The Ezulwini Valley and Mantenga

The Ezulwini Valley, meaning Valley of Heaven, is the scenic and cultural heart of Eswatini, a lush green valley between the capital Mbabane and Manzini that holds many of the kingdom's highlights. Within the Mantenga Nature Reserve, the pretty Mantenga Falls tumble in a broad cascade through the forest, beside a living Swazi cultural village where visitors can see traditional beehive huts and enjoy displays of the vigorous sibhaca dance. The valley is also home to craft markets famed for Swazi candles, glass and weaving, the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary, and the traditional royal capital of Lobamba, making it a rich and beautiful base.

What you actually see

• Mantenga Falls - the broad cascade in the forest.
• The cultural village - the traditional beehive huts and dance.
• The craft markets - the famous Swazi candles, glass and weaving.
• Mlilwane sanctuary - the wildlife reserve and Lobamba nearby.

When to go

May to September, the cooler, drier season, for the most pleasant weather, though the valley is green and beautiful year-round and the falls fullest after the summer rains; the cultural village dance displays run daily. The valley's central location makes it the ideal, scenic base for exploring the compact kingdom.

Honest expectations

The Ezulwini Valley is a developed, popular tourist and craft hub rather than wild nature, and the cultural village and dance displays are arranged for visitors, though done with genuine pride; the Mantenga Falls, while pretty, are a modest cascade rather than a towering one. As a lush, scenic and convenient base combining a waterfall, authentic Swazi culture, renowned crafts and nearby wildlife, though, the Valley of Heaven is a delightful heart to a visit.

Nearby

Mbabane, the Mlilwane sanctuary, Lobamba and Sibebe Rock are close by.