Attractions
Nhlangano
A casino hotel is located in Nhlangano, about 120 km south of Mbabane, with an excellent golf course and swimming pool. The nearby Mkondo River meanders through gorges and valleys, darting over waterfalls and rapids. This region is home to some of the best rock carvings by the Bushmen of Eswatini, with others in the mountains north of Mbabane.
Piggs Peak and the West
Gentle hills, glistening little rivers and countless waterfalls characterize one of the most beautiful regions in Eswatini. Piggs Peak is a forestry town named after French prospector William Pigg. There is an old mine outside of town that was still mining gold until 1954. Nearby is the Ngwenya Glass Factory, which produces the well-known Ngwenya glass.
- Usprivateschoolsfinder: Offers description downloadable image of national flag for the country of Swaziland. Also includes prehistory and history of this nation.
MBabne and surroundings
The scenic beauty of the Ezulwini Valley is the country’s main attraction. In this scenic valley, visitors will find the excellent Royal Swazi golf course, said casino, a hot mineral spring (there are seven others in the country), a gym and numerous hotels, among other things. Mbabne, the administrative capital of Swaziland, is at the northern end of the Ezulwini Valley. Sights in Mbabne are primarily the Mall, the New Mall and the main street Allister Miller, so named after the first European born here.
Manzini and Lobamba
Manzini, the country’s industrial hub, is about 30 minutes’ drive east of the valley. The way there passes the signpost to the country’s most famous waterfalls, Mantenga Falls with the attached bustling Mantenga Arts and Crafts Center and the nearby Mlilwane Game Reserve. The journey continues first past Lobamba and finally ends at the Matsapha industrial area.
Mlilwane is the oldest game reserve in the country. Great efforts have been made here to reintroduce certain animals to the country. After Mlilwane, two other protected areas have been established: Hlane in the north-east, where great herds of animals roam the plains; and Malolotsha to the north near Piggs Peak, at the top of a mountain range surrounded by valleys and waterfalls in stunning scenery. Both protected areas are easily accessible by road.
Shopping
Overview
Beadwork, wicker, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, gemstone jewelry, wood and soapstone carvings, gourds, karosses (leather mats), drums, woven fabrics, batiks and printed fabrics. Shop opening times: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-13:00.
Nightlife
Introduction
There are nightclubs and discos in Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley. The main attraction in the Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel and Spa. There is also a cinema there.
Culinary
Overview
Restaurants are primarily in the larger cities and in hotels. Market stalls sell traditional beef soup, a variety of corn dishes, mashed flour potatoes and grilled corn on the cob (depending on the season). Drinks: The selection of spirits, beer and wine is good. Traditional Swazi beer is brewed by the market women and sold at stalls.
Culture
Religion
Zionists (mixture of Christianity and ancestor worship) (40%), Catholics (20%), Muslims (10%), Bantur religions, Mormons, Jews and others.
Social Rules of Conduct
Dress: Casual attire is appropriate, smarter attire is expected only in the casino and in the top hotels. Photographing: Always ask permission before photographing someone; a small amount of money may be expected. The royal palace, royal family, uniformed police, military personnel and military installations are not allowed to be photographed. Those wishing to photograph traditional ceremonies should contact the Government Information Service (PO Box 338, Mbabane, Tel: (040) 42761) in advance. Tipping: 10% will be added to all hotel and restaurant bills.
Climate
Best travel time
Varies according to altitude; however, it only gets uncomfortably hot or cold at low altitudes. Frost can occur in the highlands, although the climate here is generally temperate. Subtropical, drier climate in middle elevations.
Country data
Phone prefix
+268
Area (sq km)
17364
Population
1.160.164
Population density (per square km)
78
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
999
