Things to Do in Eswatini in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Eswatini
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildflower season in the highveld - protea blooms are spectacular and create stunning photography opportunities across Malolotja Nature Reserve
- Perfect hiking weather with warm days 26°C (79°F) and cool evenings 16°C (61°F) - no need for heavy jackets even at higher elevations like Ngwenya Hills
- Reed Dance preparation season - witness authentic cultural practices as communities prepare for Umhlanga, with craft-making and traditional activities throughout the kingdom
- Excellent game viewing as animals congregate around water sources during the dry season - Hlane Royal National Park offers the best wildlife spotting of the year
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly between 2-5pm on 8 days of the month - can disrupt outdoor activities and make hiking dangerous on exposed ridges
- Peak domestic holiday season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular spots like Ezulwini Valley get crowded with South African holidaymakers
- Extreme UV exposure with index of 10 requires constant sun protection - sunburn happens in under 15 minutes without SPF 50+ and protective clothing
Best Activities in December
Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking Trails
December is peak wildflower season with spectacular protea blooms and crystal-clear mountain air. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) make the challenging 15km (9.3-mile) Malolotja Falls trail comfortable before afternoon heat. The 1,800m (5,906ft) elevation provides cooling breezes and the dry season means stream crossings are manageable.
Traditional Cultural Village Experiences
December is Reed Dance preparation season when communities are actively engaged in traditional crafts, beadwork, and ceremonial preparations. Villages like Mantenga offer authentic demonstrations without the crowds of ceremony days. The warm weather 26°C (79°F) makes outdoor cultural activities comfortable, and you'll witness genuine preparation rituals.
Hlane Royal National Park Game Drives
Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources, offering exceptional game viewing. December's clear skies and minimal rainfall create perfect visibility for spotting elephants, lions, and rhinos. Early morning drives at 19°C (66°F) and late afternoon drives avoid the 26°C (79°F) midday heat when animals rest.
Ngwenya Glass Factory and Craft Routes
December's warm weather makes exploring craft routes comfortable, and many artisans are preparing special pieces for New Year celebrations. The famous Ngwenya Glass Factory operates in air-conditioned comfort while outdoor craft markets benefit from the dry season. Local artists are most active creating holiday pieces.
Sibebe Rock Hiking and Climbing
The world's second-largest granite dome offers incredible views in December's clear air. Cool morning temperatures 16°C (61°F) make the steep 2-hour ascent manageable, while dry conditions provide excellent grip on granite surfaces. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography.
December Events & Festivals
Incwala First Fruits Ceremony Preparations
December marks the preparation period for Eswatini's most sacred ceremony. While the main Incwala occurs in late December/January, preparation rituals throughout December offer visitors insight into this ancient tradition. Communities gather sacred plants and perform preliminary ceremonies.
Bushfire Festival Planning Season
December is when local musicians and artists prepare for the famous Bushfire Festival. Many venues host preview concerts and artist showcases, offering intimate performances before the main festival. This is when you can catch emerging artists in smaller venues.