48 hours: things to do in The Kingdom of eSwatini<\/h2>\n![\"Swaziland](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-6.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nExploring Swaziland is easier than you think. Adventure awaits just a four-hour drive away. From Johannesburg, the easiest place to enter is the Ngwenya border, on the eastern side of one of the smallest countries in Africa. The Kingdom of eSwatini is also one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies with King Mswati III currently on the throne.<\/p>\n
Despite its size, Swaziland is brimming with wildlife, amazing scenery and an awesome adventure. Here’s how to plan a weekend away from Gauteng that won’t break the bank.<\/p>\n
Leave on Friday<\/h2>\n
Book a car with Travelstart<\/a>\u00a0or hop into your own ride and set off east from Johannesburg. There are also some great flight deals if the four-hour journey\u00a0doesn’t appeal to you.<\/p>\nHere are cheap flights to Swaziland<\/a>\u00a0and the main airport in\u00a0Manzini<\/a>.<\/p>\nSleep with the warthogs<\/h3>\n![\"Swaziland](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-1-2.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLying close to two of the main cities of Swaziland, Mbabane and Manzini, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a> is your destination for the first night. It’s a\u00a0popular tourist attraction, the first protected area created in Swaziland under the guidance of iconic conservation figure\u00a0Ted Reilly<\/a>, and draws in loads of day visitors. Here you’ll find a rare environment where visitors can experience nature up close by walking or cycling alongside some pretty tolerant wildlife. There’s also horse riding available too.<\/p>\nThe sanctuary covers 4600 hectares and encompasses a surprising amount of diversity and wildlife. Zebra, wildebeest, impala, warthogs and more walk the plains of this wonderful conservation area.\u00a0A high annual rainfall also means there are plenty of charming streams and waterways too.<\/p>\n![\"Swaziland](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-1.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere’s a good variety of affordable accommodation options, but we recommend you enjoy a night the Swazi way and stay in the budget-friendly, traditional Swazi-style beehive units.\u00a0 You’ll find warthogs around the evening fire on your way to dinner at the Hippo Haunt restaurant and it’s most wonderful to while away an evening beside them. The ‘beehives’ (so-called for their traditional grass dome construction) have a low door and no windows providing for a deep night’s sleep.<\/p>\n
Fly across the skies on Saturday<\/h2>\n
Once energised with a dose a nature from Mlilwane, it’s time to set your sights on the skies.<\/p>\n![\"eSwatini\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-3.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFirst though (easy tiger!), make a stop at the renowned Ngwenya Glass<\/a> factory on the way. Here,\u00a0recycled glass is turned into magnificent works of art and the open factory is absolutely mesmerising. Visitors can watch as the glass-workers fire up and mould the glass into dolphins, lions, vases and extraordinary drinking glasses. There\u2019s also a reasonably-priced cafe (milkshakes are a must) and other fabulous local Swazi design stores to browse.<\/p>\n![\"Swaziland](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-2.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFrom here, it’s an easy hour drive to the\u00a0Malolotja Nature Reserve. This national Swazi park bordering Mpumalanga in South Africa boasts high meandering hills (among the oldest in the world at 3.6 billion years) and magnificent hiking trails (over 200km of them). The easiest way to explore though? The treetop Malolotja Canopy Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\nOne of the most epic ziplines you can do, this canopy tour crosses the Majolomba River, passing wild banana plants and sometimes baboons hanging out in the gorge too. There are 11 platforms, 10 slides and a gut-wrenching 50-metre-long suspension bridge to walk over. The views though, are all totally worth it.<\/p>\n![\"Malolotja](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-4.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFrom the Malolotja Nature Reserve, opt for the\u00a0scenic tarred route past Maguga Dam and aim for Pigg’s Peak. The pretty dam is Swaziland\u2019s largest reservoir and the long wall, which you drive across, stands 115m high and is the fourth largest in southern Africa. It’s an easy and spectacular drive. At the end of the route, you’ll find<\/span>\u00a0well-deserved rest after the morning’s adrenaline spike at a sanctuary called Phophonyane Falls Eco Lodge<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Phophonyane](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-7.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis perfectly peaceful oasis is\u00a0perched beside a waterfall in the natural forest and offers many breath-taking views. There are over\u00a0240 bird species to discover across the property. Look for some of them on a sedate stroll to the stream for a golden-hour sundowner or enjoy some local brew, Sibebe beer, back at the restaurant deck.<\/span><\/p>\nTake the slow road home on Sunday<\/h2>\n
You won’t want to leave, but sadly Monday (and probably work) beckons. Draw out the day on Sunday as long as you can.<\/p>\n
If you are driving back instead of flying directly home, take note. Even though the GPS will tell you the shortest route back to South Africa is via Bulembu border, the road is hazardous. Rather opt for the Jeppe’s Reef border and the route home will take you via Malelane.\u00a0The upside of this is that you can always dip into the Kruger National Park<\/a> for a quick game drive on your way home.\u00a0Time-permitting, you can get up to Afsaal picnic site via the scenic Matjulu Loop on the S110 and S120 roads. Pack bacon and eggs to fire up a skottel\u00a0breakfast. You can rent one for R25 for half an hour at the picnic site.<\/p>\nAlso read:<\/strong> Your ultimate guide to accommodation in Kruger<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Swaziland-Budget-Weekend-Melanie-van-Zyl-1-3.jpg\")
Photo credit: @MelanieJanevz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe N4 is the easiest route back to Gauteng and the\u00a0best lunch spot has to be Milly’s<\/a>, just\u00a0before you\u00a0reach the turnoff to Dullstroom. Try any of the trout specialities such as the delicious smoked trout pie.<\/p>\nJust like that, you’ve explored Swaziland in one easy weekend away.<\/p>\n
Book cheap flights to Swaziland<\/a>\u00a0and Manzini<\/a> now and see the magical Kingdom of eSwatini for yourself.<\/h3>\nHave you visited The Kingdom of eSwatini recently? Tell us some of your favourite spots in the comments section below!<\/p>\n
*Disclaimer!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Exploring Swaziland is easier than you think. Adventure awaits just a four-hour drive away. From Johannesburg, the easiest place to enter is the Ngwenya border, on the eastern side of one of the smallest countries in Africa. The Kingdom of eSwatini is also one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies with King Mswati III currently on the throne.<\/p>\n
Despite its size, Swaziland is brimming with wildlife, amazing scenery and an awesome adventure. Here’s how to plan a weekend away from Gauteng that won’t break the bank.<\/p>\n
Leave on Friday<\/h2>\n
Book a car with Travelstart<\/a>\u00a0or hop into your own ride and set off east from Johannesburg. There are also some great flight deals if the four-hour journey\u00a0doesn’t appeal to you.<\/p>\n Here are cheap flights to Swaziland<\/a>\u00a0and the main airport in\u00a0Manzini<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lying close to two of the main cities of Swaziland, Mbabane and Manzini, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary<\/a> is your destination for the first night. It’s a\u00a0popular tourist attraction, the first protected area created in Swaziland under the guidance of iconic conservation figure\u00a0Ted Reilly<\/a>, and draws in loads of day visitors. Here you’ll find a rare environment where visitors can experience nature up close by walking or cycling alongside some pretty tolerant wildlife. There’s also horse riding available too.<\/p>\n The sanctuary covers 4600 hectares and encompasses a surprising amount of diversity and wildlife. Zebra, wildebeest, impala, warthogs and more walk the plains of this wonderful conservation area.\u00a0A high annual rainfall also means there are plenty of charming streams and waterways too.<\/p>\n There’s a good variety of affordable accommodation options, but we recommend you enjoy a night the Swazi way and stay in the budget-friendly, traditional Swazi-style beehive units.\u00a0 You’ll find warthogs around the evening fire on your way to dinner at the Hippo Haunt restaurant and it’s most wonderful to while away an evening beside them. The ‘beehives’ (so-called for their traditional grass dome construction) have a low door and no windows providing for a deep night’s sleep.<\/p>\n Once energised with a dose a nature from Mlilwane, it’s time to set your sights on the skies.<\/p>\n First though (easy tiger!), make a stop at the renowned Ngwenya Glass<\/a> factory on the way. Here,\u00a0recycled glass is turned into magnificent works of art and the open factory is absolutely mesmerising. Visitors can watch as the glass-workers fire up and mould the glass into dolphins, lions, vases and extraordinary drinking glasses. There\u2019s also a reasonably-priced cafe (milkshakes are a must) and other fabulous local Swazi design stores to browse.<\/p>\n From here, it’s an easy hour drive to the\u00a0Malolotja Nature Reserve. This national Swazi park bordering Mpumalanga in South Africa boasts high meandering hills (among the oldest in the world at 3.6 billion years) and magnificent hiking trails (over 200km of them). The easiest way to explore though? The treetop Malolotja Canopy Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of the most epic ziplines you can do, this canopy tour crosses the Majolomba River, passing wild banana plants and sometimes baboons hanging out in the gorge too. There are 11 platforms, 10 slides and a gut-wrenching 50-metre-long suspension bridge to walk over. The views though, are all totally worth it.<\/p>\n From the Malolotja Nature Reserve, opt for the\u00a0scenic tarred route past Maguga Dam and aim for Pigg’s Peak. The pretty dam is Swaziland\u2019s largest reservoir and the long wall, which you drive across, stands 115m high and is the fourth largest in southern Africa. It’s an easy and spectacular drive. At the end of the route, you’ll find<\/span>\u00a0well-deserved rest after the morning’s adrenaline spike at a sanctuary called Phophonyane Falls Eco Lodge<\/a>.<\/p>\n This perfectly peaceful oasis is\u00a0perched beside a waterfall in the natural forest and offers many breath-taking views. There are over\u00a0240 bird species to discover across the property. Look for some of them on a sedate stroll to the stream for a golden-hour sundowner or enjoy some local brew, Sibebe beer, back at the restaurant deck.<\/span><\/p>\n You won’t want to leave, but sadly Monday (and probably work) beckons. Draw out the day on Sunday as long as you can.<\/p>\n If you are driving back instead of flying directly home, take note. Even though the GPS will tell you the shortest route back to South Africa is via Bulembu border, the road is hazardous. Rather opt for the Jeppe’s Reef border and the route home will take you via Malelane.\u00a0The upside of this is that you can always dip into the Kruger National Park<\/a> for a quick game drive on your way home.\u00a0Time-permitting, you can get up to Afsaal picnic site via the scenic Matjulu Loop on the S110 and S120 roads. Pack bacon and eggs to fire up a skottel\u00a0breakfast. You can rent one for R25 for half an hour at the picnic site.<\/p>\n Also read:<\/strong> Your ultimate guide to accommodation in Kruger<\/a><\/p>\n The N4 is the easiest route back to Gauteng and the\u00a0best lunch spot has to be Milly’s<\/a>, just\u00a0before you\u00a0reach the turnoff to Dullstroom. Try any of the trout specialities such as the delicious smoked trout pie.<\/p>\n Just like that, you’ve explored Swaziland in one easy weekend away.<\/p>\n Have you visited The Kingdom of eSwatini recently? Tell us some of your favourite spots in the comments section below!<\/p>\n *Disclaimer!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Sleep with the warthogs<\/h3>\n
Fly across the skies on Saturday<\/h2>\n
Take the slow road home on Sunday<\/h2>\n
Book cheap flights to Swaziland<\/a>\u00a0and Manzini<\/a> now and see the magical Kingdom of eSwatini for yourself.<\/h3>\n