Hotels in Eswatini

Hotels in Eswatini: your guide to where to stay

How much does a hotel in Eswatini cost?

The price depends on the standard, the city and the dates. The table shows indicative nightly rates for a double room. The cheapest months are usually January and March, while July is the priciest. Lodges in the parks and resorts in the Ezulwini Valley cost more than guesthouses in the towns. Booking ahead usually brings better rates.

Indicative rates, updated periodically. For exact prices and availability, select your dates in the search above.

Where to stay in Eswatini: most popular cities

Life in the country centres on the capital and the central valley, with bases by the parks too. These are the destinations travellers choose most often:

• Mbabane. The capital in the mountains in the west, with the most city hotels, a base for exploring the country.
• Ezulwini Valley. The tourist heart of the country between the capital and Manzini, with resorts, spas and casinos.
• Lobamba. The royal and spiritual capital in the valley, the site of traditional ceremonies and festivals.
• Manzini. The largest city and the commercial centre, a practical base with cheaper stays.
• Matsapha. An industrial town near the airport, handy for a short stay or a layover.

Nightly rates vary between cities. Here are indicative prices per night for a double room:

What to see in Eswatini

Eswatini focuses on nature and living culture. The country is small, so you can cover the sights in a few days.

• Hlane National Park. The largest reserve in the country, with lions, elephants and rhinos, an easy safari.
• Mlilwane Reserve. A wildlife park in the Ezulwini Valley with zebras and antelopes, where you can walk or ride.
• Mantenga Falls and cultural village. Displays of traditional Swazi dance and life by the scenic falls.
• The festivals. The Umhlanga reed dance in August and the Incwala ceremony in summer, among the most important in Africa.
• Craft markets. The famous Ngwenya glass and basketry, good souvenirs from the Ezulwini Valley.

How much does a trip to Eswatini cost

Beyond the room, prices are moderate. A meal in a local restaurant is inexpensive and park entry is affordable. The currency is the lilangeni, with the South African rand accepted on equal terms. Cards work in hotels and larger shops, while cash is handy in smaller places. You will find ATMs in Mbabane, Manzini and the Ezulwini Valley.

When is the best time to visit Eswatini

The dry season from May to September is the best for safari, as animals gather at waterholes and the vegetation is low. Summer from November to March can be rainy but lush green. Room prices are lowest in January and March, and highest in July. August brings the Umhlanga festival, worth bearing in mind when planning a trip.

Getting to and around Eswatini

The main airport is King Mswati III (SHO) near Manzini, with connections mainly from Johannesburg in South Africa. Many travellers also arrive by car from South Africa or Mozambique through the border crossings. Around the country a car is the most convenient, as public transport relies on minibuses with irregular schedules. Distances are short, and you can cover most of the country in a few days. The main roads are in good condition.

Example hotels in Eswatini

A few recognisable properties from different parts of the country for reference:

• Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane and Mantenga Lodge around the capital (upper tier, from approx. 1 650 SZL).
• Summerfield Luxury Resort and Royal Villas in the Ezulwini Valley and Matsapha (from approx. 1 800 SZL).
• Hlane Royal National Park and guesthouses in Manzini (lodges by the park, from approx. 1 300 SZL).