Mantenga Cultural Village and Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve: The Mantenga Nature Reserve is made of combination of middle and highveld habitat, and one third of the reserve is covered by Eucalyptus (gum) forest. Middleveld habitat dominates the low lying areas along the Little Usutu River which flows approximately 4km along the southern boundary.  Highveld habitat is found on the areas of high altitude like the Luchoncho, Sibumbu and Lugogo mountains.  The Mantenga Waterfall is one of Swaziland's best-known and most accessible waterfalls, as one can drive within 50m of its main viewing site.  The most visible portion of the falls is approximately 30m high.  Visitors can explore the reserve predominantly by foot, with two walking trails leading up the mountain towards the summit of Sheba's Breast.  Birdlife is good, with the nesting site for the endangered Bald Ibis being a feature at the waterfall.  Other wildlife such as baboon, vervet monkey, nyala, duiker and mongoose are regularly seen.

Restaurant - The Village Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed setting. It is a fully licenced restaurant overlooking the Little Usutu River.  Basic wholesale meals are provided with a touch of typical Swazi catering. Large groups are catered for with buffet meals in an open air boma.

The restaurant consists of a spacious open aired wooden deck and an inside area with a bar counter. Functions, working lunches, weddings and conferences can be booked.

Picnic areas - General public picnic areas, with rudimentary braai and table facilities are situated near the falls and along the riverbed near the camp.

Cultural Village - Situated adjacent to the camp the Swazi Cultural Village is a living museum of old traditions and represents a classic Swazi lifestyle during the 1850's.  A typical visit includes a 30 minute guided tour and a 45 minute dancing display. It is a great photo opprtunity.

The Mantenga Cultural Village is a large family homestead of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose as well as kraals for cattle and goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks and various other structures. The building material is strictly traditional: poles, grass, reeds, leather stripes, earth and dried cow dung. With the traditional artifacts on display, the village illustrates many facets of the ancient Swazi way of life: social, economic and religious.  The objective of the cultural village is to enable visitors from all over the world, as well as urbanised Swazis, to maintain a positive interest in Swazi cultural heritage. This includes language, customs and practices, rituals, dance, music, folklore, arts and crafts.  After the its official opening, it was named Ligugu Lemaswati by his Majesty King Mswati III, meaning "The pride of the Swazi People".

On entry, the village people, often wearing traditional clothing, will warmly welcome you. The standard Swazi greeting to the family is "Yebo Nkosi". The village life is very relaxed and your guide will talk you through how the huts and traditional items are made as well as teach you the Siswati words for them. Interaction is encouraged, so try your hand at grinding maize and plaiting mountain grass or join in a Swazi song or dance. A taste of local food is sometimes possible, as well as traditional brew.  The Cultural Village is open to day visitors from 08h00 am to 17h00. The traditional dances are held at 11h15 and 15h15 daily.

Swimming pool: The Mantenga Nature Reserve has no constructed swimming pools, but swimming is possible in the large natural pool at the base of the falls. Swimming permitted at own risk.