By Siphesihle Dlamini
Step into a world of natural beauty and enchanting landscapes as you embark on a journey to Eswatini, a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, Eswatini beckons travellers with its diverse array of beautiful lodges and captivating areas of attraction.
From luxurious resorts framed by majestic peaks to eco-friendly bush retreats overlooking serene riverfronts, Eswatini offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure for every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by nature or an adrenaline-pumping experience in the wild, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting paradise.
Hawane Resort 
Framed by Malolotja’s majestic peaks rests Swaziland’s northern highland Paradise, Hawane Resort. Situated two hours south of Kruger Park, 3.5 hours from Johannesburg and west of Mozambique, the breathtaking beauty of the area and its spectacular views transport visitors into a multi-dimensional experience which offers as much adventure, solitude, adrenaline, or tranquillity as desired.
If the stunning views aren’t enough to keep you entertained, there is a fully equipped games room and toys for indoors and out that will amuse all ages. On-site facilities include the swimming pool, horse riding, archery, Bush Spa, sauna, shop, babysitting services and fully equipped, private conference facilities for up to 78 people.
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The resort also encourages guests to experience their Houseboat on Maguga Dam on an overnight or day basis as well as a premium Malolotja Canopy Tour experience located in the nearby Malolotja National Park.
Listed in Portfolio featured accommodation and rated Highly Recommended by AA Travel, the resort offers specialized Activities found nowhere else in the country! Its renowned restaurant, run by the well-known Ugandan chef, Richard Wangoolo is not only a culinary delight, but also part of the Hawane experience.
Thatched, intertwined wood and a huge central fireplace provide warmth while the step-down glass porch with seating brings in the light. African-fusion cuisine from across the continent graces the menu with a wide selection of vegetarian and spiced dishes to suit all palettes.
Imfihlo Lodge
Imfihlo – “Secret” in siSwati – is a bush retreat overlooking the Mbuluzi River, set amongst a grove of Timbuti trees. Utilising passive “Green” design principles, the lodge disappears into the landscape with an earth berm wall and green roof, planted with indigenous grasses.
Hidden within the landscape as one approaches the river frontage of the lodge is fully glazed with sliding doors opening onto a deck and pool.
A river crossing utilized by Giraffes is situated in front of the lodge. Recycled insulation, solar water heaters, local clay bricks and a timber roof structure have been incorporated into the design.
Accommodation comprises a main bedroom with an external shower, bath, and toilet, a second bedroom with twin beds and an independent bathroom, a guest wing with a queen bed and associated shower room and toilet, a covered outside room, and a living area with kitchen and scullery.
The lodge can sleep eight in 3 bedrooms, including a sleeper couch in the living area. The interiors feature photographs of Swazi tradition and culture, augmented by tasteful furniture and craft.
Imvubu Lodge at Royal Jozini
Luxury and style at its best can be found at Imvubu Lodge. This lakeshore lodge boasts four queen-bedroom suites – each with its lounge area and en suite full bathroom and private deck. There is also a bunk room for four children, interleading from one of the queen rooms, also with its own bathroom and play area.
Reached from a wooden walkway under acacia trees, the main lodge living area leads out onto a covered patio from where you can enjoy the pool and pool bar, the views of the lake and water birds, many game species and perhaps an elephant or two.
There is a boma area with charcoal braai, a rim flow pool and a TV room with a fireplace and the kitchen is a chef’s dream with its French stove. A memorable, luxurious, and lovely place to stay for a time you will never forget!
Kendricks Lodge
Kendricks is a beautiful newly refurbished four-bedroom lodge overlooking 80m of open river frontage on the peaceful Mlawula River. It is the perfect place to enjoy the tranquillity of Mbuluzi Game Reserve with friends and family.
Kendricks can sleep up to eight people in four ensuite bedrooms. All rooms have kingsized beds, luxurious linen, fans, and air-conditioning. All ensuite bathrooms have showers and one of the bathrooms also has an outside shower.
The lodge is fully equipped for self-catering with a large modern, open-plan kitchen, and a lounge with comfortable leather sofas. There is also a flat-screen TV, DSTV and Starlink Wifi that is fast, free, and uncapped meaning you can work from Kendricks Lodge and keep in touch with the outside world, whilst enjoying the 80m of riverfrontage and beautiful
Mbuluzi Game Reserve.
Mbuluzi has 4 Ensuite bedrooms all of which have fans & air-conditioning for the fabulous hot days and nights. Two bedrooms are in the main house and a further two bedrooms are a few meters away over your private bridge.
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Outside, the lodge offers a breathtaking river view for guests to enjoy the flow of the river along with the birds and animals, with an early morning cup of steaming coffee or a glass of cold white wine at sunset! The outside area at Kendricks is expansive with a large entertaining area, fire pit, braai, and a private swimming pool. Lots of space for up to eight people to enjoy quality time together.
Maguga Lodge
Maguga Lodge sits in the heart of the Hhohho Region in Swaziland on the edge of the spectacular Maguga Dam. With stunning accommodations, breathtaking views, and warm welcoming staff, Maguga is the perfect place for a time out to experience Swaziland’s Highveld Magic!
Renowned for its fabulous fishing and breathtaking mountains, the area has much to offer for exploration. The famous and fascinating Ngwenya Glass, Nsangwini Bushman Paintings, Tintsaba Craft and Pigg’s Peak Casino are all within proximity.
Local providers can supply adrenaline junkies with an assortment of thrills from caving and whitewater rafting to quad biking and horse riding.
Beautiful conference and entertainment facilities (with Wi-Fi of course) are perfect for either business or personal entertainment.
Just a short drive from Kruger Park, Mpumalanga and Mozambique, Maguga Lodge is an ideal stop on an itinerary for those wishing to explore the region.
Maguga Lodge has 36 Rooms housed in Rondavel units (2 rooms per Rondavel), accommodating a maximum of 74 Guests. There are also 5 campsites suitable for Tents, not caravans. An additional 2 2-bedroom self-catering Fishermen’s Cottage sleeps 4.
Maguga Lodge is now also offering fascinating hiking trails using guides from the local community to explore some of Swaziland’s most beautiful and interesting destinations, such as Nsangwini Rock Art and Esicancweni.
Malandela’s Guest House
This converted farmhouse allows a limited number of guests to be part of the Malandela’s experience. Offering eight uniquely decorated rooms situated in magnificent indigenous gardens that are just a short walk from the heart of the centre, where you will find a Farmhouse Restaurant and Country Pub (open 7 days a week).
From the restaurant, you can enjoy views of the scenically beautifully Swazi mountains and ponder the sculptural towers rising from the lawn, a creative mingling from renowned performance venue and sculpture gallery House on Fire.
The stone horse carousel is a favourite with kids and young explorers. You can stay connected with our centre-wide Wi-Fi service and browse the best in Swazi handcraft and design in our retail stores. You can enjoy a little dip in the guest pool and then retire to one of the single, double, and family en-suite guest rooms.
Each room is uniquely designed utilizing local artists’ work in a contemporary African style, a fusion of eclectic personality and homely comforts. Many customers comment on the delicious breakfast as well as the friendly service from this creative and family-orientated centre.
Mkhaya Stone Camp
Mkhaya Stone Camp is Eswatini’s Refuge for Endangered Species and as such, close encounters with these and many other species are what makes the Mkhaya experience so special and unique.
The reserve was originally established to conserve the indigenous Nguni cattle but soon became the seedbed of many endangered wildlife species, including Eswatini’s only black rhino, buffalo, sable and tsessebe.
Stone Camp is a comfortable bush camp set along a dry riverbed, flanked by riverine forests alive with colourful birds, nyala, suni and bush babies. Rhino are regular visitors too!
With half walls and a tall thatch roof held up by stone pillars, our unique semi-open units enhance affinity with and awareness of nature. Set menu meals are in keeping with the surroundings, served around the campfire, under the giant sausage tree or in the dining area in wet weather.
All travel within Mkhaya is guided, with pre-booking essential. Mkhaya offers packages from full-day tours (10h00 – 16h00), DBB and Full board, all of which include conservation fees, meals, game drives and accommodation.
Bush Trails are a special offering for small groups who prefer to experience Mkhaya on foot. The Bush Trails are either accommodated in luxury at Stone Camp, or rough it in Jubela’s Camp, but either way, the walks are informative, fun, and rewarding.
