# Best 3 Day Eswatini Tour – 2025

Early departure from Johannesburg. Arrive in the afternoon at Hlane Royal Game Reserve, settle into your accommodation, and prepare for an evening sunset safari (own account). Witness majestic lions, elephants, rhinos, and more under the setting sun. Spend the night surrounded by the sounds of the reserve for an authentic African experience

Day 2: Exploring Eswatini’s Culture and Nature

1. Morning: Depart for Manzini & City Tour

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
• Leave for Manzini: After breakfast, depart for Manzini, Eswatini's commercial hub. The city is known for its vibrant local life and bustling streets.
• Manzini City Tour: On arrival in Manzini, the drive will take you through the heart of the city, allowing you to explore local landmarks, learn about the area’s history, and get a feel for daily life. You may pass through bustling streets, visit shops, and see how the locals live and work.

2. Mid-Morning: Visit the Local Market in Manzini

• After the city tour, head to the local market in Manzini, one of the best places to experience the Swazi way of life. The market is full of local produce, crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. You can shop for traditional Swazi items such as handcrafted baskets, wooden carvings, and locally-made jewelry, while also observing the vibrant energy of the market.

3. 11:00 AM: Swazi Dance Program at Mantenga Cultural Village

• Swazi Dance Program: Head to the Mantenga Cultural Village for the 11:00 AM Swazi Dance program, a cultural performance that showcases traditional Swazi dance, music, and drumming. It’s an energetic and engaging experience that allows you to witness the art of storytelling through rhythm and movement.
• Explore Mantenga Cultural Village: After the dance performance, take time to explore the Mantenga Cultural Village, where you can interact with locals, learn about traditional customs, and visit typical Swazi homesteads. The village provides a fantastic introduction to the customs, rituals, and traditions of the Swazi people.
• Mantenga Waterfall: Take a short walk from the cultural village to the Mantenga Waterfall, where you can enjoy a tranquil setting in the heart of nature. The waterfall is an excellent spot for photos and a peaceful break amidst the beautiful scenery.

4. Lunch: Enjoy a Meal at Mantenga Lodge

• After your cultural immersion, head to Mantenga Lodge for lunch. The lodge offers a variety of local and international dishes, and you can relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the area.

5. Afternoon: Visit the Candle Factory in Malkerns

• After lunch, make your way to Malkerns to visit the Candle Factory. The factory produces a variety of hand-crafted candles, which you can watch being made. These candles are often inspired by local designs and are a great souvenir to take home. Take some time to explore the products and pick out something special.

6. Late Afternoon: Overnight at Mlilwane Game Reserve

• After your visit to the candle factory, head to Mlilwane Game Reserve for your overnight stay. Mlilwane is one of Eswatini's most beautiful game reserves, offering a peaceful retreat in nature. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a relaxing evening walk or enjoy a sundowner while soaking in the views of the reserve.

7. Evening: Relax and Enjoy the Game Reserve

• Settle into your accommodation at Mlilwane Game Reserve. Depending on your accommodation choice, you can enjoy a dinner at the lodge or a bush dinner under the stars. Relax and enjoy the tranquil setting of the reserve as you prepare for the next day's adventure.

Additional Tips:

• Comfortable Shoes and Clothes: Wear comfortable shoes for the city tour, Mantenga Cultural Village, and waterfall visit.
• Camera: Bring your camera to capture the cultural performances, stunning landscapes, and unique artifacts.
• Water: Stay hydrated, especially if you're out exploring under the sun.
• Local Currency: Ensure you have some Emalangeni (SZL) for small purchases, especially at the market and the candle factory.

This itinerary will provide you with a fantastic mix of culture, nature, and local experiences, creating a well-rounded day of exploration in Eswatini.

Adventure, Culture, and Cross-Border Journey to South Africa
1. Morning: Activities at Mlilwane Game Reserve
Early Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mlilwane Game Reserve.
Morning Activities: Before you leave, take advantage of the wide range of activities Mlilwane offers. You can choose from: Horse Riding: Enjoy a peaceful ride through the reserve, exploring the diverse landscapes and getting a closer view of the wildlife.
Bushwalk: Join a guided bushwalk for a chance to spot local wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna of Eswatini.
Game Drive: If you prefer a vehicle-based safari, enjoy a game drive to spot wildlife like zebras, impalas, and various bird species.
Cycling: Alternatively, take a cycling tour through the reserve for an active way to explore the surroundings.
After finishing your chosen activity, return to the lodge, check out, and prepare to leave at 10:00 AM.

2. Late Morning: Drive to Ezulwini Valley & Visit Lobamba
Depart for Ezulwini: Leave Mlilwane Game Reserve and drive to Ezulwini. This valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, surrounded by mountains and rich in cultural history.
Eswatini Parliament (Lobamba): As you continue your journey, you’ll pass by the Eswatini Parliament in Lobamba, Eswatini’s royal and political center. While the Parliament building is not always open to tourists, you can still stop and take a few photos of this historic site.

3. Midday: City Tour of Mbabane (Capital)
City Tour of Mbabane: Proceed to Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini. Your city tour will explore the main attractions and local life in the capital. You will see the combination of modern buildings and traditional Swazi influences, as well as the city’s markets, art galleries, and bustling streets.

4. Afternoon: Visit Ngwenya Glass Factory
Visit Ngwenya Glass Factory: Continue to Ngwenya for a visit to the Glass Factory, which is known for producing beautifully crafted glassware using traditional techniques. Take a guided tour of the factory to see the glassblowers in action and explore a variety of colorful glass products that are sold at the factory’s shop. This is an excellent opportunity to buy unique handmade glass items as souvenirs.

5. Cross the Border into South Africa
Crossing the Border: After your visit to the Glass Factory, continue your journey towards the South African border. The crossing process may take some time, so make sure to have your passport and necessary travel documents ready. Once you’ve crossed into South Africa, the landscapes will change as you head towards Johannesburg.

6. Evening: Arrive in Johannesburg
Arrive in Johannesburg: After a scenic drive, you will arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a few hours to relax at your hotel or take a quick evening stroll around the area.
Hotel Check-In: Check into your hotel in Johannesburg and settle in for the night. After your journey, you can unwind, enjoy dinner at the hotel, or take it easy in preparation for your next day in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.

Additional Tips:
Border Crossing: Have your passport and any required visas ready for the border crossing from Eswatini to South Africa.
Comfortable Travel Clothing: Dress comfortably for the road trip and activities.
Snacks and Water: Keep snacks and water on hand, especially during the long drive and border crossing.
This day is filled with cultural exploration, scenic views, and a smooth transition into South Africa, making it a memorable end to your time in Eswatini before heading to Johannesburg.