When I first looked into a trip to Swaziland, the first thing that came to mind was a recap by fellow travel blogger RTW in 30 Days about her two-day trip to this small country. Back when she first posted it, I remember pinning one image to Pinterest: a photo of the bright yellow thatched-roof chalet where she stayed. This HAS to be part of my Swaziland itinerary.

It’s called the Hawane Resort and it’s located within the general radius of all the activities I did in Swaziland. In fact, it’s not too far from the Ngwenya glass factory, which is closed during the hours I plan to visit, but it’s worth a stop if you find yourself here. (For point of reference: the previous night I stayed at Legends Backpackers in Manzini, located just above the “w” in Swaziland on the map below — it only takes about 35 minutes to drove between there and the Hawane Resort.)

The Hawane Resort is not fancy but it’s definitely unique and affordable, two aspects of accommodation that appeal to me. A night in one of these chalets costs about $60, plus $15 per person to join the buffet dinner, as there are no other dining options in the area. They do have a backpackers area on-site for about $10 per night, but I think it’s not open / available during my visit — I remember briefly looking into it but then deciding I’d rather stay in a thatched-roof chalet instead.

Here is the landscape as I drive up to the Hawane Resort:

Here we are… please show me to my chalet!

I walk around the property. It’s perched on a hilltop with rolling green hills in every direction. They have a pool and spa, plus activities like horseback riding and quad biking. I’m just here to relax though. (Note: you can purchase wifi at the front desk, but it’s pricey and slow.)

Quick look inside the on-site restaurant — I’ll be back later for dinner:

I take my time photographing these chalets from different angles. After eyeing this place for a year or two, it’s neat to actually see it in person.

Here is the inside of my chalet — it’s one giant room, with an attached bathroom. It’s cozy and simply decorated.

The statement piece inside the room is an elaborately carved chair, upholstered with the fur of an animal. It is SO HEAVY. Really unique piece.

The bed is comfortable. It gets cold outside at night but I stay nice and toasty in my little chalet (that white panel on the left wall is a heating unit).

Greetings from your friendly travel blogger!

Yup, I took a bath. A rare occurrence on the road since I typically stay at hostels.

A few more shots around the property…

Loved photographing this place at night. The air is chilly so I don’t stay out too long, but the glowing chalets are pretty against the navy blue backdrop.

Time for dinner…

My plate from the buffet:

A wider shot — there’s a tour group of about ten people here tonight, plus maybe two other couples and myself. I sit with the tour guide of the other group and he gives me suggestions of places to visit in his hometown of Joburg, where I’m headed in a few days.

The next morning I depart after breakfast (which is included in the stay) and drive northeast back into South Africa for a day of exploring at Kruger National Park. It’s a lovely drive through this part of Swaziland.

More on Kruger National Park soon!