Dombeya Game Reserve, Shonalanga Lodge

Set in the rolling hills of a beautiful wildlife reserve, this private Lodge is a stunning, peaceful and safe retreat. It is located in the easy-to-access Dombeya Wildlife Estate and Game Reserve (central Eswatini), about 20 minutes from Manzini. Wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, bushpig, grey and red duiker, steenbok, jackal, caracal and many other small animals. Our bird list includes over 210 species so far!Guests rent the entire Lodge, sleeping 4 (though we can always accommodate 1-2 extra children on

Set in the rolling hills of a beautiful wildlife reserve, this private Lodge is a stunning, peaceful and safe retreat.

It is located in the easy-to-access Dombeya Wildlife Estate and Game Reserve (central Eswatini), about 20 minutes from Manzini. Wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, bushpig, grey and red duiker, steenbok, jackal, caracal and many other small animals. Our bird list includes over 210 species so far!

Guests rent the entire Lodge, sleeping 4 (though we can always accommodate 1-2 extra children on camping mattresses if needed.

The lodge is stylish and comfortable, with stunning sunset views, a lovely, private pool, and a wildlife watering hole within a five-minute stroll. It is self-catering, and we provide basic tea, coffee and firewood for the braai/bbq. The kitchen is very well equipped, and it's wonderful to cook inside- or outside- under the stars.

We also have STARLINK if you need to stay connected!

We have over 30 kilometres of gravel game drive roads, 10 kilometres of walking and hiking trails, and you often see herds of wildlife from the Lodge's wrap-around verandah.

Visiting Dombeya is a unique opportunity to experience the African bush at your own pace. It is a wonderful chance to slow down and enjoy wilderness and wildlife without any timelines. Bring your picnic to a wildlife watering hole at sunset, and stop along a drive to watch giraffe browsing the nearby trees. We also have wonderful birdwatching!

We have a second Lodge within one kilometre if you have a bigger group- this also sleeps four (Mkhiweni Lodge), please enquire.

Please note that we have no front-desk-reception-area, and the gates into the Reserve are always locked. Upon confirmation of your booking, we will send you full arrival info!

We are about 20 minutes from Manzini along the MR5, and we are a central base for exploring Eswatini's cultural and craft hubs (in Malkerns and Ezulwini) . The closest grocery stores and shops are in Manzini. Guests do need their own transport to visit the Reserve; it is not suited for a visit via a taxi/public transport- apologies!

We live in the Reserve full-time and are happy to help if you have other questions!