…. Ngwenya Border Leads with 12 517 Arrivals
…. Air Traffic Rises as 32 Aircraft Land
…. Bushfire Festival Continues to Drive Tourism Growth
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE- The Kingdom of Eswatini recorded an impressive 26 774 arrivals through its border posts and airports between Thursday and Friday ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival weekend, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a leading tourism and cultural destination in the region.
Figures released by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Immigration Department show that a total of 26 774 visitors entered the country between May 28 and May 29, 2026, representing a slight increase of 31 arrivals compared to the 26 743 visitors recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The figures demonstrate the continued attraction of the internationally acclaimed MTN Bushfire Festival, which annually draws thousands of visitors from across Southern Africa and beyond to experience Eswatini’s rich culture, music, arts and hospitality.
According to the statistics, Ngwenya Border Post remained the busiest entry point into the country, recording 12 517 arrivals over the two-day period. The border post processed 5 469 travellers on Thursday and a further 7 048 on Friday.
Other border posts also experienced significant traveller movement. Lavumisa recorded 2 699 arrivals, Matsamo welcomed 2 539 visitors, while Mahamba registered 2 100 arrivals. Mhlumeni and Lomahasha processed 2 042 and 2 034 arrivals respectively, reflecting strong visitor inflows from neighbouring countries.
Mananga Border Post recorded 1 391 arrivals, while KMIII and Sicunusa handled 591 and 561 arrivals respectively.
The Immigration Department further reported that 32 aircraft landed in Eswatini during the same period, bringing festival-goers and other visitors into the country. This represents an increase from the 23 aircraft that landed during the corresponding period in 2025.
While Ngwenya Border Post recorded 960 fewer arrivals than the previous year, overall arrivals into the country remained stable due to growth at several other ports of entry and increased air traffic.
The Ministry noted that three border posts — Nsalitje, Bulembu and Sandlane — which remain under the supervision of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), were not included in the reported figures. However, authorities indicated that these border posts continue to experience growing traveller activity, particularly during major national and international events.
The Immigration Department described the figures as evidence of a steady flow of visitors entering the Kingdom ahead of one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural festivals.
Officials emphasized that the slight increase in arrivals reflects the continued success of national efforts to position Eswatini as a welcoming destination for tourists, investors and international guests. The Ministry further highlighted its commitment to ensuring efficient border operations, smooth processing of travellers and enhanced security throughout the festival period.
The strong visitor numbers are expected to provide a significant boost to various sectors of the economy, including hospitality, transport, retail, accommodation, food services and entertainment.
As thousands continue to stream into the country for the MTN Bushfire Festival, the latest figures reinforce Eswatini’s reputation as a vibrant tourism destination and a preferred host of world-class cultural events.
The continued influx of visitors also underscores growing confidence in the Kingdom’s tourism sector and its ability to deliver memorable experiences while maintaining efficient border management and visitor services.
With arrivals remaining strong and air traffic increasing, Eswatini is once again demonstrating its capacity to welcome regional and international guests, further cementing the MTN Bushfire Festival’s status as one of Africa’s premier cultural and tourism attractions.
(Courtesy Pics)
