Eswatini: Friendly Kingdom & Cultural Charm Country #122 | 24 July 2025
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) was a pleasant surprise during my short day trip from Mozambique. A small, mountainous country with friendly people, clean streets, and a noticeable sense of development and modernity.
Day Trip from Maputo
I visited Eswatini as a full-day tour booked through GetYourGuide (around USD 300 for two people). The package included a guide/driver who handled immigration at the border — highly recommended, as it made crossing smooth. Bring your passport!
The drive from Maputo took about 1 hour to the border, then another 2 hours through the scenic landscapes of Eswatini. The country feels surprisingly modern for its size — I saw many new buildings, including several KFCs, and was impressed that you can even pay by card with street sellers.
Highlights: Mantenga Cultural Village
The main stop was Mantenga Nature Reserve, home to the Mantenga Cultural Village. Here they recreate traditional Swazi life with a living village and a lively 30-minute dance performance featuring around 20 artists — energetic, colorful, and very enjoyable.
Nearby, you can also visit a beautiful waterfall. On the way back, we stopped at a good-quality restaurant with outdoor souvenir shops selling mostly handmade local crafts.
The return journey to Maputo took almost 4 hours due to traffic and poorer road conditions, so be prepared for a long travel day.
Final Thoughts
Eswatini felt safe, clean, and welcoming. The people were genuinely friendly, and the country has a calm, developing atmosphere that stands in contrast to some of its neighbors. While I only saw a small part on a day trip, it left a positive impression — especially the cultural performance and natural scenery.
Would I recommend Eswatini? Yes, especially as a rewarding day trip from Mozambique or South Africa. It’s ideal if you want to experience authentic Swazi culture, traditional dancing, and friendly vibes without needing a long stay. A great addition for anyone collecting countries in Southern Africa.