eSwatini
Nestled between the mountains of South Africa and the coast of Mozambique lies a small kingdom often overlooked, but full of surprises. eSwatini is small, green, and bursting with life. Here you roll from misty hills into valleys dotted with villages, meet curious locals, and walk through stunning landscapes.
Why is eSwatini the perfect country for you as a traveler?
If you love beautiful nature, incredibly welcoming people, and a true off the beaten track destination, then eSwatini is your place! The country is nestled between the Drakensberg and Lubombo mountains, ideal to combine with South Africa and Mozambique, and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Here you hike from mountain village to village, stay in small community lodges, and wake up to the most surreal views.
This little kingdom is small but rich in culture and traditions. Centuries-old ceremonies, local markets with colorful crafts, and a population that welcomes you with open arms make this place so unique.
Our team knows eSwatini inside out, as one of our Angels lives just a stone’s throw from this beautiful country! Over the past years, we have explored on foot, horseback, and 4x4 through the rugged terrain, searching for the best routes and most inspiring people. We work closely with local entrepreneurs who open their communities to travelers. That way, we created one of our most special multi-day overnight hiking experiences for you.
For you this means: based on your travel wishes, we can advise you best on which hikes and experiences suit your pace. Whether you are an adventurous hiker, love culture, or want to know how best to combine eSwatini with South Africa or Mozambique, we can guide you because we have experienced it all ourselves. Discover this unique part of Africa and let yourself be surprised!
Discover eSwatini with our local partners
Our Charlie’s Angel Anna is on the ground in South Africa and went with colleague Nick to eSwatini. The program was packed with hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
In this video, you see how our partner Msedi takes them to his church, on a street food tour, and invites them to stay with him and his family. Our partner Darron also shows Anna and Nick the local nightlife, and they end their trip together with a journey through very narrow caves.
eSwatini
Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.
eSwatini may be small, but it is bursting with adventures you won’t find anywhere else in Africa.
- Taste of Eswatini is an activity where you get a real taste of local culture and no two days are the same! You choose what you want to do and see: visit markets, a church, a homestead, a soccer match, or maybe even catch the king out and about?!
- Overnight pothole hike for the true adventurers. You walk past waterfalls, scramble over rocks, and descend into deep natural pools hidden in the mountains. At night, you camp in the wild under a starry sky that seems almost otherworldly.
- Sibebe Rock is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world, even bigger than Uluru in Australia. The climb to the top is tough, but once there you overlook hills that ripple like a green sea. An experience that literally and figuratively rises above all others.
- Caving, where you crawl, slide, and maneuver through narrow passages, often with only a headlamp for light. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes a little claustrophobic, but always unforgettable.
In eSwatini you discover wildlife in an intimate and peaceful way. The parks are smaller than in neighboring countries, which makes the safari here feel much more personal.
- Mlilwane National Park is small but diverse. Here you can safari not only by jeep but also on foot, by bike, or even horseback. This makes for a unique, active wildlife experience.
- Hlane National Park is the place to see big game. Elephants, rhinos, and lions roam here, often in impressive numbers. The park has a raw, authentic atmosphere that gives you the feeling of traveling back in time.
- Mkhaya Game Reserve is the place for rare species, including the endangered black rhino.
eSwatini is small, manageable, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for many types of travelers. Because travel distances are short, eSwatini is ideal for families with children of all ages. The mix of culture, nature, and wildlife keeps everyone engaged, and the safe atmosphere makes traveling relaxed. But it is also perfect for couples and groups of friends, from romantic hikes to adventurous outdoor sports. eSwatini is an indispensable destination for everyone.
eSwatini is easy to visit year-round. In winter (May to September) it is the dry season and the landscape is greener.
eSwatini is perfect to combine with the Eastern Loop in South Africa.
Southern Africa's Eastern Loop
Start with a visit to the vibrant Johannesburg, travel towards the coast, go on an adventurous overnight hike.
Overnight hike on a national monument
Join us on an overnight hike at Sibebe Rock, the national monument of eSwatini!
Discover eSwatini Charlie's way
A throwback to 2018 when our own founder, Charles Witlox, discovered incredible adventure in eSwatini.
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eSwatini is my neighboring. I have been there many times and am happy to advise you on the best trip!
Anna
Travel Consultant eSwatini
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South Africa and eSwatini blend seamlessly together. You drive straight from green valleys and traditional Swazi culture into the rugged South African bushveld. From off the beaten hikes and local cooking classes to safaris in the famous parks just across the border. And all of it without long distances or hassle. That’s why we almost always combine eSwatini and South Africa. It makes your journey richer, more varied and just that little bit more Charlie’s Travels.
I definitely recommend traveling with Charlie’s Travels! Everything is well organized, but also the positive impact they have on the locals and country – that’s what makes them so outstanding if you ask me.
What a fantastic honeymoon we had with Charlie’s Travels! In just 19 days, we visited three countries: South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique. We spent a few nights sleeping under the stars in our personal camper and a few nights in luxury accommodations. Everything was wonderfully organized!
We had a wonderful trip, “made by” Charlie’s Travels thanks to the great advice from this company. All our wishes came true. Beautiful accommodations, unique experiences, the best driver ever, and everything we hoped for!
We definitely recommend Charlie’s Travels! They organised a great self-drive for us through South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini. Communication before, during and after the trip was smooth: everything was very clear and they responded very quickly. We had a fantastic trip!
Together with Charlie’s Travels and my fellow board members, I discovered South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique in 2.5 weeks. Sleeping in tents on the beach or in the wilderness, hiking through Swaziland, Ocean Safari, Game drives, this trip had it all. I recommend everyone to let Charlie’s Travels help you find the perfect trip!
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