The most popular entry point into the Kingdom of eSwatini (Swaziland) is the Oshoek/Ngwenya border post located towards the North West Region of eSwatini (Swaziland). At the border post, there is a Handicraft Centre where Swazi Womendisplay their rustic arts and Swazi Crafts.
Magnificent scenery surrounds the visitor to eSwatini (Swaziland) as he travels this road en-route to Mbabane.
A few kilometers from the border one will find the world renowned Ngwenya Glass Factory.
Ngwenya is named after a mountain that looks like a lazing Ngwenya (crocodile).
- Malolotja Nature Reserve
- Malolotja Falls - Highest waterfall in eSwatini (Swaziland) (100 metre high)
- Fly Fishing
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Ingwenya Mountain,at the top of which is the oldest mine in the world, dating back to 41 000 BC. Haematite and Specularite were mined for ritual and cosmetic use. Haematite was also used by the Bushman for their paint. A guide, requested from the Malolotja Nature Reserve main office, will lead you to all the ancient workings, modern open cast mine
- Forbes Reef Gold Mine (both no longer in operation) and other areas of interest at Ngwenya like the lion cave with its bushman paintings. Unfortunately the “Ghost Town” at Forbes Reef has all but disappeared. There are many other places in this region offering the visitor varied and different activities.
Havelock is only 1km from the Bulembu/Josefsdal border and is an asbestos mining area. This mining town has an excellent Sports Club with golf, squash, tennis and bowls facilities.
The aerial cableway linking the Havelock Asbestos Mine (now called Bulembu Mine) with Barberton, in Mpumalanga, dominates the slopes of Makhonjwa Mountain. The cableway, built in 1938 to carry asbestos to the railway station in Barberton and coal back for the Bulembu power station, is 20 kilometre long and supported by 52 pylons. The longest span is about 1200 metres and the highest point 190 metres above ground.
There are many hiking trails from the various hotels and lodges as well as in the Game Parks/Reserves.
Half-way down the mountain is the Endlotane Tapestry Studios, who produce beautiful African mohair wall-hangings, many of which adorn embassies, hotels and homes around the world.
At the mountain's base is the renowned glass factory, where visitors can watch glass blowers - using only recycled glass, much of which comes from the local community - create endearing African animal figurines and tableware.
Ngwenya Glass, set in a well tended garden, forms part of a small centre that's shared with other craft outlets whose prices compare very favourably with other centres and even roadside stalls.
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