These waterfalls are located within a small private nature reserve of about 500 hectareas, the lodge nature reserve which is named like the waterfalls: Phophonyane Falls Lodge.

This reserve has fantastic scenery. It is crossed by the Phophonyane River, which creates pools and waterfalls on the rocks, between forests and hills. There are different paths to do for the area, crossing the river, climbing mountains, crossing forests… In this area you can also find the oldest rocks in the world dating back 3.550 million years.

The most typical route is a circular path to see the waterfalls. At the reception, they will give you a map with different indications to walk this circular path and see the waterfalls from different viewpoints. These waterfalls are 80 meters high and are totally spectacular!

How to get there?

To reach Phophonyane Falls, drive from the Jeppes Reef (South Africa) – Matsamo (Eswatini) border on the MR1 road for about 28km.

You will find a turnoff to the right to get there with a well signposted sign. Then the road becomes a gravel road, but well maintained, to the door of the Lodge. There you can park your car and go to the reception of the accommodation where you can pay the ticket for the Reserve and they will advise you on the routes you can do.

Permits and prices

The price to enter the Phophonyane Nature Reserve is 50R per person. Think that the ticket is worth it for the whole day. There are many local people who will spend the day on the weekends with the family, because you can walk through different routes, swim there and also there is a picnic area where you can have lunch.

What to do in Phophonyane Falls?

Basically, what you can do is enjoy this fantastic place in the middle of mountains and forests. If you are lucky and it has rained a little the days before, you will find quite a flow in the river and you will see the waterfalls in their splendor.

The walking route is very simple and suitable for all the people. At the entrance they will give you a map and tell you how to get there.  The path is slightly sloping at times, but steps have been built so that you can go down the river more easily. We recommend that you bring comfortable walking clothes and shoes. Despite being under the trees, we also recommend that you bring water and something to eat.

There are many local people who come to the reserve on holidays or weekends to spend the day and have a picnic. Also remember to bring a garbage bag to store your trash and leave the place intact as it was.

The Phophonyane Falls are a good stop on the way to the Malolotja Natural Reserve or the Ezulwini Valley (if you want to know more about our experience in this valley, you can click here) where you can start enjoying the nature of this small country that has never ceased to amaze us. Also, if you like walking it is the perfect paradise to spend a couple of days there.