Swaziland-6-day-itinerary

6-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Swaziland

Day 1: Arrival in Mbabane and Exploration of the Capital City

  • Places to Go: Mbabane Market, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
  • Activities:
    • Explore the vibrant markets and try some local cuisine at Mbabane Market
    • Visit the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, a beautiful park with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • Things to Know:
    • Visa requirements: Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival or in advance through the Swazi Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Check with the Department of Home Affairs for specific requirements.
    • Language: The official language is SiSwati, but English and Afrikaans are widely spoken
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from the airport to your accommodation in Mbabane (approximately 30-40 minutes)
  • Tips:
    • Be mindful of cultural norms and traditions when visiting local markets and attractions
    • Try some local cuisine, such as umngqusho (staple dish made from cornmeal porridge)

Day 2: Ezulwini Valley and Cultural Experiences

  • Places to Go: Ezulwini Valley, Swazi Candles, House of Fungsi
  • Activities:
    • Visit the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, known for its stunning scenery and unique rock formations
    • Explore the craft shop at Swazi Candles, where artisans create handmade candles using traditional techniques
    • Learn about the history and culture of Swaziland at the House of Fungsi, a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits on traditional life in Swaziland
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting cultural sites and interacting with locals
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, as the climate can be unpredictable
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from Mbabane to Ezulwini Valley (approximately 45-60 minutes)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local handicrafts and souvenirs at Swazi Candles or other craft shops in the area

Day 3: Hlane Royal National Park

  • Places to Go: Hlane Royal National Park, Game Drive
  • Activities:
    • Visit the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves and home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinoceroses
    • Take a guided game drive to spot some of these incredible animals in their natural habitats
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for early morning wake-up calls and early starts on game drives
    • Respect local wildlife and follow guidelines from guides and park rangers to minimize disturbance
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from Ezulwini Valley to Hlane Royal National Park (approximately 1 hour)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious game meat at the lodge’s restaurant after your game drive

Day 4: Ngwenya Lodge and Local Village Visit

  • Places to Go: Ngwenya Lodge, local village
  • Activities:
    • Relax in style at Ngwenya Lodge, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a unique rock-based design
    • Take a guided tour to visit a nearby local village, where you can learn about traditional life in Swaziland and interact with locals
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions and dress accordingly
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the village and interacting with locals
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from Hlane Royal National Park to Ngwenya Lodge (approximately 1 hour)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious local cuisine at the lodge’s restaurant

Day 5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Cultural Experiences

  • Places to Go: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swazi Candles
  • Activities:
    • Visit the beautiful Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and antelopes
    • Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Swaziland at the sanctuary’s cultural center
    • Explore the craft shop at Swazi Candles, where artisans create handmade candles using traditional techniques
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions and dress accordingly
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the sanctuary and interacting with locals
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from Ngwenya Lodge to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (approximately 1 hour)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the delicious local cuisine at the sanctuary’s restaurant

Day 6: Departure and Return to Mbabane

  • Places to Go: Mbabane Market, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park (optional)
  • Activities:
    • Visit the vibrant markets and try some local cuisine at Mbabane Market
    • Visit the beautiful King Sobhuza II Memorial Park for a final stroll around the capital city
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions and dress accordingly
    • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting the market and interacting with locals
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or Uber from Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary back to the airport (approximately 1 hour)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t forget to take some souvenirs from Swazi Candles or other craft shops in the area before departing