Eswatini’s immersive nature-based culinary and wellness experience, Mother Tongue, is set to return on 14 December 2025 at the scenic Malolotja Nature Reserve.
Far from a typical retreat, the experience invites participants to reconnect with the land, heritage, and inner stillness through a thoughtfully curated itinerary led by Mongi Botanical in partnership with Malolotja Nature Reserve and All Out Africa. This was revealed by Mongi Botanical Founder Sasha Thorne.
The full-day journey blends ecological exploration, indigenous food culture, and sensory healing practices.
Guests will begin with a guided foraging walk and wildlife safari, where they will learn about native edible plants, medicinal species, and the ecological richness of Malolotja’s high-altitude grasslands.
This is followed by a chef-led communal feast; an elevated interpretation of wild-foraged flavours and local culinary traditions.
“One of the defining elements of Mother Tongue is its immersive sound journey, facilitated by a local indigenous artist. Using traditional instruments and rhythmic healing techniques, the session is designed to foster meditation, cultural grounding, and emotional release. Each participant will also receive a curated goodie bag from the Mongi Botanical natural wellness range, extending the experience of nature-rooted self-care beyond the event,” she explained.
Thorne describes Mother Tongue not as an escape, but as a return.
“This is not a retreat in the conventional sense. It is an invitation to come home,to the land, to our bodies, and to the knowledge systems that have sustained our communities for generations. We created Mother Tongue to honour indigenous wisdom while offering people a profound moment of presence in nature,” she said.
Thorne extended gratitude to the event partners, noting, “Working with Malolotja Nature Reserve and All Out Africa has strengthened our vision of creating experiences that protect the environment while celebrating our cultural identity.”
With limited spaces and growing anticipation, Mother Tongue continues to position Eswatini as a leader in culturally rooted eco-wellness tourism.
