Eswatini —
the kingdom that got deep under our skin
We visited Eswatini — formerly known as Swaziland — in 2018 as part of a wider South Africa trip, and it turned out to be one of the most genuinely moving parts of the entire journey. A night in the capital Mbabane, time spent with a local tribe learning about their way of life and traditions, and a visit to a local primary school that left us with memories we will carry for the rest of our lives. Eswatini is small, landlocked and often overlooked — but it has a warmth, a cultural richness and a beauty that is completely its own. One of those places that reminds you exactly why travel matters.
What Eswatini gave us:
A small kingdom with a very big heart
The visit that moved us most on our entire southern Africa journey.
We crossed into Eswatini from South Africa in 2018 with one night planned in Mbabane and a loose itinerary for the following day. What unfolded over those two days ended up being among the most memorable of our entire African adventure.
Mbabane is a small capital city set in the beautiful Mdimba Mountains — unhurried, friendly and genuinely charming in a way that big cities rarely are. The markets, the local restaurants, the mountain setting and the warmth of the people we met made an immediate impression.
The visit to the local tribe was extraordinary. Learning about traditional Swazi life — the customs, the crafts, the music, the structure of the community — in a setting that felt completely genuine and unhurried was a rare privilege. These are not performances for tourists. This is real life, shared generously with visitors who take the time to come and learn.
But nothing prepared us for the primary school visit. The children were incredible. The joy, the curiosity, the energy, the warmth they showed to two Irish people turning up in their school — it was one of those moments in travel that strips everything back and reminds you what actually matters. We left with full hearts and a perspective on our own lives that we have never quite lost.
Eswatini is small. It is landlocked. It is not on most travel bucket lists. It absolutely should be.
The highlights — what made Eswatini so special
The single most moving experience of our entire southern Africa trip. The children, the welcome, the joy — it is the kind of travel moment that stays with you for life and changes how you see the world.
A genuinely authentic experience — learning about traditional Swazi life, customs, crafts and culture from the people who live it. Not a performance but a real, generous sharing of a way of life.
A small, charming capital in the mountains — relaxed, friendly and full of character. The markets are great, the food is good and the setting in the Mdimba Mountains is genuinely beautiful.
Eswatini's scenery moves from green highland mountains to open savanna lowlands and is beautiful throughout. The views driving through the country are stunning at every turn.
The Swazi people are among the warmest and most welcoming we have encountered anywhere in Africa. The hospitality, the openness and the genuine friendliness made every interaction a pleasure.
Most travellers in southern Africa drive straight past. Eswatini rewards those who stop — with culture, scenery and human connection you simply will not find anywhere else on the route.
Mountains, savanna and the heart of the kingdom
From the misty highlands and open lowlands to the reservoir, the traditional homestead and the sign that welcomed us — Eswatini through our lens.
Watch our Eswatini clips
The landscapes, the culture and the people of this remarkable little kingdom.
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Southern Africa is one of the great travel regions on earth — South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and beyond. A guided tour is a brilliant way to see more of it without the complexity of navigating border crossings, logistics and distances on your own.
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Book Eswatini experiences with GetYourGuide
From cultural village visits and guided Mbabane tours to nature reserves and southern Africa day trips — browse Eswatini activities here:
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Common questions
Eswatini FAQ
What to pack for Eswatini
Eswatini packing essentials — what we'd bring
Eswatini is warm and sunny — lightweight clothing, strong sun protection and insect repellent are the essentials. If you are visiting a local school or community, bringing something small for the children — pencils, notebooks or small treats — is always warmly received.
Handy for navigation across Eswatini and South Africa — keeps you connected on a multi-country road trip without expensive roaming charges.
View on Amazon →Eswatini uses Type M plugs — the same as South Africa. A universal adaptor is essential for keeping all your devices charged throughout the trip.
View on Amazon →Eswatini's landscapes and cultural encounters are endlessly photogenic — keep a power bank charged so your phone never dies at the wrong moment.
View on Amazon →Ideal for village visits — carry water, sun cream, layers for highland evenings and anything else you need without weighing yourself down.
View on Amazon →Stay hydrated in the African heat — particularly on village visits and outdoor days where you'll be active in the sun for long periods.
View on Amazon →Essential for a southern Africa trip — for minor scrapes, blisters and anything that comes up on a long multi-country road trip far from home.
View on Amazon →Essential for Eswatini — malaria is present in the lowveld areas so a good repellent is non-negotiable. Check with your doctor about anti-malarial precautions before travelling.
View on Amazon →The African sun is fierce — a high SPF is essential for any outdoor day in Eswatini. Reapply frequently on highland walks and open savanna days.
View on Amazon →Absolutely essential in the African sun — keeps you comfortable and protected on village visits, outdoor walks and any time you are spending significant hours outdoors.
View on Amazon →Lightweight and respectful for village and community visits — covering up is appreciated in traditional Swazi settings and linen keeps you cool while showing respect.
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Planning your own Eswatini visit?
Don't drive past. Stop, stay a night, spend time with the people and the culture of this extraordinary little kingdom. Eswatini will give you something that no big-ticket destination ever quite manages — genuine human connection and a perspective on the world you won't find anywhere else.
Affiliate disclosure: if you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.