Things to Do in Eswatini in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Eswatini
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer season means the country is absolutely alive - waterfalls are flowing at full force after recent rains, the bushveld is lush and green, and wildlife viewing is spectacular because animals congregate around remaining water sources. Temperatures hit 28°C (82°F) which is perfect for swimming in natural pools.
- February is harvest time for marula fruit, which means you'll catch the tail end of the Marula Festival celebrations and can watch elephants getting tipsy on fermented fruit in the game reserves. Local homesteads are producing fresh marula beer and the cultural energy is infectious.
- School holidays end mid-February in South Africa, so after the 15th you'll have attractions largely to yourself. Malolotja Nature Reserve and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary go from moderately busy to nearly empty, and accommodation prices drop 20-30% in the last two weeks.
- The rainy season creates ideal conditions for bird watching - migratory species are present and the 500+ bird species are in breeding plumage. Serious birders can spot rare species like the blue swallow in the highveld grasslands, and even casual observers will be impressed by the sheer variety.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms hit around 3-5pm roughly 60% of days, and they're not gentle drizzles - these are dramatic downpours that can dump 25 mm (1 inch) in 30 minutes. Any outdoor activities need to wrap by 2pm, which cuts your useful daylight hours considerably.
- The 10°C (18°F) temperature swing between day and night catches everyone off guard. You'll be sweating at lunch in shorts, then genuinely cold after sunset. Locals joke that you need three outfits per day, and they're not exaggerating.
- Some unpaved roads in rural areas become challenging after heavy rain, particularly in the Lubombo region. If you're planning to visit community tourism sites or remote cultural villages, you might need to adjust routes or wait a day for roads to dry. A 2WD sedan will struggle in certain areas.
Best Activities in February
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary game drives and walking safaris
February's green landscape makes Mlilwane stunning, and the morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) are perfect for walking safaris before the heat builds. Animals are active early, and you'll spot warthogs, zebras, and antelope without the crowds that pack the sanctuary during South African school holidays. The afternoon storms actually enhance the experience - watching lightning over the Usutu Valley from the rest camp is spectacular. Book morning slots specifically, as afternoon activities often get cut short.
Malolotja Nature Reserve hiking and waterfall chasing
This is THE month for Malolotja's waterfalls - the 95 m (312 ft) Malolotja Falls are at their most impressive after the summer rains, and the network of streams that are dry in winter are now rushing cascades. The vegetation is thick and green, though trails can be muddy. Start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon storms and the intense midday sun. The high altitude means it's cooler here than the lowveld, making it comfortable for strenuous hikes even in summer.
Cultural village experiences and traditional craft workshops
February coincides with post-harvest celebrations in rural homesteads, and the cultural energy is genuine rather than performative. The weather actually works in your favor here - afternoon storms mean you'll spend more time inside homesteads learning skills like basket weaving, pottery, or traditional cooking rather than rushing through. Morning visits to cultural villages like Mantenga Cultural Village work best, with demonstrations of traditional dancing and Swazi customs. The marula harvest means you might get to participate in beer brewing or fruit processing.
White-water rafting on the Great Usutu River
February's rainfall means the Great Usutu River is running high and fast - this is peak season for grade 3-4 rapids that are too tame or even non-existent during the dry winter months. The river cuts through stunning scenery in the Mkhaya region, and the warm water temperature makes swimming sections actually pleasant rather than teeth-chattering. Morning trips are essential because afternoon storms can raise water levels dangeringly fast.
Mbabane and Manzini market shopping and street food tours
February brings fresh produce to the markets - you'll find mangoes, litchis, and marula fruit piled high at rock-bottom prices. The covered market structures mean afternoon rain doesn't stop the experience, and actually the storms create a convivial atmosphere as everyone crowds under the roofs together. Swazi Market in Mbabane and the Manzini Market are most active Thursday through Saturday. This is when you'll see how locals actually shop and eat, not the sanitized tourist version.
Hlane Royal National Park lion and rhino tracking
Hlane's lions and rhinos are easier to spot in February because the heat drives them to predictable water sources and shade areas. The park's guided game drives focus on the lion enclosure and rhino sanctuary where sightings are essentially guaranteed. Morning drives starting at 6am offer the best wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures around 20°C (68°F). The lush vegetation makes the landscape dramatic, though it can obscure some animals - this is a trade-off with dry season visibility.
February Events & Festivals
Marula Festival aftermath and fruit harvest
While the main Marula Festival typically happens in late February or early March, the entire month is marula season. You'll see locals harvesting the yellow fruits, brewing traditional marula beer in homesteads, and in game reserves you can watch elephants and other animals feasting on fallen fruit. Some elephants genuinely appear intoxicated from fermented marulas, which is both hilarious and fascinating. Rural areas have informal celebrations and beer-drinking gatherings throughout February.
Valentine's Day celebrations
February 14th has become surprisingly popular in urban areas like Mbabane and Manzini, with restaurants and lodges offering special dinners. More interestingly, it coincides with traditional courtship customs in some rural areas where young people participate in umhlanga reed dance preparations. It's not a major tourist draw, but worth noting if you're looking for upscale dining experiences or want to see the blend of modern and traditional cultures.