Why Eswatini Deserves a Spot on Your Africa Bucket List

Most travel bucket lists for Africa start with the usual names: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa. Eswatini rarely makes the cut, and that is exactly why it should.

Landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique, this tiny kingdom (smaller than New Jersey) packs in mountain highlands, wildlife reserves, and a living monarchy still practicing centuries-old traditions. Today, September 6, Eswatini celebrates its independence from British rule, gained in 1968. It felt like the right day to give this country its due.

Ezulwini Valley at sunset, Eswatini

A few reasons to put it on the list:

  • Mkhaya Game Reserve & Hlane National Park — home to some of the best rhino sightings in southern Africa, with a fraction of the crowds you'd find in bigger parks. Browse Eswatini safari tours →
  • Ezulwini Valley — the "Valley of Heaven," home to royal residences, craft markets, and easy access to hiking. Find places to stay in the Ezulwini Valley →
  • Umhlanga Reed Dance — an annual cultural ceremony where thousands of unmarried women present reeds to the Queen Mother, one of the most striking living traditions left in the region.
  • Size — you can drive across the entire country in a few hours, making it an easy add-on to a larger South Africa or Mozambique itinerary.
Rhino at Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

If you're already planning a southern Africa trip, Eswatini is worth two or three days on the itinerary rather than a drive-through.

Packing for a safari trip like this? A few things worth having before you go: a solid pair of binoculars, neutral/earth-tone clothing, and a reliable insect repellent.

For more on today's Independence Day and why we're covering Eswatini now, check out today's Daily Celebrations post.

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