Mantenga Nature Reserve

About this place

Mantenga Nature Reserve is a small reserve in the Ezulwini Valley near Lobamba, with a cultural village that recreates traditional life in Eswatini, and Mantenga Falls. Visitors come to see the traditional homes and dance shows, then walk to the falls through the trees. It is one of the easiest places to understand Swazi culture in a single visit. The village recreates a traditional family homestead as it was in the 19th century, with round huts, pens and fences, and explains the role of each building in family life. Traditional dance and song are performed at set times. Hills and forests of the Valley of Heaven surround it. You see round huts shaped like beehives, covered in woven grass from base to top, fences of branches and reeds, and a wide earthen yard. Green rocky hills rise behind. From the reserve's wooden entrance a path through the trees leads to the falls, which pour over dark rocks. It is about 3.8 km from Lobamba in a straight line, and Mlilwane is close by. Ask about dance show times. The path to the falls is slippery after rain, so wear suitable shoes, and ask before photographing people.