Things to Do in Eswatini in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Eswatini
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect wildlife viewing conditions - dry season means animals congregate around water sources, making game drives exceptionally productive
- Crystal clear mountain views - winter air provides stunning visibility of the Drakensberg Mountains at distances up to 50 km (31 miles)
- Ideal hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) with low humidity make for comfortable trekking without excessive sweating
- Cultural festival season - June marks the harvest celebration period when traditional ceremonies and reed dance preparations begin
Considerations
- Cold mornings require layered clothing - temperatures drop to 2-5°C (36-41°F) at dawn, making early game drives quite chilly
- Dry landscape - vegetation is sparse and brown, which some visitors find less photogenic than the green season
- Higher accommodation prices - June is peak tourist season due to excellent weather, pushing lodge rates up 30-40% from April levels
Best Activities in June
Hlane Royal National Park Wildlife Drives
June's dry conditions concentrate elephants, rhinos, and lions around remaining water sources, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Morning drives at 6am offer the best sightings when animals are most active in the cool air. The sparse vegetation provides clear sightlines for photography.
Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking Trails
Winter conditions create perfect hiking weather with comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp, clear air. The 15 km (9.3 mile) canopy tour and waterfall trails are at their most accessible with low river levels. Morning frost creates stunning photographic conditions until 8am.
Traditional Cultural Village Tours
June marks the pre-Reed Dance preparation period when communities practice traditional ceremonies. Villages demonstrate authentic cultural practices including traditional brewing, beadwork, and storytelling around evening fires. The cool weather makes traditional hut visits more comfortable.
Ezulwini Valley Adventure Activities
Cool, dry conditions make June ideal for zip-lining, white-water rafting, and mountain biking. The Great Usutu River runs at perfect levels for Grade 3-4 rapids. Clear mountain air provides spectacular views during canopy tours at heights up to 80m (262 ft).
Sibebe Rock Hiking and Climbing
The world's second-largest granite dome offers exceptional climbing conditions in June's dry weather. The 3-hour summit hike provides 360-degree views spanning 100 km (62 miles) on clear winter days. Rock temperatures are ideal for technical climbing from 9am-4pm.
Manzini Market and Craft Center Tours
Winter is harvest season, making June the best time to experience traditional food markets with seasonal specialties like fresh maize and traditional preserves. Cool morning temperatures from 7-10am make market walking comfortable. Local artisans prepare Reed Dance crafts during this period.
June Events & Festivals
Umhlanga Reed Dance Preparations
June marks the traditional preparation period for the famous Reed Dance ceremony. Young women begin practicing traditional dances and preparing ceremonial attire. Visitors can witness authentic cultural preparations in various communities, though the main ceremony occurs in late August/early September.
Harvest Festival Celebrations
Local communities celebrate the winter harvest with traditional ceremonies featuring local foods, beer brewing demonstrations, and folk music performances. These intimate community events offer authentic cultural experiences away from tourist-focused activities.