SIBEBE Rock; north of Mbabane, is one of southern Africa’s most impressive geological features. This gigantic, three-billion-year-old volcanic slab, which rises to 1,488m and covers some 16,500ha, is the world’s largest granite dome.
There are no perfect sights of the entire rock from below, making it hard to appreciate its scale. A hike up to the viewing spot is the best way to view the monolith.
It is also not safe to scale the rock itself due to its sheer face, instead, you can pick up a guide at the visitor center. The guide will take you up a steep and ardent climb along nearby paths, which can be hard to find alone.
Along the hike is a wonderful pasture. During the spring, it’s covered with flowers and visitors may even spot the occasional wild horse. Granite boulders of various sizes are scattered around the site. The entire hike offers spectacular views of Sibebe Rock and Eswatini as a whole.
After rain falls, the rock shines silver with countless streams running down its bare face. It’s a magical sight from afar but still slippery and dangerous, so take care and follow only the marked trails. The road to Sibebe passes along the attractive Pine Valley, with the rock so close to the verge that in some places, you must crane upwards to see it.
Remember, the best way to see it is to climb it!