A day in Eswatini from Marloth Park

Border posts and hours

Two border posts are within reach of Marloth Park. Jeppe's Reef is the one most people use: take the N4 west to Malelane, then the R570 south. Mananga, through Komatipoort, is the better crossing for Hlane Royal National Park in the east.

Border post	Open
Jeppe's Reef (Matsamo)N4 to Malelane, then the R570	07:00-20:00
ManangaThrough Komatipoort	07:00-18:00

Last checked 26 October 2026

Over the 2023/24 festive season the Border Management Authority (BMA) kept Jeppe's Reef open until 22:00 and Mananga until 20:00 on some dates. Late hours like these are for the holidays only, so plan around the normal times.

What you need at the border

• A passport for everyone in the car, children included. Valid at least 3 months after your travel dates. For South African tourists: Up to 30 days without a visa.
• Your driver's licence and the car's registration papers.
• A letter from the bank if the car is financed, from the rental company if it's hired, or from the company if it's a company car. For a borrowed car, bring an affidavit from the owner and a copy of their ID.
• Money for the road toll, which you pay at the border.

Vehicle	Toll
Car or bakkie, with or without a trailer	E150
Motorcycle	E80

Last checked 26 October 2026

A child travelling with only one parent may need a consent affidavit from the other parent to leave South Africa. The government's guide to travelling with children has the rules.

What fits in a day

To	Distance	Driving time
Jeppe's Reef border	67-78 km	1 h 20-1 h 25 min
Piggs Peak, via Jeppe's Reef	106-118 km	2 h-2 h 35 min
Hlane Royal National Park, via Mananga	126 km	about 2 h 30 min
Mbabane	171-184 km	3 h-3 h 50 min

Last checked 26 October 2026

Once you're through Jeppe's Reef, the road climbs into the hills of northern Eswatini. Piggs Peak is the main town. Just north of it is Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve, with trails down to the falls, and Maguga Dam is close by.

Matsamo Cultural Village is right at the Jeppe's Reef border on the South African side, so you can visit without crossing. Ask about show times before you go.

Through Mananga, Hlane Royal National Park is the main day trip, about about 2 h 30 min from Marloth.

Day-visitor fees and opening times at Phophonyane, Hlane and Matsamo can change from year to year, so phone ahead before you set off.

Getting back before the border closes

Jeppe's Reef is open 07:00-20:00 and Mananga 07:00-18:00. From Jeppe's Reef it's 1 h 20-1 h 25 min back to Marloth. Aim to reach the border an hour before it closes, so a queue doesn't leave you on the wrong side for the night.