Mantenga Nature Reserve

Accommodation

Previously known as Mantenga Tented Camp, this venue has been upgraded during 2010 to offer rooms or cabins, on a bed and breakfast (B&B) basis. Although its spread out design resembles a typical nature reserve camp, we'd by more inclined to call this style of accommodation a "lodge", as it is not self-catering and three meals a day can be sourced via the camp's central restaurant facility.There is occasional wildlife in the area such as warthog, nyala and vervet monkey which can be spotted whilst walking between the facilities. They are quietly tolerant of human presence.

Food

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.

Activities

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 opportunity.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.

Organisation type
Part of
Area covered
Year established >
Izele is supported by
Darwin Initiative Wildlands Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust Critical Ecosystem Partnership fund

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Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village offers travellers to Swaziland the unique twin focus of discovering both Swazi culture and the local natural environment.Although this small 725 hectare area was purchased as early as 1979 by the Swaziland National Trust Commission (a government body) it was only developed from 1994 onwards. Facilities are therefore relatively new and well-presented, with the most recent upgrade, being a substantial investment in terms of both the conversion from tented units to cottages and the very sumptuous furnishing thereof. The management of accommodation facilities and cultural village is typically put out to tender, and is the responsibility of a private sector operator.

Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village offers travellers to Swaziland the unique twin focus of discovering both Swazi culture and the local natural environment.Although this small 725 hectare area was purchased as early as 1979 by the Swaziland National Trust Commission (a government body) it was only developed from 1994 onwards. Facilities are therefore relatively new and well-presented, with the most recent upgrade, being a substantial investment in terms of both the conversion from tented units to cottages and the very sumptuous furnishing thereof. The management of accommodation facilities and cultural village is typically put out to tender, and is the responsibility of a private sector operator.