Eswatini Newsletter

August 2025

2025 Umhlanga Reed Dance dates officially announced!

The dates the biggest cultural event in Eswatini have been announced and a hive of colourful activity will soon descend upon the country in the form of the festival known as ‘Umhlanga’ or Reed Dance. The main day (Day 7) of the Festival is set to take place on Monday 8th September 2025. It will be on this day when the main ceremony occurs, with the dancing attended by His Majesty King Mswati III, signalling a public holiday in Eswatini.

Eswatini Earns Global Tourism Spotlight in Prestigious International Travel Magazines

Eswatini has taken centre stage in the international tourism spotlight, receiving glowing coverage recently in two leading travel publications: Germany’s only publication dedicated to travel in Southern Africa, Südafrika Magazin and Australia’s longest running travel magazine Vacations & Travel. Both magazines highlighted the Kingdom’s rich cultural traditions, stunning natural beauty, and captivating travel experiences, positioning the small southern African nation as a must-visit destination.

Nkonyeni Lodge launches adventure activities to showcase Eswatini’s beauty and culture

Nkonyeni Lodge and Golf Estate launched a diverse range of adventure activities in July, offering both local and international visitors a new way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Eswatini. Among the newly introduced activities is the Nkonyeni Golf Cart Drive, a 15 or 30-minute journey that allows guests to explore the estate’s sweeping views and tranquil surroundings.

A celebration of sophistication & elegance at Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival 

The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival which took place over the first weekend of August witnessed “A Return to the African Future” - a bold declaration of Africa’s evolving story, and an invitation to reclaim our precolonial heritage. Over the past few weeks, we shared programme updates on the build up to one of Eswatini fastest growing festivals.

Mantenga Lifestyle & Craft Centre welcomes Happiness Designs to expanding tourist shopping hub

A new wave of local creativity has arrived at the Mantenga Lifestyle & Craft Centre, where local entrepreneur and craftswoman Happiness has opened the doors to her first shop, Happiness Designs.

Join Sense Earth on once-in-a-lifetime tour of Eswatini this September

Next month, a selection of adventure seekers will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Eswatini with UK Eswatini specialist operator Sense Earth, and you could be joining them!

With a limited group size of between 6 and 12 participants, there are currently a few spaces left on their tour taking place between 15 – 28 September 2025.

Over 18,000 Visit Eswatini for MTN Bushfire Weekend 2025!

The weekend of the MTN Bushfire Festival 2025 period experienced a substantial influx of international visitors into the Kingdom of Eswatini. During the five-day interval from 28 May to 1 June 2025, a total of 18 372 international visitors were recorded at our border posts.

The Sibebe Survivor 2025 returned for 20th edition

Adventure seekers, fitness lovers, and cultural explorers experienced Eswatini like never before back in July as the Mbuluzi Mbabane Rotary Club hosted the much-anticipated 20th edition of the Sibebe Survivor Hike.

Eswatini Tourism Authority welcomed global tour operators on high-impact travel trade educational tour

The Eswatini Tourism Authority proudly hosted a select group of international tour operators from 27 July to 01 August 2025 for an immersive travel trade educational trip designed to showcase the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and growing tourism potential. The educational aimed to deepen global trade partnerships and raise global awareness of Eswatini as a premier boutique, culturally rich and sustainable travel destination in southern Africa.

Eswatini witnesses surge in visitors in June 2025

The Kingdom of Eswatini saw a significant increase in international visitor arrivals in June 2025, welcoming a total of 97 745 visitors. This represents a notable 16.4% growth compared to June 2024, where 83 940 visitors were recorded. This figure marks the highest monthly total for the year to date, closing the first half of 2025 on a positive note and reflecting the country’s steady recovery as global travel continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

SibaneSami Hotel, A Luxurious Retreat in Eswatini…

Located in the heart of Eswatini’s picturesque Ezulwini Valley, SibaneSami Hotel offers a serene and luxurious escape. Sibane sami, simply translated, means “my light” in Siswati language.  Renowned for its elegant accommodations, impeccable service and stunning natural surroundings, this hotel has become a popular destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Explore Eswatini’s Winter Warmers in the North East

Despite its small size, Eswatini boasts a diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys, waterfalls and game reserves. With its warm subtropical climate, Eswatini is a great destination to escape the winter blues.

Not discovered Eswatini yet?

"Africa in a nutshell.”

It may be a cliché but there is no better way to describe Eswatini (Swaziland). This tiny nation - one of Africa’s last monarchies - packs in an extraordinary variety of riches. Nature lovers can track down rhinos in the wild lowveld or seek out rare birds in the rugged highveld. Historians can visit the world’s oldest known mine at Ngwenya or follow the colonial trail of the early settlers. And culture vultures can thrill to the Umhlanga and other festivals, as Eswatini celebrates its ancient traditions in spectacular style. Activities ranging from safaris, horse riding and river rafting to golf and thermal spas offer excitement and relaxation in equal measure. What’s more, Eswatini is friendly, safe and so compact that nowhere is more than two hours’ easy drive from the capital. 

So what are you waiting for? Africa’s most perfectly formed nation offers you a warm Swati welcome.