Benka LifeStyle Country Cottages, Ezulwini Valley

Benka LifeStyle Country Cottages sits inside the Swazi-Lizkhar Equestrian and Wildlife Estate in the Ezulwini Valley, Hhohho region, Eswatini, about 2 km from the Ezulwini hub at The Gables Shopping Centre. From here it's a short drive to the valley's cultural landmarks, including the Mantenga Nature Reserve & Cultural Village, the Mantenga Lifestyle & Craft Centre, King Sobhuza II Memorial Park and the Eswatini National Museum.

What sets the estate apart is that it's a genuine working wildlife and equestrian property: impala, zebra, kudu, nyala and wildebeest roam freely around the cottages, with views out toward Nyonyane, known locally as Execution Rock Mountain, and horses kept on-site for viewing by appointment. Each individually named cottage, among them The Zebra, The Fig and The Aloe, has its own fully equipped kitchen, Nespresso machine, Wi-Fi, DSTV and air conditioning, yet the estate still delivers a breakfast service to every cottage each morning, a self-catering stay with a hotel-style touch.

Beyond the cottages, guests can fill their stay with hiking and mountain biking on the estate grounds, spa treatments, a gin-making experience, or a picnic or private function arranged through the property's own Yellowstone Events team.