Swaziland People & Culture

Manzini is the largest "city" in Swaziland and not extremely interesting in itself. However, it has great opportunities to take part in some community tourism in the area. From Myxo's place (Big Bend Road), a hostel owned by a Swazi originally from KaPhunga, the community in question, 1-2 days trips are organised. You'll get some quick "language lessons" and an introduction to their culture. Then you''re off! I found it one of the best cultural tours ever, as it is small scale, honest and fun. People are most welcoming and equally curious about your habits, which assures that it is not just a bunch of white people checking out the funny Africans. Loved it!

This is a really cool little town.  It is off the beaten track and the people are really friendly.  It is really beautiful surrounded by hills and woods.  If you hike a bit you can get great views of the surrounding area.  Pack a lunch and it is a fantastic afternoon.

We always went to Swaziland driving from Maputo, via Namaacha. Mbabane was a nice small town. Well kept, clean, a fresh air from what could then be called as one of the best spots in Africa. No holes on the road, sugar cane and other crops cultivated, lots of forest on the hills, really a very nice country. Polite and friendly people, no crime, no messing around. People wearing traditional outfits on their daily lives, which was rather surprising considering they weren't that many. And, at Mbabane, I had what was very likely the best steak in my life!

We stayed at Mountain Inn. A quite place, nice rooms, great swimming-pool and a awesome view from the bedroom at fair prices.

Manzini is the largest "city" in Swaziland and not extremely interesting in itself. However, it has great opportunities to take part in some community tourism in the area. From Myxo's place (Big Bend Road), a hostel owned by a Swazi originally from KaPhunga, the community in question, 1-2 days trips are organised. You'll get some quick "language lessons" and an introduction to their culture. Then you''re off! I found it one of the best cultural tours ever, as it is small scale, honest and fun. People are most welcoming and equally curious about your habits, which assures that it is not just a bunch of white people checking out the funny Africans. Loved it!

If you want to hear an interesting story, ask a local to tell you about the "muti" and the carnivorous trees of Swaziland.

At the Matsamo border between South-Africa and Swaziland there is a Swazi Cultural Village which is a living museum of all traditional Swazi things. A guide gives information about the life in Swaziland around the 1850's. There is also a presentation of dance, music and folklore

If you want to stay a bit in the wild, I really recommend Sondzela backpackers in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Go to Ngwenya (spelling?) and watch the glas factory, they also have souvenirs and chocolat =) To see a traditional Swazi living go to Mantenga and the Swazi Cultural Village. Twice a day you can see the traditional Swazi dances and perhaps even dance yourself =) For good food I really recommend "Finesse" in Mbabane, any steak with the jacket potato is really nice.

At the Matsamo border between South-Africa and Swaziland there is a Swazi Cultural Village which is a living museum of all traditional Swazi things. A guide gives information about the life in Swaziland around the 1850's. There is also a presentation of dance, music and folklore

This is a really cool little town.  It is off the beaten track and the people are really friendly.  It is really beautiful surrounded by hills and woods.  If you hike a bit you can get great views of the surrounding area.  Pack a lunch and it is a fantastic afternoon.

Go visit the traditional swazi village, its near the Legends hostel. There is dance show twice every day.

Manzini is the largest "city" in Swaziland and not extremely interesting in itself. However, it has great opportunities to take part in some community tourism in the area. From Myxo's place (Big Bend Road), a hostel owned by a Swazi originally from KaPhunga, the community in question, 1-2 days trips are organised. You'll get some quick "language lessons" and an introduction to their culture. Then you''re off! I found it one of the best cultural tours ever, as it is small scale, honest and fun. People are most welcoming and equally curious about your habits, which assures that it is not just a bunch of white people checking out the funny Africans. Loved it!

Small industrial zone with airport. Everything shuts down after office hours. Manzini is about 5 km away and Mbabane about 20kms.

Beautiful valley with the Royal Swazi Spa: hotel, golf course, casino and natural hot springs.

If you want to hear an interesting story, ask a local to tell you about the "muti" and the carnivorous trees of Swaziland.