connectedtraveler

On August 31, nearly 40,000 young women gathered in traditional dress for one of Africa's most spectacular cultural events — Eswatini's Umhlanga Reed Dance . If that number alone doesn't convince you this tiny kingdom deserves a spot on your travel list, here are twelve more reasons why. Wildlife & Safaris Hlane Royal National Park — Eswatini's largest protected area offers a classic, flat bushveld safari experience, home to lions, elephants, leopards, and large populations of white rhinos. Guided drives let you spot game, or just watch rhinos gather at the waterhole right outside the main camp. Book a Hlane safari tour → Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary — Located in the scenic Ezulwini Valley, this is Eswatini's oldest conservation area. Without large dangerous predators, it's exceptionally safe for self-guided mountain biking, horseback riding, and walking safaris among zebras, warthogs, and antelope. Mbuluzi Game Reserve — A peaceful, malaria-free sa...

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. 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...