Holidays in Mozambique and Eswatini

A part of “deepest darkest Africa” riddled with sunsets second-to-none; picture perfect beaches and shorelines; friendly and helpful people, and something for everyone to sink their teeth into.

December 2018 saw five family members (ad)venture to tropical territory. First stop, Mozambique! It’s approximately a 6-hour drive from Johannesburg to the Komatipoort border. The convenience of having a vehicle with GPS/Navigation kitted at your disposal means you’re able to navigate and explore at your leisure. It also allows for one to head off the beaten track should you so choose, but more about that later. Whatever your preference - whether taking control or the comfort of a guide - it’s all possible via TravelStyled. Pro tip for those taking the scenic route heading to the land of mouthwatering seafood and beach bars to rival those of “fancier lands”, leave early… We’re talking 5am early purely because of the border post traffic, not for the impatient and short-tempered. It’s also highly recommended to organise a contact from within Mozambique to meet you on the Moz-side-of-life, prior to entering the country, once you’ve officially entered the country to expedite the process in the Portuguese mother tongue. But that’s where we come in, to connect the dots for you!

Once passports had been stamped, we took a 1 hour drive to the bustling beach city of Maputo where we stayed in a triple story home-away-from-home. We’re here to help though based on your accommodation preferences. From humble abodes, to hotel stays – mum’s the word and we’ve got you covered.

The beauty around having a vehicle at your disposal became evident when we decided to take a sporadic day-trip to the gorgeous beach town of Xai-Xai. About a 2-hour drive from Maputo, we were hit with breathtaking calm blue waters, white sandy beaches and ice-cold beverages. We landed up at an establishment called Bamboo Beach Backpackers & Restaurant where the crowd is slightly younger (30s), and owned by the most incredible Canadian gentleman named Moyyez. Post lunch a few of us took a stroll down the shoreline with drinks in hand, to end up at another quaint establishment a mere 20 minutes later – the actual brilliance and magic that is Mozambique… Multiple surprises and gems around every turn for those wanting.

For the foodies in our midst, there are places in abundance and not nearly enough time. As the local vegetarian in our group, not even I struggled to find something on a menu to satisfy an appetite fit for a queen. And the same goes for the resident shopaholic in our midst… Markets and street side stores in abundance - a bargain hunters dream for those who have mastered the craft of discounts and negotiations ;) Either way, whatever your heart’s desire – we’ve got you covered.

December is particularly warm and humid in Mozambique, so yes mosquitos are as rife in this territory as you may have heard it to be. Nothing the slapping on of insect repellant can’t assist with. And a yellow fever jab in advance (should you have never had one or needing another), wouldn’t hurt. Along with the heat, and in the famous words of Baz Luhrmann, wear sunscreen (as well as a hat and sunnies). Trust when we say you’ll want to be exploring, on foot, as much as personally possible that this beautiful country has to offer. Language holds no barriers, costs of living over the vacay being extremely affordable, with activities available to satisfy the biggest thrill seeker all the way through to the beach chillin’ fanatic! But again, here at TravelStyled we’ve got you covered pending your heart (and budgets) desires. We can absolutely say that this part of the world is one not to be missed, because apart from what we’ve shared the country is riddled with private islands and absolutely remote coastline gems. It all depends on you, really!

Next stop, Swaziland! Through the Namaacha border from Mozambique into Swaziland, about a 2-hour drive – truly one of the most exquisitely picturesque drives of rolling hills greener than most parts during the height of Spring – twas far from what even we anticipated. The country is inland, but rife with multiple rivers and dams throughout. What you immediately note is the difference in infrastructure and roads once entering Swaziland. Having regained its independence in 1986 the country has thrived in structural development; a strengthening economy; agriculture, livestock and fresh produce in abundance; all backed by a proud, elegant and beautiful people. This part of the trip, even as someone more enthralled with and a soul that speaks beach territory, this was my favourite part of the trip – what a delightful surprise!

We stayed at the Lugogo Sun Hotel located in the town of Mbabane. For what we were looking to do and see in a short 3 days, the location was perfect. Unfortunately a cap of 300MB of free Wi-Fi a day at the hotel cuts your online use to a bare minimum, but tis possible to purchase additional data. A stone throw away from the exquisite Royal Swazi hotel and spa situated in the oh-so-tranquil Ezulwini Valley – a must-do for those looking to completely unwind at this 4-star (re)treat along with a bar located outside by a colourful light-changing lit pool it’s perfect for dipping your feet (or self) into, on those balmy Swazi evenings with ice cold beverage of choice in hand. A 5-minute drive from an open area market of sorts with craft stores, gifts and clothing, trinkets and food vendours in abundance. This along with Swazi Trails – Swaziland’s local tour and adventure operation established in 1987, you could say they know their stuff being in successful and strong operation for this long ;) They have the options of white water rafting on the Usutu Manzini river, adventure caving, mountain bike trails, extreme hiking, quad biking and local guides for hire. They also sell the tickets to the must-see Cultural Village that boasts a refreshing short walk to Matenga Falls, a cultural immersion and treat of traditional dancing, and a walk through the village that gives a snapshot into the history and livelihood of the SiSwati people.

Another set of interesting and special visits led us to Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort for afternoon tea. Surrounded by lush gardens (hence the name of this gorgeous resort), mango and litchi trees in abundance and a group of staff that welcome you with nothing less than a smile and evident warmth. We landed up at Candle Making factory shop in the Malkerns Valley called Swazi Candles. Some of the most interesting and creative candles have come to life here… From your regular white waxed candles to original LED Moon Light candles, where I was also able to request my own unique designs from the oh-so-special team in the workshop as well as able to negotiate on the price. It took less than an hour to make me two very special candles, while I popped across the workshop during the wait to a quaint coffee shop for a bite to eat. Within the same open-aired shared space other trinket and craft stores adorn the property. Another must-see is Swaziland’s Ngwenya Glass factory situated within the Ngwenya Glass Complex located in the Malkerns area. Once again, the imagination is one’s oyster where you’re able to view the entire glass making process come to life from an upstairs balcony overlooking the factory. No photography from there unfortunately, but enough on-the-go to make it a truly memorable experience. Naturally, and as we figured as standard in King Mswati’s Kingdom, each workshop/craft shop/ cultural experience is laden with other craft and trinket stores including… A chocolate shop - for the intrepid chocolate enthusiast(s), do yourselves a favour and absolutely make your way into this adorably decadent shop. They sell cups filled with either milk or dark chocolate for your sugar-filled pleasure… Mmmmmm!

You see, stick with us and we’ll assist in immersing you in your perfect experience, because there truly is something for everyone for wherever your heart and minds-eye desires. While there’s no place like home, it’s absolutely possible to merge a holiday experience with one of a home-away-from-home… With us at TravelStyled we’re here to make this happen for you with personalised give-a-damn experiences and memories of a lifetime.

~Denielle Mohonathan