Located along Mkhondvo River, Olive Country Lodge has quietly grown into one of Eswatini’s most loved countryside escapes. What started as a handful of self-catering chalets for passing travellers has blossomed into an award-winning destination where comfort, culture, and cuisine come together.
Founded through a passion for heartfelt hospitality, the woman-led lodge was built on the belief that travel should feel personal and meaningful. Over time, that vision expanded beyond accommodation to create a sanctuary where guests can truly slow down, connect, and feel at home. The introduction of Bella Donna Restaurant & Bar transformed the lodge into more than just a place to stay, it became a place to gather, celebrate, and create memories.
One of the defining features of Olive Country Lodge is the balance it strikes between modern comfort and authentic countryside charm. Guests can enjoy the beauty of forested mountains, birdsong, and traditional beehive huts while still having access to modern conveniences like uncapped Wi-Fi, hot showers, and luxurious bedding. The lodge proudly embraces its Swati roots while offering a contemporary hospitality experience.
Over the years, the lodge has also become one of the go-to venues for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and celebrations in the Shiselweni region. Guests often visit for lunch or a relaxing weekend and quickly fall in love with the spacious lawns, pool area, Chillaz cabana space, and beautiful outdoor setting. Today, Olive Country Lodge hosts everything from intimate bridal brunches in the Breakfast Nook to large marquee weddings and events for up to 500 guests.
Food For The Soul…
One of the biggest reasons people visit Olive Country Lodge is the food experience at Bella Donna Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant offers a wide variety of meals filled with flavour and generous portions. Guests can enjoy traditional Swati dishes, slow-cooked stews, pizzas, seafood platters, pastas, fresh salads from the organic garden, and family sharing platters.
Some of the popular meals include the Family Feast platter with Umcwembe for two, pizza, chicken wings, beef sliders, russians, pap or chips and a Greek salad, as well as the Party Platter loaded with a pizza, beef sliders, chicken wings, Russians chips with cheese sauce and Greek salad.
One signature dish that best represents the kitchen is the seafood platter with grilled prawns, hake, calamari rings, and shrimp served with pap or chips and a fresh Greek salad.
The atmosphere at Olive Country Lodge is just as special as the food. Guests can enjoy music during Sunday lunch while children play in the kiddies’ pool and adults relax with cocktails by the poolside. The lodge creates a peaceful, joyful, and welcoming environment where visitors can truly unwind.
What makes Olive Country Lodge stand out from many other places is its personal touch and community impact. Despite its growth and award-winning success, the lodge still focuses on making every guest feel valued and remembered. The business also supports young emaSwati by offering internship opportunities and practical hospitality training for students from local institutions.
Looking to the future, Olive Country Lodge says 2026 is shaping up to be its most exciting chapter yet. While the lodge will always be known for its slow-braised oxtail, smoky grills, and warm hospitality that brings people back, they are evolving in three major ways: physical expansion, a bold events calendar, and creative collaborations that celebrate the spirit of Eswatini.
The lodge is breaking ground on a new conferencing centre designed to host everything from leadership retreats, creative workshops, alongside new accommodation wings that cater to every kind of traveller.
Guests can also look forward to a packed 2026 events calendar. Some of the highlights include the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone from 11 June to 19 July, where football lovers will enjoy live match screenings under the stars with food, music, and a lively atmosphere. Other upcoming experiences include the International Day of Friendship celebration on 30 July, World Beer Day tasting experiences on 7 August, a Spring Family Fun Day on 5 September filled with picnics and games, the Summer Glory poolside celebration on 5 December, and a relaxing New Year’s Day Family Brunch on 1 January 2027.
Olive Country Lodge is also opening its doors to more collaborations with local musicians, poets, fashion designers, visual artists, and corporate sponsors. The lodge hopes to turn its beautiful lawn into a living stage for intergenerational wonder.
For guests interested in visiting or hosting an event, the reservation process is simple and welcoming. Guests can contact the lodge through:
• WhatsApp or call: +268 7652 6263
• Landline: +268 3255 9567
• Email: booking@olivecountrylodge.co.sz
• Facebook: Olive Country Lodge Eswatini
• Instagram and TikTok: @olivecountrylodge
• Booking.com and TripAdvisor
• Website: Olive Country Lodge Official Website
Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, a wedding venue, a family outing, or simply a place to enjoy great food and beautiful scenery, Olive Country Lodge offers guests more than just accommodation, it offers comfort, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
