Eswatini
Destinations > Destination Detail
Eswatini
Despite being the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) more than makes up for its size with a diverse range of attractions and activities. Eswatini covers an area of 17,364 square kilometres and is Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III. The tiny country with a big heart and its warm, friendly people are still celebrating unique and ancient traditions such as dancing, singing, and praise singing.
Eswatini is a nature lover’s paradise, offering breathtaking scenery, wild roaming animals in protected nature reserves, and a large variety of birdlife. Eswatini encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems. You will find everything from towering mountains to low-lying savannahs, unique tangled rainforests and lush river valleys to explore. Highlighting this laid-back land include the beautiful “Valley of Heaven”, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley, Hlane Royal National Park (famed for its white rhinos, antelopes, and lions), Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mkhaya Game Reserve.
Visitors can enjoy excellent wildlife watching, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails that traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes. For more adventurous travellers, Eswatini also offers white-water rafting along the country’s largest river. You can spend a full/half day in the wild gorges, navigating rapids, waterfalls, and even the occasional crocodile. This activity has been developed by Swazi Trails, who have put Eswatini on the map as an adventure destination and offer numerous other ways to experience the wonders of nature.
Eswatini offers many scenic drives. Heading north of Mbabane, the road to Luve known as Pine Valley features a series of waterfalls on the Black Umbeluzi River and the granite heights of “Bald Rock.” The drive to Piggs Peak, in the north, is one of the most scenic routes in the country. To the west of the road lies the Malolotja National Park, where you can view the highest waterfall in Eswatini, Malolotja Falls, after a short walk. Eswatini is also home to many internationally renowned hotels and some thermal springs where visitors can relax and unwind, most of which are at Ezulwini. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful and memorable time in the kingdom, and one visit will not be enough to discover all its treasures and interesting spots.
Climate
May to September – dry winter months: Wildlife viewing is the best during the dry season. At this time the bush thins out and the animals congregate around predictable water sources. The temperatures during the day are mild and the humidity is low.
October to April – summer rainy months: These months can become hot and humid. The scenery is green and fresh and the wildlife viewing is still good. Many baby animals are born during this time and the bird watching is excellent.
33°C
Climate
May to September – dry winter months: Wildlife viewing is the best during the dry season. At this time the bush thins out and the animals congregate around predictable water sources. The temperatures during the day are mild and the humidity is low.
October to April – rainy summer months: During those months it tends to be very hot and humid. The scenery is green and fresh and the wildlife viewing is still good. Many baby animals are born during this time and the bird watching is excellent.