Sobantu Guest Farm -- this great little place, with gorgeous surroundings -- should be a must on any Swazi itinerary.
The Location
Sobantu Guest Farm sits about thirty kilometers north of Mbabane, just off the MR! to Piggs Peak. The MR32 branches east of MR1 about ten kilometers north of Hawane Dam at Mnyokane, on the way to Maguga Dam, and the well-signposted driveway up to Sobantu is three kilometers from this turn-off. It sits on a hillside with great one-hundred-eighty-degree views with a huge granite hill, easily climbed, as a backdrop.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The guest farm comprises a series of double and twin-bedded rondavels and the main house, which contains double rooms and a six-bed dorm. The dorm is neat enough, but a couple of the mattresses are a bit saggy. A couple of bedside tables keep your unpacked luggage off the floor. The clean, common toilet is right outside the dorm and there is a shower block just outside with hot water.
Common Spaces
There is a large sitting area with tight-fitting aluminum doors to keep the breeze out, which is much needed in this high altitude in the hills. A central fireplace is lit in the evenings and there is a flat-screen DSTV with comfy sofas, plus some long tables, table football, and a pool table. The room is decorated with sculptures and artwork, as is the smaller inner seating area, also with DSTV, fireplace, comfy sofas, and a large table. The large windows give you a continuous daytime view of the valleys and hills outside.
There is a kitchen for self-caterers and this place is primarily a self-caterer's guesthouse. The kitchen has a very small and cheap menu for those, like us, who roll up unexpected, and a freezer full of ice cream! The bar, which doubles as the reception, has a good range of beers, spirits and soft drinks. The self-catering kitchen has a kettle, toaster, microwave, fridge, and electric stove. Also included is a good selection of pots, pans, cutlery, and free coffee and tea. There is no Wi-Fi here, but they have a small book exchange. A sundeck is being built to add to the coziness.
Summary
This is a great place to stay among awesome scenery, and should be a compulsory stop for anyone wanting to experience the full breadth of what Swaziland has to offer.