Lidwala Backpacker Lodge

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Hotels, Lodges & Tourism

Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini

Lidwala Backpacker Lodge has been running for 7 years. The hostel is part of the All Out Africa Group (which runs responsible travel experiences in southern Africa) and was developed by Mr. Kim Roques and his wife Robin who saw the opportunity to turn a run-down piece of land into an amazing lodge to facilitate people on their travels through Swaziland. Both are born Swazi's and are passionate about nature, conservation and creating sustainable environment for the future.

The lodge aims for environmental sustainability and community benefit in providing the best backpacker guest experience in Swaziland. The Team Lidwala Backpacker Lodge is now managed by Philile Mbuli, a swazi who has lived and worked overseas for 3 years where she discovered her strong interest in travel, diverse cultures and people. Lidwala had to say goodbye and hello to quite a few people over the last few years.

Sbonisile Dlamini and Ndumiso Mndzebele are the assistant managers, both from Swaziland with a passion for the travel industry. Phaka Mkhonta is an intern that is currently doing her degree in Tourism and now working at Lidwala until Jan'13.Ncobile Mgabhi and Jabulile are the cleaners. Sibusiso Dlamini, Fash, Skhumbuzo are hardworking gardeners who keep the Lidwala garden at its best.

In 2005 after returning from honeymoon, Kim and Robin bought a piece of land in the Ezulwini valley after years of searching for the right place. Although it was infested with rubbish, weeds and broken down shacks, they saw the potential for a centrally located lodge with beautiful natural gardens on the slopes of Sheba's breast mountain.

The first challenge was turning a run-down shack into a spacious, comfortable lodge with airy views and some Swazi style. After 6 months of building the main lodge was ready for occupation. Then came the gardens – a seemingly never ending task of clearing rubbish and Lantana, planting grass and indigenous plants, laying walkways and braai areas and accentuating the big boulders and natural stream.

After 2 years of hard work the gardens started turning heads and people who knew the place before were amazed at the transformation. Since then, Lidwala Lodge has gone from strength to strength and in 2009 it was awarded the "Best Hostel in Swaziland".

Lidwala Lodge has seen impressive growth over the years, now sleeping up to 45 people and with an all Swazi staff of 10 committed people. The lodge is constantly improving with the latest development being a new reception and booking office with some additional en-suite private rooms, swimming pool and jacuzzi. The staff are also constantly improving the services offered and it is the place to stay if you're looking to share in Swaziland's warm hospitality and cultural, wildlife and adventure experiences.

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