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The Kingdom of Eswatini

Ezulwini Valley

Ezulwini Valley is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the panoramic valley that bears this name certainly offers its share of hedonistic delights. This is where tourism in Swaziland began, and today its attractions include hotels, restaurants, hot springs, casinos, craft markets, art galleries, riding stables, a nature reserve, a golf course and a cultural village. Most visitors pass this way, and those who spend just one night in the kingdom will probably spend it here. Ezulwini Valley lies directly south east of Mbabane, extending from the bottom of the Malagwane Hill to Lobamba, and runs parallel with the MR3 highway from Mbabane to Manzini. It is flanked to the west by the craggy Luphohlo/Lugogo mountains and to the east by the sacred Mdzimba mountains. Its development as a tourist centre dates back to the 1960s, when the Royal Swazi Spa Hotel opened beside some natural hot springs known as the Cuddle Puddle, bringing with it southern Africa’s first casino. By 1983, Ezulwini had become the country’s Golden Mile, with a proliferation of hotels, casinos, golf courses, restaurants and other tourist honey pots.

Times have changed, however, and the Valley – once famed for its colourful nightlife – is now better known for its fine family-friendly hotels, and natural and cultural attractions. And while its lights may be bright by Swati standards, the developments are still dwarfed by their picturesque backdrop. Today visitors can still stay at top-end hotels, or choose from plentiful guesthouses, chalets and backpacker hostels. Eating out options range from the renowned Calabash Restaurant, to international cuisine at the Gables shopping centre, with no shortage of cafés and takeaways for the budget conscious.

The Ezulwini Valley offers a wealth of options for that quintessential Swazi gift. At the Ezulwini Craft Market – Eswatini’s largest, with some 126 different stalls – you will find everything from wooden carvings, plates and beadwork to jewellery, textiles and traditional garments. The Mantenga Craft and Lifestyle Centre nearby offers similar fare, plus an opportunity to nip round the back and watch the artisans in action. For lovers of contemporary art, the Yebo Art Gallery and Design Studio hosts regular exhibitions. Gables provides standard ‘mall shops’.

There is a casino to enjoy at the Happy Valley Hotel, while the larger hotels stage regular live performances, from cabaret nights to fashion shows, and House on Fire at Malandela’s is only 15 minutes’ drive away. Those in search of more active pursuits will find swimming pools and tennis courts at the larger hotels. The jewel in the valley’s sporting crown, however, is undoubtedly the 18-hole, championship-standard golf course at the Royal Swazi, one of the most impressive and scenic in southern Africa. (2022: although the Royal Swazi Spa hotel is currently closed down, the golf course remains open)

Other activities include in the Ezulwini Valley horse riding at Hoofbeat Safaris, with outrides of different lengths across the valley, and quad biking at The Devil’s Cauldron, the site of an old tin mine behind the Royal Swazi. The more limber can also get beneath the surface of Eswatini, literally, with adventure caving – a guided activity that explores a unique cave system underneath the Malagwane Hill. These last two activities, and many more, are the brainchildren of Swazi Trails. They and All Out Africa, are the country’s top adventure tour operators, offering cultural and wildlife excursions as well as adventure activities.

Accommodation in or near Ezulwini Valley
Mogi Boutique Hotel
Ezulwini Valley
Elegant guest house in a stunning setting.
Legends Backpacker Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
Comfortable backpacker accommodation conveniently located in the Ezulwini Valley.
Damicha Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
A luxury guesthouse with self catering facilities located in the Ezulwini Valley.
Home comforts in a rustic cottage environment
Timbali Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
Beautifully presented lodge located in the heart of Ezulwini Valley, with onsite restaurant.
SibaneSami Hotel
Ezulwini Valley
Luxurious and rustic hotel set in the heart of Eswatini, the Ezulwini Valley.
Royal Villas
Ezulwini Valley
Spacious and elegant villas with private lounges, dining rooms and beautiful gardens.
Royal Swazi Spa
Ezulwini Valley
CURRENTLY CLOSED
Mvubu Falls Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
Secluded peaceful lodge, yet only minutes from tourism hub Ezulwini Valley.
Mantenga Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
Relaxing accommodation at the foot of Sheba's Breasts with beautiful views.
Lugogo Sun Hotel
Ezulwini Valley
CURRENTLY CLOSED
Lidwala Lodge
Ezulwini Valley
Safari tents & camping spots in rustic and wild surroundings.
Happy Valley Hotel & Casino
Ezulwini Valley
Luxury hotel in the centre of Ezwulini Valley
Buhleni Farm Chalets
Ezulwini Valley
Rustic wooden chalets right by the Ezulwini Valley.
Modernised Guesthouse in Manzini with 34 rooms
Mbabane Lodge with delightful view of Nkoyoyo Mountains
Delightful guesthouse conveniently close to the capital city of Mbabane
Modern boutique hotel in the culture town of Lobamba
Self catering apartments conveniently located in Mbabane.
Brand new state of the art hotel in the heart of Mbabane perfect for leisure and business travellers.
B&B lodge in a picturesque natural setting with delightful gardens.
Small and intimate lodge set on Malagwane Hill with stunning surrounding views.
Sibebe Resort
Mbabane
Traditional African chalets set high upon the hills of Mbabane close to Sibebe Rock.
Willows Lodge
Malkerns
Comfortable chalet accommodation in the rural malkerns farming area.
Luxurious and unique accommodation set amongst indigenous forests and gardens.
Luxurious cottages with self catering facilities surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Comforting accommodation with self catering facilities or onsite restaurant.
The Place
Mbabane
Small guesthouse with all the amenities and facilities of home right by the capital.
Large hotel in the busy town of Manzini with conference facilities available.
Summerfield Resort
Summerfield Botanical Garden
Luxury 5 star hotel and resort in the pure bliss and elegant Summerfield Botanical Gardens.
Sondzela Backpackers
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Well presented and scenic backpacker accommodation with camping ground.
Modern and peaceful lodge with stunning views across the Pine Valley.
Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Luxurious and reclusive lodge set on the hills of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Beautifully presented chalets set in lush gardens of the Malkerns Valley.
Peaceful cottage accommodation with it's own farmyard and riding school.
Experience traditional Swazi accommodation in a local homestead.
Beautifully presented hotel with unbeatable views of Ezulwini Valley.
Mlilwane Rest Camp
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Traditional beehive huts, cottages & rondavels with rustic features set in the charming Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mlilwane Campsite
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Campsite overlooking Mhlambanyatsi River under a mature Eucalyptus forest canopy.
Manzini Lodge
Manzini
Accommodation conveniently located in the busy town of Manzini
Stunning converted farmhouse in the thriving Malandela's Complex.
Conveniently located guesthouse perfect for tourists and business travellers
Foresters Arms Hotel
Mhlambanyatsi
Country rustic hotel set high in the mountains with beautiful food
Esibayeni Lodge
Matsapha
Various accommodation types set amongst lush gardens.
Luxury Guest House with breathtaking views
Pleasent guest house close to the capital city
Esquisite guest house set in a beautiful garden.
Guest House with a fantastic view of Mbabane
Brookside Lodge
Malkerns
Tranquil lodge set amongst extensive and beautiful gardens in Malkerns.
Gibela Getaway
Manzini
Tranquil & Scenic setting only 10km from the busy town of Manzini.
Popular & Comfortable Guest House
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A wild reserve waiting to be discovered with a great biodiversity on offer.
Privately owned reserve with plentiful giraffe offering walking and cycling tours
A wild and beautiful landscape, with rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in Eswatini.
This project is made up of 4 of Eswatini's nature reserves teeming with flora and fauna.
Eswatini's largest protected park with 4 of the Big 5.
Popular tourist spot and home to a cluster of handicraft outlets.
A National Conservancy holding swaziland's largest collection of plants.
A western suburb of Manzini and the country's primary industrial area.
Eswatini's second biggest city with a busy market and amenities.
A fertile valley with a number of craft outlets and tourist hotspots
A tourist hotspot comprising of live music, arts & crafts and home to the Bushfire Festival.
A town set among the Usuthu forestry plantations with beautiful scenery.
One of southern Africa's most impressive geological features.
One of Eswatini's highest peaks with a notorious history.
Best known nature reserve and Eswatini's birthplace of conservation.
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Unspoilt woodlands with a traditional cultural village experience
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Ezulwini Valley