Tucked into gardens and mountains in the “Valley of Heaven,” Lidwala sits central enough to local life that you never have to choose between peace and being plugged in. You’re close enough to catch the buzz of Gin Gardens at Sharma House, and just a quick drive from the annual Kota Festival in Malkerns. Yet there’s still room for slow mornings: a quick hike up Sheba’s Breast, followed by a long, lazy brunch at Velvet Monkey.
On property Brunch at Velvet Monkey
After a morning hike up Sheba’s Breast, there’s nothing quite like coming back down to a table at Velvet Monkey. It’s Lidwala’s own answer to “where do we eat?” no drive required, just a short walk across our lush lawn.
The setting suits the pace of a Lidwala stay: relaxed, unhurried, the kind of place where brunch can quietly stretch into early afternoon. Whether it’s their famous Swazinator gourmet burger or something lighter off the social dinner menu, there’s always a reason to linger. And of course, keep the drinks flowing — grab a Sibebe at the bar and make a few new friends while you’re at it.
Gin Gardens at Sharma House – 3 October
A short drive from Lidwala, Ezulwini’s Sharma House will host Gin Gardens Instagram on 3 October, a home-grown celebration of music and premium lifestyle, built right here in Eswatini. Headlining are Eswatini’s own Shelela Gin, Imbali Gin, and Explorers Gin, with live performances and signature gin experiences throughout the day. Honourable mentions go to Zambezi Sky Gin and other handcrafted gins from across southern Africa Gin Gardens brings a genuinely festival-scale night out to the valley, music acts and all.
📍 Sharma House, Ezulwini
📅 3 October 2026
🕛 Gates open: 12:00 PM
For Lidwala guests it’s a one-step plan,just go. Head out for gin, good music, and a proper night among friends, then wander back to a quiet chalet and slow gardens to sleep it off.
Eswatini Kota Festival -24 October
Malkerns Country Club comes alive on 24 October for the Eswatini Kota Festival Instagram, a family-friendly festival celebrating the iconic kota, the famous township sandwich built from a hollowed-out quarter loaf of white bread, stuffed with layers of savoury ingredients. Expect a full day of premium street food, music, and lifestyle, with some of the best food vendors around all in one place, alongside a serious lineup: Ringo Madlingozi, Amanda Black, Vusi Nova, Emtee, Young Stunna, Young Zesh, DJ Obsession, Mörda, and Aymos.
The day runs 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, hosted by Somizi Mhlongo. It’s family-friendly, so it works whether you’re bringing the kids or just bringing your appetite -and worth noting, the event is cashless.
📍 Malkerns Country Club, Malkerns
📅 24 October 2026, 10:00 AM –10:00 PM
For Lidwala guests, it’s a full day out – just show up with an appetite to match the vibe. Spend the morning at your own pace, then head out to Malkerns for food, music, and colour, with a quiet garden lodge waiting for you at the end of it.
However you spend your October- gin in hand at Sharma House, kota in the other at Malkerns, or simply parked at Velvet Monkey with a Sibebe, Lidwala is where the day starts and ends. Come back to lush gardens, mountain views, and a slow evening in the Valley of Heaven. Book your stay (booking link) and let the Valley take care of the rest.
FAQs
How far is Sharma House and Malkerns Country Club from Lidwala Lodge?
Both are an easy drive from Lidwala — Sharma House is just a 5 minutes walk in Ezulwini, while Malkerns Country Club is a 20 minutes drive further, making both events comfortably doable as day or evening trips without needing to relocate for the weekend.
Is the hike up Sheba’s Breast suitable for beginners?
It’s a moderate hike rather than a technical climb, so most reasonably fit guests can manage it – but sturdy shoes, water, and an early start (before the day heats up) are recommended.
Do I need to book tickets for Gin Gardens or the Kota Festival in advance?
Yes-both events are popular and tend to sell out closer to the date, so it’s worth securing tickets ahead of time rather than planning to buy at the gate. Check directly with events pages for tickets and further details.
Since the Kota Festival is cashless, what payment methods should I bring?
Card and mobile payment are the way to go-cash won’t be accepted on the day, so make sure you’ve got a working card or mobile payment before you head to Malkerns.
Should I book my Lidwala stay early for the October events?
Given the two events fall within the same month, October tends to be a busier period for bookings-reserving your chalet or campsite ahead of time is the safer bet.