What is the climate like in Eswatini ?

Eswatini experiences distinct summer and winter seasons. Summer runs from October to April and coincides with the wet season, while winter, from May to September, brings dry conditions. Rainfall in summer typically comes as short-lived afternoon storms that rarely disrupt activities, though temperatures can climb to 32 °C (90 °F) with high humidity.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Eswatini?

Eswatini offers an impressive diversity of wildlife, with all of the Big Five found within its borders. While the parks are relatively small, they are well managed, and some species are kept in expansive drive-through enclosures that make sightings easier. Hlane Royal National Park is a reliable place to see lion, white rhino, and elephant, while a range of antelope - including tsessebe, eland, and sable can be spotted across the country’s varied habitats.

Do I need a visa to enter Eswatini ?

A valid passport with at least three months’ validity is required to enter Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Most visitors do not need a visa for short stays, including citizens of the USA, Japan, most European Union and Commonwealth countries, as well as several others. Travellers visiting for tourism or business are typically permitted to stay in Eswatini for up to 30 days. Since entry requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change, it’s always best to confirm your visa status with the nearest Eswatini embassy or official government source before you travel.

What currency is used in Eswatini ?

The official currency of Eswatini is the Lilangeni (plural: Emalangeni), which is pegged to the South African Rand at a 1:1 exchange rate. The Rand is widely accepted throughout the country, and in many places outside the main tourist areas, only Rand notes are taken.

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Historic stone veranda with white railings at Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge surrounded by lush tropical gardens and palm trees

Eswatini

Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge

From $100 /person

An unforgettable stay in a historic house that is cosy and characterful

Experience a piece of Eswatini history at Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge, set in a historic house perched high atop Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ezulwini Valley. Once the residence of Mickey Reilly, one of Swaziland's earliest white settlers, the stone house stands today mostly the same as it was built almost a century ago. A stay at the lodge offers complete comfort, with only 4 en-suite bedrooms all accessible from the veranda, in addition to the separate cottage with its pair of en-suite rooms. Located a short distance from the eLudzidzini Palace, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge has many activities on offer for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the history of Eswatini, as well as bird watching, game viewing, horse-back safaris and nature walks to enjoy.

Experience a piece of Eswatini history at Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge, set in a historic ...

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Rooms

Cozy luxury room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with stone fireplace, queen bed, and tropical print bedding on hardwood floors

Luxury Room - Reilly's Room

1•

Reilly’s Room is a large luxury room that comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, a roaring fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with both a bath and a shower.

From $107

Elegant brass bed with blue floral bedding and matching curtains in Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge luxury room

Luxury Room - Wallis

1•

The Wallis Room is a large luxury room that leads out onto the garden and comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

From $107

Cozy double room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with dark wood bed frame, floral curtains and vintage-style furnishings

Standard Room

1•

The Fern & Palms is a standard double room that is classically decorated. It comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

From $100

Bright double room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with floral bedding, red accent pillows and garden views through bay windows

Standard Double Room - Cottage

1•

The Standard Double Room is located in the 2-room cottage. It is classically decorated, comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and has an en-suite bathroom with a bath.

From $100

Twin bedroom with floral bedding and lime green pillows at Reilly's Rock Lodge overlooking garden through large windows

Standard Twin Room - Cottage

2•

The second room in the cottage is a standard twin room that comes with 2 twin-sized beds made up in soft pure-cotton linens. The room has an en-suite bathroom with a bath.

From $100

Bright twin bedroom at Reilly's Rock Lodge with five single beds, floral bedspreads, large windows and garden views

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage

5•

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage is a cosy and well-appointed stand-alone unit located a short distance from Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge. The cottage can accommodate up to 7 adults. Amenities include 3 bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen with an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries.

From $264

Luxury double room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with hardwood floors, colonial furniture, and tropical print bedding

Luxury Room - Reilly's Room

1•

Reilly’s Room is a large luxury room that comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, a roaring fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with both a bath and a shower.

From $107

Luxury double room with brass bed, floral wallpaper and navy accents at Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge

Luxury Room - Wallis

1•

The Wallis Room is a large luxury room that leads out onto the garden and comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

From $107

Cozy double room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with dark wood bed frame, botanical prints and warm lighting

Standard Room

1•

The Fern & Palms is a standard double room that is classically decorated. It comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and has an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

From $100

Cozy double room at Reilly's Rock Lodge with floral bedding, red accent wall and traditional dark wood bed frame

Standard Double Room - Cottage

1•

The Standard Double Room is located in the 2-room cottage. It is classically decorated, comes with a double bed made up with soft pure-cotton linens, and has an en-suite bathroom with a bath.

From $100

Twin bedroom with floral curtains and green accents at Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge featuring garden views and classic colonial decor

Standard Twin Room - Cottage

2•

The second room in the cottage is a standard twin room that comes with 2 twin-sized beds made up in soft pure-cotton linens. The room has an en-suite bathroom with a bath.

From $100

Cozy living room at Down Gran's Cottage with leather sectional sofa, stone fireplace and rustic wood furnishings

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage

5•

From $264

Facilities

The below facilities are available at this stay:

Wi-Fi
Free parking
BBQ / Picnic area
Tour / sightseeing desk

Best time to go to Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge

Best
Good
Acceptable

January
From $104
February
From $104
March
From $104
April
From $104
May
From $104
June
From $104
July
From $104
August
From $104
September
From $104
October
From $104
November
From $104
December
From $104

January

From $104

February

From $104

March

From $104

April

From $104

May

From $104

June

From $104

July

From $104

August

From $104

September

From $104

October

From $104

November

From $104

December

From $104

Our top picks

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Our FAQs about Eswatini

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What our travellers are saying

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With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Verified Traveller

I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.

Manuel

Verified Traveller

From the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.

Nadja

Verified Traveller

We booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.

Nora

Verified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

Christoph

Verified Traveller

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Verified Traveller

We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.

Valerie

Verified Traveller

Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

Nicole

Verified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Manuel

Nadja

Nora

Christoph

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Valerie

Nicole