hikers seeking expansive views.
Airports
How to reach Eswatini by plane.
Eswatini’s primary international gateway located near Matsapha; serves international and domestic flights and connects travelers to major Southern Africa hubs.
Johannesburg, South Africa – a major international hub providing frequent connections to Eswatini and regional airports; commonly used as a gateway to Eswatini.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group, with strong cultural traditions and a visible royal heritage.
Smaller but established communities contributing to commerce and culinary diversity.
Tourists and neighboring-country residents who contribute to a multicultural atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and national team matches attract considerable attention.
Well-supported, with regional and national level play and events worth catching when available.
Various track and field events and cultural games feature during festivals and school events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in towns and lodges; ask for leafy greens, legumes, maize-based dishes, and peanut sauces. If possible, request separate vegetable dishes to avoid meat-based stock, and confirm no animal fats are used in sauces.
Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (maize-based) but confirm with kitchen about cross-contamination and sauce thickeners.
Dairy is common in beverages and sauces; request dairy-free options or substitutions where needed.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Eswatini.