DISCOVERING THE HUB OF ESWATINI, MANZINI

Eswatini Tourism Authority on March 31, 2026 hosted media representatives on an immersive day tour showcasing the diverse attractions of the Manzini region, from botanical wonders to wildlife encounters and culinary delights.

Morning: Breakfast Amidst Natural Splendor at Summerfield Botanical Gardens
The tour kicked off at Summerfield Botanical Gardens, where the media enjoyed breakfast surrounded by sculpted animals, water features, and towering thatched pavilions. The gardens feature separate collections of indigenous trees, cycads, palms, succulents, and fruit trees.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Manzini’s Hospitality Gems
The media tour continued to two distinctive accommodation properties that showcase the range of hospitality options available in the Manzini area.

Global Village Guest House, located in Madonna, represents modern, urban hospitality with 34 executive, well-furnished rooms. This establishment features two outdoor pools, a restaurant serving contemporary fusion cuisine, and conference facilities capable of hosting up to 150 people, making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers .

Just a short distance away, Ekupholeni Garden Villas offered a glimpse into exclusive luxury accommodation. Described as an “exclusive luxury pool and garden villas” property located in the heart of Eswatini’s fashionable traditional Manzini region, this recently renovated bed and breakfast features elegant design rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and garden terrace. The property provides a serene retreat that invites guests to unwind in the heart of Eswatini’s natural beauty.

Afternoon: Wildlife and Conservation at Dombeya Game Reserve
The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly Dombeya Game Reserve, located just 15 minutes from Manzini in central Eswatini. This private wildlife retreat represents another powerful conservation success story.

The reserve is home to an impressive array of wildlife including giraffe, wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu, nyala, warthog, impala, zebra, bushbuck, duiker, steenbok, caracal, and jackal. Notably, Dombeya operates without dangerous predators, allowing visitors to explore freely on foot or by vehicle without guides, an increasingly rare safari experience .

The reserve features three luxury self-catering lodges, each with private swimming pools, outdoor braai (barbecue) areas, and wrap-around verandahs where wildlife regularly wanders past.

Culinary Finale: Lunch at Miss Cakes Cafe

The tour concluded with lunch at Miss Cakes Cafe in Moneni, a cozy local establishment that has gained popularity through social media for its delicious treats and warm atmosphere. This hidden gem represents the growing café culture in Eswatini, offering affordable dining options and vibrant local flavors that provide an authentic taste of the kingdom .

Showcasing Eswatini’s Tourism Diversity

This media familiarisation tour effectively demonstrated the remarkable diversity of experiences available within a single day in the Manzini region. From the botanical grandeur of Summerfield and the range of accommodation options at Global Village and Ekupholeni, to the conservation success story of Dombeya Game Reserve and local culinary delights, the itinerary highlighted why Eswatini markets itself as “a royal experience.”