Full day Eswatini (Swaziland) Country Tour from Maputo

Maputo , Mozambique

Full day Eswatini (Swaziland) Country Tour from Maputo

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13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Our unique one-day tour of Eswatini will show you the Natural, the Traditional, and the Contemporary.

It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the border and we then spend the rest of the day in this unique Kingdom.

Our tour has a quick stop at Hlane - on a lucky day our guests even see rhinos.

We then continue to the heart of Eswatini where we learn about traditional culture and see a fantastic example of it first hand.

Lunch is also part of the experience as non-music festival days we enjoy it at the special Malandela's Homestead.

Available options

Full day Eswatini (Swaziland) Country Tour from Maputo

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

We drive through the centre of the fantastically rustic Hlane National Park on our way to the heart of Eswatini. We have time for a quick stretch, a bathroom break, and on very lucky days we can see some animals at the waterhole.

The highlight of the tour is Mantenga Nature Reserve. A Swati guide will show you around a model village and explain traditional rural life. This is followed by a dance performance that even impresses those who thought about even skipping it!
And if time permits we can breathe in the fresh air at the Reserve's waterfall.

If there is no musical festival going on at House on Fire we usually stop for lunch at Malandela's Homestead. Our clients are always left satisfied by the hearty Swati dishes with an English influence.
While waiting for lunch its worth walking around this beautiful and unique location with its stores selling original and creative Swati products.

A great place for small souvenirs, and even if your luggage is already exploding it's worth talking with the stalls at this now bustling marketplace. Many of them have fantastic social empowering projects that are changing the lives of many Swatis.

What's not included

Any Visa related fees

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Maputo

Maputo, the vibrant capital of Mozambique, is a city of contrasts where colonial architecture meets modern development. Known for its beautiful bay, rich cultural heritage, and bustling markets, it offers a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences. The city is a gateway to stunning beaches and wildlife reserves, making it an appealing destination for both city explorers and nature enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Maputo Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is a prominent landmark in Maputo, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles. Its distinctive facade and towering presence make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes Free

Maputo Central Market

This bustling market is a hub of local life, offering a vibrant array of fresh produce, spices, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local culture and interact with friendly vendors.

Cultural/Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Tribunal District

This district is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including the iconic Tribunal Palace. It's a great area for a leisurely stroll, offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Maputo Elephant Reserve

Just a short drive from the city, this wildlife reserve offers a unique opportunity to see elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The reserve also features beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.

Nature/Adventure Half day Moderate

Costa do Sol

This popular beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy the sun. It's lined with restaurants and bars, making it a perfect place to spend a day by the sea.

Beach/Relaxation Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Matapa

A traditional dish made with cassava leaves, shrimp, and peanut sauce. It's often served with rice or bread.

Main Dish Contains seafood and nuts.

Piri-Piri Chicken

Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy piri-piri sauce made from African bird's eye chili peppers.

Main Dish Spicy, contains chicken.

Prego Roll

A popular street food consisting of a steak sandwich with a spicy peri-peri sauce, served in a baguette-style roll.

Sandwich Contains beef and spicy sauce.

Xima

A staple food made from cornmeal, similar to polenta, often served with meat or fish stews.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Snorkeling and diving in Inhaca Island Hiking in Santuario do Marmeleiro Beach relaxation in Costa do Sol Spa and wellness treatments in luxury hotels Exploring the Maputo Central Market Visiting the Maputo Cathedral and Tribunal District Beach relaxation in Ponta do Ouro Experiencing the vibrant nightlife in Ponta do Ouro

Best Time to Visit

May to October

The dry season offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is the peak tourist season with vibrant festivals and events.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Local languages like Xitsonga and Xichangana
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Maputo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas.
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Maputo International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Maputo Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded and unreliable. Route information is limited, so planning ahead is recommended.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Polana Somora Machel Alto Maé

Day trips

Inhaca Island

30 km from Maputo • Full day

Inhaca Island offers stunning beaches, coral reefs, and a variety of wildlife. It's a great place for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing in a tropical paradise.

Santuario do Marmeleiro

50 km from Maputo • Full day

This nature reserve offers a variety of hiking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and beautiful landscapes. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors.

Ponta do Ouro

100 km from Maputo • Full day or overnight

This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure activities.

Festivals

Maputo International Music Festival • March Independence Day • June 25 Festival de Maputo • July

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese to enhance your interactions with locals.
Visit the Maputo Central Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices.
Explore the city's colonial architecture and historic sites to gain a deeper understanding of its rich history.
Try local dishes like Matapa and Piri-Piri Chicken for an authentic culinary experience.
Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.