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The Kingdom of Eswatini

North West Eswatini

Highland Adventures

The North West region of Eswatini (Swaziland) lies primarily in the highveld and is a beautiful landscape of dramatic rolling uplands. The impressive hills and winding river valleys form the eastern edge of South Africa’s Drakensberg escarpment and are topped by the country’s two highest peaks – Emlembe (1,862m) and Ngwenya (1,829m). Winter nights are chilly and mist often cloaks the high ground. The region is very easily reached from Mbabane and Central Eswatini just to the south, or from South Africa via one of three road borders.

Among the region’s attractions are the stunning Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini’s greatest wilderness and home to its only zip-wire treetop canopy tour, and Ngwenya, with its ancient mine and glass factory.

North of Malolotja, the MR1 highway from Mbabane winds steeply down into a spectacular valley, where the Nkomati river – Swaziland’s second largest – carves its winding way east across the top corner of the country towards the Indian Ocean. The small town of Piggs Peak sits among cool forestry plantations on the northern side, offering a convenient pit-stop between Mbabane and South Africa’s Kruger Park. Scattered around the picturesque surrounding countryside are a number of visitor attractions. These include the wide waters of Maguga Dam, the ancient rock art at Nsangwini, the natural haven of Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve and the rehabilitated mountain mining town of Bulembu.

Where to Go in North West Eswatini
Nestled at the foot of a mountain. A rejuvenated mining town.
Impressive expanse of water set amongst beautiful mountainous scenery.
One of the very best highland reserves in Southern Africa.
Experience glass-blowers as they create beautiful sculptures with recycled materials.
The oldest mine in the world.
Incredible art by the Sam people up to 4,000 years ago.
A private nature reserve home to the tumbling Phophonyane River and Falls.
Large settlement in the North West with Swaziland's most scenic handicraft outlet.
Accommodation in North West Eswatini
Luxurious accommodation in a picturesque backdrop.
Maguga Lodge
Maguga Dam
Tradtional rondavel chalets and campsite overlooking the exquisite Maguga Dam.
A 4 berth boat on Maguga Dam with self catering facilities you can hire!
Umushi weNkosazane Resort and Spa
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Lodge set within picturesque setting of Malolotja
Hawane Resort
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Unique chalet accommodation with great food and activities
Malolotja Cabins
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Self Catering Cabins with panoramic views of Malolotja
Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge
Phophonyane Nature Reserve
Stunning rustic and alternative accommodation in a diverse and tropical nature reserve.
Small and welcoming guest house in the rural town of Pigg's Peak.
Large hotel with luxury suites, conference facilities and an onsite casino.
Eswatini's Other Regions
Cultural Heartland
Conservation & Community
Wildlife Up Close
Scenic Splendour