Swaziland Hotel, Swaziland Accommodation

Foresters Arms is ideally placed for exploring Eswatini

Set in stunning mountain countryside, Foresters Arms Hotel is a short, scenic drive from the capital, Mbabane, the perfect base for exploring all the attractions of this majestic Kingdom. Dating from colonial times, this country hotel is a traditional haven of comfort and a place of great character and charm. Set within extensive, beautiful gardens rich in native flowers and trees, Foresters Arms offers exceptional accommodation, excellent food and a genuine caring & friendly service.

"A charming hotel with friendly and polite staff, and food of exceptional quality." - Keith & Joy Floyd

Hotel & Restaurant

The Kingdom of Eswatini /Swaziland

Swaziland is Africa's last traditional Kingdom where the proud and welcoming Swazi people preserve their rich culture and traditions as a vital element of their daily lives.

Swaziland is vibrant yet gentle, relaxing and safe. The scenery is diverse and this beautiful land offers experiences that give a unique insight to authentic Africa.

Where - in southern Africa - is Eswatini / Swaziland?

Situated between the Kruger National Park and Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eswatini is ideally placed for touring southern Africa.

Driving is easy and enjoyable on excellent roads through undulating green hills dotted with rural homesteads. Swaziland will leave you with a unique insight and lasting memories of authentic Africa.

Discover Swaziland

Tradition. Culture. Swaziland.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is old, peaceful and incredibly varied. This is the last traditional kingdom in Africa and the cheerful, friendly Swazi people preserve proudly their rich culture and traditions, which they love to share with visitors. A unique balance between ancient and modern, African and western living extends throughout their daily life.

The Swazis are charming and humorous and Swaziland is a vibrant, fun place to experience Africa. In the rural areas, life has changed little over the years. The richness of Swaziland’s culture is echoed everywhere, but particularly along the roadsides, with glimpses of a real Africa, where rural life continues with its own, almost unchanged, rhythm.

Every day at the Mantenga Village, a living museum of nineteenth century traditions, there are displays of lively dancing and beautiful Swazi singing.

Mystical Ceremonies

Two main Swazi ceremonies take place every year. Both are announced shortly before the events, as they are determined by phases of the moon.

The most spectacular ceremony is the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) in August / September. It is a celebration in honour of the Queen Mother and of feminine beauty and virtue. During this ceremony, thousands of traditionally dressed maidens from all over the Kingdom collect reeds that are later used to make a new enclosure around the Queen Mother’s home. Later, the maidens converge at the Queen Mother’s homestead to pay their respects by presenting their reeds. The final days include spectacular displays of singing, dancing and colour.

The Incwala or Kingship Ceremony takes place in December / January. It is the most sacred annual ceremony when the King and thousands of young men and warriors take part in various rituals, dances and songs. The young men fetch ‘lusekwane’ branches and then march back to present them at the cattle byre; an impressive, unforgettable sight. The King embodies the vitality of the nation and at Incwala, through these sacred rituals, provides for the wellbeing and prosperity of his subjects for the year ahead.

Forester's Famous Food

Every day, the famous Foresters Arms restaurant serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks, cream teas and speciality coffees are available throughout the day.

Breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant or on the terrace. Choose from a variety of fresh fruit and juice, home-made muesli, bread, scones and muffins, as well as traditional, freshly cooked English breakfast.

Lunch is a selection of home grown salads and freshly baked breads, imaginative hot dishes and tempting puddings.

Dinner by candlelight is a highlight of the day. Every evening, our chefs create an exquisite, light-handed, seven course taster menu, which cleverly combines traditional and modern flavours and includes fresh salads, homemade bread and rather special ice-creams.

All food is prepared and served with care and pride.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch at Foresters Arms is a legendary, local celebration. Served in the restaurant and on the terrace, there is an amazing selection of tasty food. Take your pick from a feast of innovative hot and cold dishes, irresistible salads, the barbecue and ‘create -your-own’ stir fries, cooked by our chef. If you can manage pudding, treat yourself to any number of the seventeen hot and cold delights on offer. Children are welcome and will love the heated pool and horse rides around the grounds, led by dedicated grooms.

Drinks & Wine

‘A day without wine is like a day without sunshine ...’ Foresters Arms’ wine list includes a carefully chosen range of excellent and interesting South African wines which complement the exquisite food.