KHABANE CAVE WALK INVITES THE WORLD TO ESWATINI

History is not only preserved in textbooks and museum displays. Sometimes, it lies beneath our feet, waiting to be rediscovered.

This was the message shared on the Kusile Breakfast Show, where Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe and Temahlubi Nkambule, National Monuments Officer at the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), discussed the upcoming 4th edition of the Khabane Cave Explorer Walk, which is happening this weekend.

Following the official declaration of Khabane Cave as a national monument by His Majesty King Mswati III in March, this year’s event carries added cultural, historical, and tourism significance for Eswatini. More than just a hiking event, the walk is becoming a platform for heritage preservation, cultural education, and destination marketing, showcasing one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable archaeological treasures.

A Living Connection to the Past

Speaking during the interview, Princess Sakhizwe described Khabane Cave as more than an archaeological site. She said it serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s heritage and an investment in future generations.

“What motivates me is wanting a brighter future for EmaSwati and for the country as a whole,” Princess Sakhizwe said. “The fact that people occupied that cave thousands of years ago demonstrates a living connection between past and present generations. It preserves evidence of how our ancestors adapted to their environment and survived.”

According to the Princess, understanding and preserving sites such as Khabane Cave is essential in ensuring that future generations appreciate the journey of those who came before them and the role they played in shaping society today.

Unearthing the Story of Early Human Innovation

Nkambule highlighted the archaeological significance of Khabane Cave, noting that discoveries dating back to the Stone Age reveal the ingenuity and sophistication of the people who once inhabited the area.

Evidence uncovered at the site, including plant remains, stone tools and workshop materials, suggests that these early communities possessed advanced knowledge of their environment. Their ability to adapt to changing seasons, utilise natural resources, hunt strategically and establish organised living spaces demonstrates a remarkable understanding of survival and community life.

The findings challenge the common perception that Stone Age communities lived simple lives. Instead, they paint a picture of innovative people who understood their surroundings and developed practical solutions to sustain themselves.

“The archaeological evidence shows a highly intelligent and adaptable community,” Nkambule explained. “These discoveries help us better understand the foundations of human development and our shared history.”

A Unique Heritage Experience for Local and International Visitors

Set within the breathtaking landscapes of Mlawula Nature Reserve, the Khabane Cave Explorer Walk offers participants an opportunity to experience history, culture and nature in a single adventure.

For local participants, the event provides a chance to reconnect with Eswatini’s rich heritage. For international visitors, it presents a rare opportunity to explore a newly proclaimed national monument while gaining insight into Southern Africa’s early human history.

As global travellers increasingly seek authentic cultural and heritage experiences, Khabane Cave stands out as a destination where archaeology, conservation and tourism meet. Visitors will not only enjoy scenic trails and outdoor recreation but will also walk through a landscape that has preserved evidence of human life stretching back thousands of years.

Event Details

The Khabane Cave Explorer Walk is designed to cater for all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal outing for families, adventure enthusiasts, history lovers and cultural explorers.

Date and Venue

Date: Sunday, 28 June 2026

Time: 6:00 AM

Venue: Mlawula Nature Reserve

Overnight Camping Experience

Participants who wish to avoid an early morning winter drive are encouraged to take advantage of the overnight camping experience available on Saturday, 27 June 2026.

Camping bookings can be made by contacting 7806 9261.

Trail Options

Participants can choose from four trail options:

5km Flat Walk – Ideal for beginners and families.
5km Cave Walk – The signature route leading to the historic cave.
12km Trail – Designed for experienced walkers.
21km Trail – A challenging route for endurance enthusiasts.

More Than Just a Walk

Beyond the hiking trails, attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural entertainment throughout the day.

Activities include:

Aerobics warm-up sessions
Tug of War
Traditional cultural games
Sack races
Egg races
Jumping castle for children

The event aims to create a vibrant atmosphere where heritage appreciation is combined with recreation, community engagement and cultural celebration.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available online through MojaTicket and at MojaTicket outlets nationwide.

Ticket Category

Price

Premium (Corporate) – E250

Standard (Individual) – E200

Student – E70

For more information, visit the Khabane Cave Explorer Walk Facebook page or contact 7809 0181 or 7876 1752.

As Eswatini continues to promote heritage tourism and preserve its historical treasures, the Khabane Cave Explorer Walk offers far more than a day of outdoor adventure. It is an invitation to EmaSwati and international visitors alike to journey through thousands of years of history, experience one of the Kingdom’s most significant archaeological sites, and connect with the stories of the people who shaped Eswatini’s earliest beginnings.