When to go · Eswatini
Eswatini in December
Mixed month. Holiday traffic from South Africa; Incwala begins (check).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- High
- Eswatini
- Prices
- High
- Eswatini
Verdict
Holiday traffic from South Africa; Incwala begins (check).
Weather in December
- Highveld · Mbabane, Malolotja, Piggs Peakrainy
Misty, cool and green; summer storms and fog on the MR1; frosty winter nights.
- Middleveld · Ezulwini Valley, Lobamba, Manzini, Malkernsrainy
Mild all year; most lodges, crafts and ceremonies are here.
- Lowveld · Hlane, Mkhaya, Mbuluzi, Big Bendhot
Hot and humid Nov–Mar with some malaria risk; winter dry season concentrates game at waterholes.
- Lubombo plateau · Shewula, Mlawula, Sitekihot
Border ridge with Mozambique; warm and dry in winter.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Incwala
Dec–Jan (set by the moon, announced late)
Kingship ceremony; the main public day is a holiday; strict photo rules.
Christmas and Boxing Day
25–26 Dec
Holiday traffic.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Eswatini
- High
- Prices · Eswatini
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast