Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village
Background infomation
Mantenga is a small protected area of 725 hectares in a secluded corner of the Ezulwini Valley, although it is only two kilometres from a major road. The Mantenga Falls are Eswatini’s bestknown falls, and the largest in terms of volume of water (95m high).
This is despite the construction of the Luphohlo Dam some 15 km upstream, where water was diverted for electricity generation. Visitors can explore the reserve by foot, on mountain bikes or by car, and there is also a shady picnic site adjacent to the river below the falls.
The reserve is home to the Mantenga Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions and represents a classical Swati lifestyle during the 1850s. It comprises 16 huts, byre for cattle, reed fences and other structures.
Despite Mantenga’s small size, a large number of medium-sized mammals are flourishing there. There are vervet monkey and baboon, bushpig and porcupine, otter, rock dassie and bushbaby. One predator that has been sighted is the serval. Buck include kudu, nyala, klipspringer, grey and red duiker.
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Mantenga Cultural Village is the only tourist facility in Eswatini with its own fully-fledged permanent troupe. Our group has over the years attained international acclaim with invitations to appear in international events in different parts of the world. Since 2004, Mantenga Cultural Group has toured several European countries for a series of festivals and private appearances in countries such as Belgium, German, France. It also flew to the Americas to join the world finest cultural performers at festivals there. The group is also a household name in South Africa where it has been appearing as the main attraction on numerous occasions, including during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Each day comes with two performances; at 11:15am and at 15:15pm The group can also be booked for private and additional performances. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the people in the village and can do so by grinding maize, plaiting mountain grass or joining in the Swazi song and dance.
Accommodation at Mantenga consists of 11 luxurious chalets sleeping up to 4 people. The chalets are equipped with shower or bath tub. Meals are available at the restaurant, which is set up to cater for both large and small groups.
The chalets and restuarant are situated adjacent to a boma area and the amphitheatre used for the traditional dancing performances, which are held daily at 11:15 am and 15:15 pm. Next to the amphitheatre is the Swati Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions representing a classical Swati lifestyle during the 1850s.
Mantenga offers short walks yet challenging trails. Climb up the hiking trails of Sheba’s Breast Summit to experience the wonderful views of the surrounding areas of Mantenga. Visitors can explore a series of short trails that lead to a picnic spot at the falls.
Mantenga Nature Reserve offers a picnic site situated in the riverine woodland above the riverbank near the base of the Mantenga Falls. Due to the presence of crocodiles, swimming in the river is not advisable. Suitable for large groups the Phalamende picnic site offers visitors a bushveld picnicking opportunity.
Visiting hours
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Monday to Sunday |
06:00 am to 6:00 pm |
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Public Holidays |
06:00 am to 6:00 pm |
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accommodation
Accommodation at Mantenga consists of 24 chalets. The chalets are fully equipped, and the luxury tent is equipped with a fridge, ceiling fan, bedding and towels, shower, basin and toilet.
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 Meals are available at the restaurant, which is set up to cater for both large and small groups. The chalets and restaurant are situated adjacent to a boma area and the amphitheater used for
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which are held daily at 11:15 am and 15:15 pm. Next to the amphitheater is the Swati Cultural Village, a living museum of old traditions representing a classical Swati lifestyle ……
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