Mantenga Cultural Village and Nature Reserve

Mantenga Nature Reserve is a small and picturesque conservation area, situated in a side valley branching off from the main Ezulwini Valley in central Swaziland. The camp's lodge-like rooms are sited on the northern bank of the Lusushwana River (Little Usutu River) adjacent to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

The GPS co-ordinates for Mantenga Nature Reserve's camp are: S 26°26'47.03 and E 31° 9'43.54.

See detailed road directions to Mantenga Cultural Village and Nature Reserve below.

Map

Most Swazis speak good English - this is the best option for asking directions if needed.

Directions from Johannesburg (Gauteng) to Mantenga Cutural Village and Nature Reserve:

Head towards Witbank on the N12 or N4. Pass Witbank and Middleburg, and later take the R33 turn-off towards Carolina. On exiting Carolina stay with the R33 which turns right immediately after the railway line crossing. 41km further on turn left at the T-junction towards Warburton on the N17. This road leads directly to the Oshoek/Ngwenya border post. After the border continue on the MR3 highway which leads to Mbabane. Pass Mbabane on the MR3 road down the Malagwane Hill and at the bottom of the hill, take the first off-ramp towards the Ezulwini Valley Hotels (MR103). Travel for approximately 8 kms, passing The Gables Shopping Centre (Pick 'n Pay). Immediately after the shopping centre turn right towards the Mantenga Nature Reserve on Cultural Village Road. This road leads straight towards the Nature Reserve's Main entrance, approximately 2km further on. The road from the entrance of Mantenga Nature Reserve to the village is dirt.

Directions from Durban (KwaZulu-Natal to Mantenga Cutural Village and Nature Reserve:

Take the N2 highway north towards Pongola. 20 Kilometres before Pongola, turn right towards the Lavumisa-Golela border post. After the border follow the road into Swaziland towards Big Bend (MR8). Bypass Big Bend (sugar mill) without turning off and continue for another approximate 75km before you will reach a T-junction wuth the MR3. Turn left along the MR3 towards Manzini. Continue straight through Manzini and travel onwards for approximately 20km then leave the highway at the Lobamba off-ramp. Continue left crossing the Lusushwana River. At the traffic circle adjacent to the National Stadium and Houses of Parliament exit at 1 o'clock. Shortly thereafter, go left on the MR103 towards Ezulwini. After crossing the Lusushwana River again, Cultural Village Road is the first turning left (before the big shopping centre). Follow this road 2km straight towards the nature reserve's main entrance. The road from the entrance of Mantenga Nature Reserve to the village is dirt.

Directions from Mbombela/Nelspuit (Mpumalanga) to Mantenga Cutural Village and Nature Reserve:

From Nelspruit, follow the N4 in an easterly direction. Take the R570 turn-off right after Malelane. This road leads directly to Matsamo-Jeppes Reef border post. Follow MR1 road through Pigg's Peak. Approximately 50km past Pigg's Peak you will reach a T-junction where you turn left onto the MR3 highway towards Mbabane. Bypass Mbabane and continue on the MR3 road down the Malagwane Hill. At the bottom of the hill, take the first off-ramp towards the Ezulwini Valley Hotels (MR103). Travel for approximately 8 km, passing The Gables Shopping Centre (Pick 'n Pay). Immediately after the shopping centre turn right towards the Mantenga Nature Reserve. After 2km this road leads straight into the Nature Reserve's main entrance. The road from the entrance of Mantenga Nature Reserve to the village is dirt.

Directions from Maputo (Mozambique) to Mantenga Cutural Village and Nature Reserve:

Depart Maputo on the EN2 past Matola and Boane. Approximately 5km after Boane turn left onto the EN5, passing the quarry on your right. A further 16.5km onwards turn left onto the road to Goba. Continue straight with this road to enter Swaziland at the Goba/Mhlumeni border post. From the border continue with the MR7 approximately 30km to Siteki and stay with it as it passes the town and descends the Lubombo mountain to its junction with the MR3 road. Turn left on the MR3 towards Manzini. Continue straight through Manzini and travel onwards for approximately 20km then leave the highway at the Lobamba off-ramp. Continue left crossing the Lusushwana River. At the traffic circle adjacent to the National Stadium and Houses of Parliament exit at 1 o'clock. Shortly thereafter, go left on the MR103 towards Ezulwini. After crossing the Lusushwana River again, Cultural Village Road is the first turning left (before the big shopping centre). Follow this road 2km straight towards the nature reserve's main entrance. The road from the entrance of Mantenga Nature Reserve to the village is dirt.