Things to Do in Eswatini in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Eswatini
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Summer rainy season brings the landscape to life - the Highveld grasslands turn brilliant green, waterfalls like Mantenga and Phophonyane run at full force, and wildlife viewing improves dramatically as animals gather at water sources. You'll see Eswatini at its most photogenic.
- Incwala ceremony typically occurs in late December or early January (dates set by royal astrologers based on lunar calendar) - this is the kingdom's most sacred cultural event, a multi-week kingship ritual that offers rare insight into Swazi tradition. If timing aligns, you're witnessing something genuinely significant.
- School holidays mean local festivals and community events ramp up, particularly around Christmas and New Year. You'll experience Swazi celebrations alongside locals rather than just observing tourist-focused activities. Markets in Manzini and Mbabane buzz with energy.
- Milder temperatures than the scorching October-November period make hiking and game drives more comfortable. Morning temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) are perfect for Malolotja Nature Reserve trails or Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary walks before afternoon heat sets in.
Considerations
- December sits squarely in peak season, especially the Christmas-New Year period. Accommodation prices jump 30-50% compared to April-May, and popular lodges in Mlilwane and Hlane book out 2-3 months ahead. If you're budget-conscious or prefer solitude, this isn't your month.
- Afternoon thunderstorms happen roughly 60% of days - they're typically short (20-40 minutes) but intense, with lightning that shuts down outdoor activities. Plan morning game drives and hikes, keep afternoons flexible. Dirt roads in rural areas can become temporarily impassable after heavy downpours.
- If Incwala doesn't fall during your visit, you've missed the cultural highlight. The ceremony dates vary year to year, sometimes starting in late December, sometimes not until mid-January. Check with the Swaziland National Trust Commission before booking if this matters to you - don't assume it'll happen during your dates.
Best Activities in December
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Game Viewing
December's rains concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making morning game drives and guided walks particularly productive. You'll spot impala, warthog, zebra, and various antelope species more reliably than in dry months. The sanctuary sits in the Ezulwini Valley with relatively flat terrain, so even afternoon showers don't create the access issues you'd face in mountainous parks. Early morning walks (starting 6am) let you cover ground before heat and humidity peak around midday.
Mantenga Cultural Village Visits
December's comfortable temperatures make the outdoor cultural demonstrations actually enjoyable rather than sweltering. You'll see traditional Swazi homestead life, watch dance performances, and learn about beehive hut construction without the oppressive heat of October-November. The adjacent Mantenga Falls runs powerfully after recent rains, adding a scenic waterfall hike to your cultural visit. Local guides tend to be more available during school holidays, so demonstrations run more frequently.
Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking
The reserve's high-altitude trails (1,400-1,800 m or 4,600-5,900 ft) offer cooler temperatures and dramatic scenery as summer rains create dozens of seasonal waterfalls. The 17 km (10.6 mile) Malolotja Falls trail and shorter Logwaja viewpoint hikes showcase the reserve at its greenest. That said, afternoon storms roll in fast at elevation - start hikes by 7am, plan to finish by 1pm. The reserve gets muddy, so proper hiking boots matter more in December than any other month.
Hlane Royal National Park Lion and Rhino Tracking
December's dense vegetation makes game viewing challenging in many African parks, but Hlane's guided vehicle tours take you directly to lion and rhino territories where rangers track animals daily. You're virtually guaranteed sightings of white rhino, and lion sightings run around 70-80% success rate. The park sits in the lowveld (hot and humid), so early morning drives starting at 5:30-6am offer the best combination of animal activity and tolerable temperatures before it hits 30°C (86°F) by midmorning.
Ezulwini Valley Craft Markets and Glass Factory Tours
December's afternoon rain pattern makes this perfect timing for indoor cultural activities. The Ngwenya Glass factory (recycling glass since 1979) offers fascinating demonstrations of traditional glassblowing - watching artisans create animal figurines from recycled bottles works well as a midday or afternoon activity when weather turns unpredictable. Nearby craft markets in Ezulwini Valley stock traditional Swazi crafts, and December brings expanded inventory as artisans prepare for tourist season and local gift-buying.
Sibebe Rock Hiking
This massive granite dome (claimed as world's second-largest rock after Australia's Uluru) offers spectacular views, but December's afternoon storms make timing critical. The 3-4 hour round trip hike needs an early start - begin by 6:30am to summit and descend before afternoon lightning risk. Recent rains make the rock face slippery, so this suits confident hikers only. That said, December's green landscape creates stunning photography from the summit, with mist rolling through valleys below.
December Events & Festivals
Incwala Ceremony (dates vary - late December or January)
Eswatini's most sacred cultural event, this multi-week kingship ritual involves the entire nation and marks the first fruits of harvest. The ceremony includes restricted sacred portions (not open to visitors) and public celebrations with thousands of warriors in traditional regalia performing ceremonial dances. Exact dates are determined by royal astrologers based on lunar cycles and aren't announced until roughly 2-3 weeks beforehand. If you're lucky enough to have it coincide with your December visit, you're witnessing something genuinely rare - this isn't performed for tourists, it's the kingdom's most important annual ritual.
Bushfire Festival (typically late May, NOT December)
Worth noting that Eswatini's famous music festival happens in May, not December - a common misconception among first-time visitors. December does feature smaller local music events and Christmas celebrations in communities, but nothing on the scale of organized festivals.