Africa’s diminutive Kingdom of Eswatini has become one of the hottest destinations on the continent. Having been one of Bradt Travel Guides’ ‘Hot Destinations for 2019’, it has now received the ultimate accolade of being included in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel Top Countries category for 2020. As the top African destination in the Top 10 list, Lonely Planet lauds Eswatini as “Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife….. The varied landscapes within its parks and reserves provide one exciting revelation after another, whether it’s zip lining, trekking, whitewater rafting or mind-blowing rhino encounters. Mix in a pervading sense of peace and enthralling cultural festivities and you’ll be smiling all the way home.”
Although one of Africa’s smallest countries, Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) has an amazing range of attractions from stunning scenery to thrilling safaris (including some of the best rhino encounters in the world) and a rich traditional culture that’s expressed in daily life as well as through some amazing festivals. It’s a supremely friendly and welcoming destination and very easy to explore so, as Lonely Planet advises: “get here in 2020 to ensure yourself a front seat.”
With more and more media houses now also including Eswatini on their ‘Hot Lists’, the years ahead are looking very exciting for the Kingdom and below are just a few highlights to look out for.
Festival Fever
There are few places in Africa that know how to throw a party as well as Eswatini! It has long been known for its rich culture with traditions upheld through colourful ancient ceremonies like the Umhlanga Reed Dance and Incwala, where tens of thousands of Swazis gather. It’s also gaining a reputation for its modern-day festivals, led by the internationally-renowned Bushfire, now in its 13th year, and with a raft of new events launched in 2019 including Luju Festival, Green Lifestyle Festival, Festival Xplosion and the Eswatini International Music Festival. Take your pick!
Rhino Conservation
With an un-rivalled conservation record and large groups regularly encountered, Eswatini’s Mkhaya Game Reserve, and Hlane National Park are often touted as among the best places in the world for rhino experiences. Eswatini has been pioneering rhino conservation since their reintroduction to the country in 1986, and the population in Mkhaya Game Reserve is of international significance. The country has lost just 3 rhinos in the last 24 years compared to 3-4 a day in neighbouring countries.
Rugby Attracting the Lion’s Share
With an un-rivalled conservation record and large groups regularly encountered, Eswatini’s Mkhaya Game Reserve, and Hlane National Park are often touted as among the best places in the world for rhino experiences. Eswatini has been pioneering rhino conservation since their reintroduction to the country in 1986, and the population in Mkhaya Game Reserve is of international significance. The country has lost just 3 rhinos in the last 24 years compared to 3-4 a day in neighbouring countries.
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