There’s something special about the very first hike of the season. The air feels fresher, the earth more alive, and every step seems to reconnect you with nature after a long pause. This time, our boots took us to Mantenga Nature Reserve—and what a perfect choice it turned out to be.

A Landscape Reawakened

After the rains, the reserve was bursting with life. The river, usually gentle and predictable, had transformed into a lively, rushing force of nature. Its full, powerful flow added a sense of excitement to the hike, the sound of water accompanying every step like a natural soundtrack.

The Waterfall at Its Best

And then, the highlight: the waterfall – 95m high and fed by Luphohlo dam some 15km upstream is just spectacular.

Water cascaded down with incredible force, creating a mist that cooled the air and caught the sunlight in a soft shimmer. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop completely – listening to the rush of water accompanied by drums and singing from the Cultural village downstream.

A Well-Deserved Lunch

After the hike, there’s nothing better than good food in a beautiful setting. The Mantenga Falls Café delivered exactly that.

Sitting down with a view of the surrounding greenery, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The food was fresh, simple, and satisfying, the kind that tastes even better after a morning outdoors. It felt like the perfect reward after the walk, a chance to slow down and reflect on the experience.

Travel – Eswatini National Trust Commission has a lot of information you need for beautiful places to visit in the Kingdom of Eswatini

Mantenga Nature Reserve – Eswatini National Trust Commission

Traditional Dances daily at 11:15 am and 15:15 pm. Next to the amphitheatre is the Swazi Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions representing a classical Swazi lifestyle.