eSwatini Travel

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.

Plan your eSwatini travel

Map | Routes | Reviews | Advice

Three women in eSwatini sit on mats indoors, two weaving intricate patterns with a wooden loom while the third observes. The reddish-brown wall behind them adds warmth to this authentic glimpse of traditional life in Africa.

A smiling man in a blue shirt and wide-brim hat stands among green plants on a hiking trail, reaching out with one hand. There is another hiker in the background near rocks and trees.

A scenic landscape in eSwatini at sunrise or sunset shows rolling green hills, scattered rocks, a winding road, and a campsite with a tent and vehicles. Soft sunlight streams through clouds, illuminating this peaceful outdoor travelling setting.

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.

Want to contact us?

The highlights of travel through eSwatini

Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.

Unique experiences

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.

Safari without a crowd

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.

Best time to travel

eSwatini is easy to visit year-round. In winter (May to September) it is the dry season and the landscape is greener.

Our favourite routes

eSwatini is perfect to combine with the Eastern Loop in South Africa.

Request a travel proposal for your travel in eSwatini

Fill in your travel preferences here, and we will contact you within one working day.

Our team lives and works in Africa

We create our own routes

Your trip is completely tailor-made

100% insured and safe on your trip

South Africa &
eSwatini

Because we always combine these two beautiful countries.

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.

10.000+ happy travellers went before you

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 39 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

(Translated by Google, see original)
      
 
    
 
    
 
    +5
 
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   RJ 
 72 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

(Translated by Google, see original)
      
 
    
 
    
 
    +5
 
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   GoeVerhaal. 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Merel Doreleijers 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Martijn van Heest 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Victor Bijlsma 
 166 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

(Translated by Google, see original)
      
 
    
 
    
 
    +7
 
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jasper M. 
 187 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Casper Berkhout 
 273 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Maikel Hurts 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Wolfeew 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

(Translated by Google, see original)
      
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hanneke 
 290 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

(Translated by Google, see original)
      
 
    
 
    
 
    +4
 
 
 
 
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jan 
 291 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tessa Tuk 
 328 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

(Translated by Google, see original)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Snepvangers 
 342 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Saskia Looijen 
 349 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

(Translated by Google, see original)