No, that’s not a typo. This camp isn’t named after South Africa’s Nelson Mandela. It’s located in the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Southern Africa, and is a family friendly destination that’s picked up the ‘Best Guest House in Eswatini’ award in recent times.

Plenty of customers make return visits if the reviews are anything to go by, and that’s always a good sign. The service and accommodation are indeed top notch in a location that attracts couples as much as it welcomes families and group stays.

Country pub cosiness

One of the major draws of this guest house is its country pub which is open 7 days a week. It’s part of the main complex where all visitors take the short walk from their accommodation to the restaurant for meal times. Younger guests will no doubt be tugging at sleeves, eager to drag the grown ups to the stone horse carousel and wide open grassy spaces that are here for kids to burn off their seemingly inexhaustible energy supplies.

Meals in the restaurant come with complementary views of the Swazi mountains. The breakfasts are particularly popular with guests, although all meals provide enough variety and deliciousness to suit all tastes.

Art of Africa

The work of local artists is prevalent across the site, with examples in all of the private rooms and shared spaces, as well as the sculpture gallery. You might want to browse and buy the items for sale in the various arts and crafts stores at the guest house.

And there’s a theatre too – the House on Fire venue – which is open to the public as well as guests, so check out what’s on if you’re looking for evening entertainment.

Plenty more to do and see

Golf fanatics may want a round at the Mbabane golf course (about 25km away) or get tickets for a sporting event at Somhlolo National Stadium (under 8km away).

8 individually furnished suites and 2 self catering homes

Wherever you sleep, you’ll wake to attractive views of botanic gardens which provide the perfect setting for morning and evening walks to and from the main lodge.

There are single, double and family occupancy rooms to choose from, all with exposed wooden beams, ensuite bathrooms, and examples of local arts and crafts giving a unique look and feel to each. Rooms have a coffee machine and desk too.

Malandelas also has two properties in which self-caterers can make themselves at home – these rooms have kitchen facilities – microwave, oven etc. so you can prepare snacks and meals on those occasions you don’t fancy eating out at the restaurant or that cosy pub.