TRAVEL GUIDE: ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

Places to See in Eswatini

MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Safari | Wildlife Sanctuary

The widely popular Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is conveniently located between Mbabane and Manzini. Whether you are driving from Mbabane or other parts of Eswatini via Manzini, you can easily reach this nature reserve in Ezulwini Valley (‘Valley of Heaven’). The meaning of Mlilwane is ‘Little Fire’.

There are Zebras, antelopes, warthogs, wildebeests, and other ground animals roaming all around the massive area. Hippos and crocodiles give a spectacle as they bask in the sun near the water bodies inside the nature reserve.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

MANTENGA NATURE RESERVE

Cultural Village | Waterfalls

One of the most rewarding and memorable experiences one can create when in Eswatini (what Swaziland is now called) is spending time with Eswatini people to understand their culture. At Mantenga Nature Reserve in Lobamba, Swazi traditions are showcased at the Cultural Village that is surrounded by a forest harboring the famous Mantenga Falls. 

Mantenga Falls are inside the Mantenga Nature Reserve, all the way to the top of Nyonyane Mountain. By volume, the Falls are the largest in Eswatini. 

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TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

MALANDELAS COMPLEX 

Shopping | Food 

Malandelas Complex is an interesting place you can visit to chill and enjoy the surroundings—food and shopping for woven baskets should not be missed. 

On Google, the place is listed as a Bed and Breakfast, but there is so much more that is offered, Malandelas Restaurant overlooking the valley, venue for different events, Gone Rural (basket weavers that are considered some of the best in Eswatini), and a shop where you can buy different woven items such as bags, table mats, baskets, and etcetera.

At Malandelas Complex there is House on Fire, where the Bushfire Music Festival is held in May every year. This is a very popular festival and is widely known in the whole of Southern Africa. Malandelas Complex is located in Malkerns. 

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

KING SOBHUZA II MEMORIAL PARK

Museum

King Sobhuza II Memorial Park is located in Lobamba and is open 24 hours a day. The park was constructed to honor the first King of Swaziland. The displays and exhibits showcase the dealings of the kingdom and the monarch—it also generally details the history of the Swazi people.

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

SWAZILAND NATIONAL MUSEUM

Museum

Swaziland National Museum is basically where you go to understand the culture and people of Eswatini. The museum displays in its galleries, different information, and items showcasing the heritage of Eswatini. 

The Swaziland National Museum is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm during weekdays and from 10 am to 4 pm on the weekend. It is located in Lobamba. 

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

MKHAYA GAME RESERVE 

Safari | Game Reserve

Located further away from the Mbabane area, Mkhaya Game Reserve still pulls tourists to its sanctuary. Here you can see big animals like Black Rhinos and giraffes. Bird watching is also a big activity and there is accommodation for those wanting to stay there. Guided tours are both by foot and Land Rovers. Mkhaya is supported by well-wishers including Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary—which together with Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park, is owned by Big Game Parks. 

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA
This picture was taken at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. They have game drives as well as these huts that mimic traditional Nguni Beehive Huts found in some villages in Eswatini.

SIBEBE ROCK

Rock at National Park

One of the popular adventurous things to do in Eswatini—especially for hikers and adventure seekers—is taking on the Sibebe Rock, which is also called Bald Rock. This whole area is a nature preserve area that you can visit using a guided tour or by yourself if you are confident in using the tracks that lead to the rock; the paths are not marked hence the reason why people prefer to take a guided tour. 

Allocate at least half a day for this activity and remember to bring a snack and plenty of water. At the top, there is a restaurant selling beverages. Sibebe Rock is located in Mbabane and overlooks the Mbuluzi River valley.

Other places to visit in Eswatini are:

  • Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve (Piggs Peak)
  • Maguga Dam 
  • Sheba’s Breast Mountain in Lobamba
  • Malolotja Falls
  • Lebombo Mountains (found both in Eswatini and Mozambique 

Shopping in Eswatini

shopping TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

MBABANE CRAFT MARKET 

Just like your typical African market selling local goods, Mbabane Craft Market is the hub of items that you can purchase as souvenirs and gifts. There is also a section where fruits and vegetables are sold, as well as a section for clothing items. Mbabane Craft Market is located right in the town center and is open from Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day. 

MANZINI MAIN MARKET 

Eswatini, even in the early days when it was called Swaziland, has always been best known for its excellent craftsmanship. It is a must to visit a craft market. Manzini Main Market is a craft market as well as a fresh produce market that is always buzzing with hollering echoes from vendors engaging customers. This is not just a local market for Eswatini natives, the craft market is specifically created for tourists looking for souvenirs and gifts to take back home. 

Equally culturally captivating is the culinary experience in the small kiosks and restaurants around the market serving traditional Eswatini food. 

Manzini Market is located on Mhlakuvane Street in Manzini and is open from Monday to Saturday between 6 am and 6 pm. Manzini Market is a 20-minute drive from Lobamba and a 35-minute drive from Mbabane. 

manzini market - TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

SWAZI CANDLES 

Swazi Candles is a famous shop for candles and soaps. If you want to bring a good gift or souvenir from Eswatini, this is one of the good shops. In addition to the candles and soaps, they have other items for sale such as mugs and table mats. 

Swazi Candles is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, and is located in Malkerns, 30 minutes away from Lobamba. There are other small shops at the little square where Swazi Candles is located, as well as a few crafts vendors outside in the parking lot. After shopping, have some coffee and food at Sambane Coffee Shop. 

swazi candles TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

SWAZI PLAZA

Swazi Plaza is a shopping mall with different shops, restaurants, and a supermarket. Almost everything is here—food, clothes, home stuff, etc. Also, there is parking designated for the shopping complex. Some people go to the plaza to just hang out and have drinks. Swazi Plaza is located right in the center of Mbabane. 

Best Green/Eco-Friendly Hotels in Eswatini Promoting Sustainable Travel

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

For those looking to address the climate change problem through their travel decisions, one of the best ways you can do that is to stay at a hotel, resort, or other holiday accommodations that take everyday measures to reduce their carbon footprint on our planet. Everyday mundane decisions are what is being discussed here–for example, making the hotel more green and environmentally friendly, fair treatment for workers, and contributing positively to the community where the hotel is located. See the article, Eco Friendly Hotel Booking and Offsetting Carbon Footprints when traveling. 

* If you know any other Eswatini hotels that take sustainable measures to address climate change and promote the welfare of workers and communities, please send an email to contact@christobeltravel.com

ROYAL SWAZI SPA RESORT ESWATINI

Royal Swazi Spa Resort, located in Ezulwini, Lobamba, is one of the good-looking hotels in Eswatini, but the reason why it is included in this travel guide is that it clearly states the measures it takes to contribute to sustainable travel and tourism. 

On its website, Royal Swazi Spa Resort states that its climate change journey emphasizes (1) improving electricity efficiency by using technology that assists in reducing consumption and cost; (2) reducing water supply; (3) setting a Zero-Waste-to-Landfill goal that focuses on reusing products; (4) reducing greenhouse emissions through carbon reduction projects and purchasing carbon credits to offset carbon emissions; (5) sourcing fresh produce from local communities to feed hotels guests; (6) creating a safe and healthy working environment for the workers through training and compliance with relevant legislation; (7) investing in socio-economic development such as education, sports, arts, and culture to benefit the local community.

Traditional Restaurants in Eswatini Serving Local Food

TRAVEL GUIDE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ESWATINI (FORMERLY SWAZILAND), AFRICA

EDLADLENI RESTAURANT 

eDladleni Restaurant is located in Lobamba and serves African cuisine for both dining in and takeout. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. On Monday it is closed. On the menu, they have dishes like chicken in peanut sauce, pap, shredded maize and green banana curry.

MALANDELAS RESTAURANT 

Located inside the Malandelas Complex, the Malandelas Restaurant serves both local and the usual international food such as burgers and French fries. The restaurant is open from 8 am to 9 pm, every day. Signature dishes include Oxtails and a Swazi mixed grill. 

SMALL RESTAURANTS AT THE MARKETS 

You can find traditional food in the restaurants mentioned above—these are tourist places. If you are looking for places stripped off of touristy or International feel, head over to cultural homesteads tours or small restaurants in the market places. Be advised that if you decide to go to eat at the market, carry cash, and don’t take valuables with you that would make you stand out or attract the wrong attention. This is not because Eswatini is considered dangerous, but because like any other crowded place in a foreign country, extreme caution has to be taken. 

TRADITIONAL LOCAL FOOD TO TRY IN ESWATINI

Pap: Maize mill mixed with water and boiled. Keep adding the maize mill until it becomes hard like a dough. Normally eaten with vegetables and stewed chicken, beef, or fish. 

Sishwala: Thick porridge of maize mill and beans. It is usually served with vegetables and meat.

Umbidvo wetintsanga: Pumpkin leaves cooked and mixed with ground nuts.

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City Breaks & Culture, Eswatini / September 24, 2022
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