About
At more than 3,000 feet (around 800 meters) tall, Sibebe Rock is the largest granite pluton in the world and the second-largest monolithic rock. This impressive slab of volcanic rock is a staggering three billion years old and is one of the most important geological sites in Africa.
Located a little over four miles (eight kilometers) from the capital of Mbabane, along the Pine Valley Road, the rock covers around 16,500 hectares. There are no perfect views of the entire rock from below, making it hard to appreciate its scale. A hike up to the viewing spot is the best way to view the monolith.
It's not safe to scale the rock itself due to its sheer face, instead, you can pick up a guide at the visitor center. The guide will take you up a steep and strenuous climb along nearby paths, which can be hard to find alone.
Along the hike is a wonderful meadow. During the spring it's carpeted with flowers and visitors may even spot the occasional wild horse. Scattered around the site are granite boulders of various sizes. The entire hike offers spectacular views of Sibebe Rock itself and Eswatini.
Also at the top are a set of caves that are home to raptors and other birds.
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Know Before You Go
Every year, the Mbabane-Mbuluzi Rotary Club organizes a walk up Sibebe Rock for a charity called the Sibebe Survivor.
Published
March 31, 2020
