Eswatini

Located on the eastern side of Eswatini, the Hlane National Park is the largest protected national park in the country with 4 of the Big 5. Rhino and elephant visit the waterholes, while lions, the emblem of royal Eswatini, occupy a separate fenced area. The park is home to leopards, spotted hyenas, giraffe, zebra and hippo and more than 300 species of birds, including a large breeding colony of white-backed vultures. Attractions include stunning guided walks, game drives, and mountain biking.

Located in the Ezulwini Valley of central Swaziland, south of the city of Mbabane, the grassy plains of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary play host to antelope, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and an abundance of birdlife. Trails on foot or horseback lead up Nyonyane Mountain to the craggy summit known as Execution Rock. The Nyakato viewpoint overlooks Mantenga waterfall and the Usushwana Valley below. Enjoy game viewing, hiking, mountain biking.

This immense 3-billion-year-old volcanic slab which rises to 1488m and extends 16 500ha is the world’s largest granite dome. Located just north of Mbabane, Sibebe Rock is a popular hiking destination with several guided walking trails. On top, visitors can take in awe-inspiring views, explore caves and waterfalls and spot jackal buzzards, ground woodpeckers and perhaps a rare blue swallow. Orchids and wildflowers brighten the grassland from October to December.

One of Eswatini’s top tourist attractions, Mantenga is a small reserve set against the scenic Nyonyane mountain that protects a section of unspoilt woodland along the Lushushwane river. It centres upon the picturesque Mantenga Falls and features a cultural village where visitors can experience Swazi heritage and culture. Another prime attraction is Mantenga Falls that cascades into pools along the reserve's boundary with Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy trails, picnics and epic wildlife viewing.

Set in rolling hills with deep river gorges, Malolotja is one of the best highland reserves in southern Africa. The Malolotja river runs through the reserve before plunging over the 95m Malolotja Falls on its way to the Nkomatic river and into the Indian Ocean. Popular attractions include wildlife viewing (the rare black wildebeest, leopard) bird spotting (the endangered blue swallow, southern bald ibis), 200km of hiking trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, dam fishing, shopping at stone-carver's stalls.

These two well-known mountains stand sentry over Ezulwini Valley and feature excellent hiking trails. Sheba’s Breasts are two peaks named after the legendary Queen of Sheba from Ethiopia. Trails meander along streams, past a waterfall, into forests and grassland up to the summit with stunning views over Mlilwane and Mantenga. Hikes up to the summit of Execution Rock (where criminals were thrown over, hence its name) are very popular and offer incredible views.