Mabuda Guest Farm

Perched in the serene heights of the Lubombo Mountains, Mabuda Guest Farm offers a truly enchanting escape in Siteki, Eswatini. Often described by visitors as 'a place of dreams,' this family-run working farm and guest house welcomes travelers with genuine Swazi hospitality, breathtaking panoramic views, and a profound sense of peace. Whether you are seeking an adventurous eco-retreat, a tranquil family holiday, or a convenient stopover in the Hhohho District, the farm provides an authentic experience that combines comfortable lodging with the rhythms of nature and a thriving agricultural enterprise.

Owned and lovingly operated by Jonathan and Helen Pons, Mabuda Guest Farm has deep roots in the local community. Helen’s family has stewarded this land since the 1930s, with the current owners taking the helm in 1997. Their dedication extends beyond hospitality, with a mission to provide nutrition, prosper the region through employment and skills development, and protect the Lubombo biodiversity. Guests become part of this inspiring story, enjoying a stay where every booking directly supports community initiatives and conservation efforts on a beautiful, productive farm cultivating coffee, macadamia nuts, and hay.

Services & Facilities

Accommodation at Mabuda Guest Farm is designed to suit every type of traveler and budget. The farm offers a diverse range of lodging options, ensuring a perfect fit for solo backpackers, romantic couples, families, and organized groups of up to 30 people. Every guest can find their ideal space to relax after a day of exploring the lush indigenous bush and farm trails.

• Self-Catering Family Lodges: Spacious and private units equipped with kitchens, perfect for families and longer stays who desire independence and home-cooked meals.
• Budget Backpacker Rooms: Affordable, clean, and comfortable rooms for solo travelers and adventure-seekers.
• Camping Plots: Well-maintained grassy sites for those who want to sleep under the stars and wake up to the songs of Eswatini's abundant birdlife.
• Group Catering: Customized accommodation and meal plans for groups of up to 30, ideal for retreats, school trips, or family reunions.

On-Site Amenities

The farm’s facilities enhance the guest experience without compromising the natural setting. High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected, while the outdoor swimming pool and dedicated children’s play area provide relaxation and fun for all ages. Free on-site parking ensures a hassle-free arrival, and the property maintains a family-friendly, secure environment where guests can truly unwind.

What We Offer

Beyond restful accommodation, a stay at Mabuda is defined by a remarkable array of activities and culinary delights. The farm is an immersive destination in itself, inviting guests to connect with the land, the food, and the community. Central to this experience is the acclaimed Green Shed Roastery and Coffee Shop, where the farm’s own story comes alive, bean by bean.

The Green Shed Coffee Shop

Mabuda’s proud home of The Green Shed offers a true farm-to-cup experience. Here, you can savor artisanal coffee grown, harvested, and roasted right on the property. The menu extends beyond exceptional coffee to include light bites, home-baked treats, and seasonal farm produce. Opening hours run from early morning to evening, with extended service on weekdays and Saturdays, making it a perfect spot for a sunrise coffee or a sunset refreshment.

Farm Adventures & Trails

Guests are invited to explore the farm’s extensive network of trails. Whether on foot or by mountain bike, you can wander through diverse ecosystems teeming with birdlife and indigenous flora. For equestrian enthusiasts, guided horse riding excursions offer a unique way to traverse the scenic Lubombo landscape. Dedicated bird watchers and nature lovers will find the guided nature and bird walks to be a highlight, providing intimate encounters with local species.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors consistently choose Mabuda Guest Farm for its unmatched blend of authentic farm life, comfortable lodging, and purposeful hospitality. The direct booking benefit is a key advantage; the farm guarantees its best prices for guests who book through the official website. This commitment to value, combined with heartfelt service, creates a high level of guest loyalty, with many returning for repeat stays year after year.

The farm’s commitment to community and conservation distinguishes it from typical lodgings. By staying here, you support Medical Missions Eswatini, Libumba Inclusion Initiative, and other resident organizations working to uplift the local population. The farm’s mission—Provide, Protect, Prosper—is not just a slogan but a lived reality that resonates deeply with travelers seeking meaningful and responsible tourism experiences.

Serving Siteki & the Hhohho District

Strategically located near the town of Siteki in the Hhohho District, the farm is an ideal base for exploring eastern Eswatini. The elevated position in the Lubombo Mountains provides a cool and pleasant climate, a welcome respite from the lowland heat. The farm’s address on Mabuda Avenue makes it easily accessible while retaining a secluded, off-the-beaten-path feel. Guests can use the farm as a peaceful retreat to disconnect or as a comfortable hub to launch adventures into the surrounding natural wonders, including nearby game reserves and cultural sites.

The property also serves as a venue for special events that draw visitors from across the region. An annual highlight is the RunAbility Stage Trail Run, a two-day exhilarating trail racing event that attracts athletes and families to support the Libumba Inclusion Initiative. This event showcases the farm’s challenging and beautiful terrain while raising vital funds and awareness for children with disabilities and their families in the community.

Hours, Location & Directions

Planning your visit is straightforward. The main farm gate welcomes you at Mabuda Ave, Siteki, Eswatini. You can reach the team by phone at +268 2343 4124 or the mobile number +268 7638 2001 for immediate assistance. For detailed inquiries, the contact email is helen@mabuda.com. Check-in time is standardized at 2:00 PM, and guests are encouraged to confirm their arrival time in advance for a warm, personalized welcome.

The location offers a delightful mix of seclusion and accessibility. Detailed directions and a digital map are available on the farm’s website, helping you navigate the scenic route up into the mountains. The link to Google Maps on the contact page provides turn-by-turn navigation directly to the property’s entrance. Whether you are driving from Manzini or arriving via a cross-border trip, the journey to Mabuda promises beautiful vistas that set the stage for a remarkable stay.

Questions Visitors Ask

What is the best way to book and get the lowest rate?

Booking directly through the official website at www.mabuda.com is the best way to secure the lowest available rates. Direct bookings also allow the team to handle any special requests, such as group catering or specific accommodation needs, with greater flexibility.

Does the farm cater to families with young children?

Absolutely. Mabuda Guest Farm is a family-friendly destination with a dedicated children’s play area and a safe environment for kids to explore. The self-catering lodges offer the convenience of home for families, and the variety of on-site activities ensures that guests of all ages are entertained.

What is the signature experience at The Green Shed?

The signature experience is the 'crop-to-cup' coffee tour. This guided journey shows you the entire artisanal coffee process, from the coffee trees growing on the farm to the roasting and brewing at The Green Shed. It’s an immersive educational experience that ends with a delicious cup of single-origin coffee.

Are guided activities like horse riding or bird walks available?

Yes, the farm offers several guided activities. Horse riding excursions can be arranged for guests to explore the trails from a unique vantage point. Expert-led nature and bird walks are also a highlight, capitalizing on the farm's rich biodiversity and providing insights into the local flora and fauna.

Is the farm only a guest house, or is it also a working farm?

Mabuda Guest Farm is very much a thriving working farm. Its primary agricultural outputs include coffee, macadamia nuts, hay, and beef. Guests are welcome to observe and learn about the farming operations, and the fresh produce often finds its way into the meals and baked goods served at The Green Shed, making the farm-stay experience delightfully authentic.

What makes this location different from a standard hotel?

Unlike a standard hotel, Mabuda Guest Farm offers a deep sense of place and connection. You are staying on a multi-generational family farm with a powerful social mission. The immersive natural setting, the ability to wander through coffee plantations, interact with community projects, and the genuine, personal hospitality of the Pons family create a travel experience that is profoundly more memorable and meaningful than a conventional hotel stay.