Mbabane

Discover the Magic of Mbabane! Nestled among lush valleys, Mbabane beautifully combines traditional Swazi culture with modern charm. As the administrative capital of Eswatini, this vibrant city invites you to explore its rich heritage and lively urban scene. Whether you’re strolling through local markets, enjoying scenic views, or experiencing cultural festivals, Mbabane promises unforgettable memories.

It is one of the few cities in the world that is named after a person. It was named after Mbabane Kunene, the brother of King Sobhuza II of Eswatini.  The city is located in the Ezulwini Valley, which means “Valley of Heaven” in the local Swazi language.

Attractions in Mbabane

The Mbabane Craft Market is a vibrant hub located in the heart of Eswatini’s capital, where the essence of local culture and craftsmanship comes alive. Visitors can wander through a colourful array of stalls, each showcasing an impressive selection of handmade crafts, traditional Swazi art, and unique souvenirs that reflect the rich heritage of the region. The Mbabane Craft Market is also an excellent place to sample local delicacies, providing a taste of traditional Swazi cuisine that complements your shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to soak in the local culture, this market offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to bring cash, as many vendors operate on a cash-only basis, and be prepared to haggle for the best prices. A visit to the Mbabane Craft Market is an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Eswatini, making it an essential stop on your travel itinerary.

Sibebe Rock located in the north east of Mbabane in the Picturesque pine valley. The Sibebe rock rises to a height of 1488 meters high making it the largest granite rock on the African continent. It has some of the best hiking routes in Eswatini and once you get to the peak of the rock, you will have some of the best views around the country. Climbing the rock is extremely dangerous but worth the trip especially for tourists who love adrenaline high activities but for those who have a fear of the unknown, you can still get a great view of the Sibebe rock from below even without climbing it although there are some things that you will miss seeing like the mini forest, the waterfall and the boulder that are found at the top of the granite rock.

Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village It centres upon the picturesque Mantenga Falls and incorporates a cultural village, where Swazi history, culture and tradition are brought alive for visitors. Set against the scenic backdrop of Nyonyane mountain, this replica mid-19th Century Swazi village, constructed using authentic materials and techniques, is one of the country’s most popular attractions. For a modest fee, visitors may wander the village at leisure. A guided tour will reveal much more, from how the huts are built and what each is used for, to the role played by the sangoma, or traditional healer. Among the huts you will meet the villagers, including women preparing food, plaiting grass and making traditional bead work, all for sale. At a small showground behind the village a dance troop performs traditional sibhaca routines twice daily. It’s a lively show, comprising vigorous high-kicking, pulsating drumming and some rousing singing. After a couple of hours wandering around the village and watching the dancing, the drinks and refreshments at the Swazi River Cafe are very welcome.

National Museum of Eswatini Located in Lobamba, adjacent to the Parliament, the National Museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. The museum showcases intriguing displays of Swazi culture, a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several cars from the 1940s that belonged to King Sobhuza II. The museum has a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays that are informative and engaging.

King Sobhuza II Memorial Park King Sobhuza II Park, located in Lobamba, Eswatini, is a must-visit tourist attraction that serves as a memorial park honoring the legacy of King Sobhuza II, the longest-reigning monarch in Eswatini’s history. The park offers visitors a tranquil and reflective space to learn about the rich cultural heritage and history of Eswatini. Explore the various monuments, sculptures, and gardens within the park, each telling a unique story and paying homage to the revered King Sobhuza II. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the memorial structures, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this important historical site.

Accommodation

The Mbabane central business district is the heart of the city, with several hotels and guesthouses. It’s a good place to stay if you want to be close to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Another option is the Mdzimba Mountains: The Mdzimba Mountains are located on the outskirts of Mbabane and offer a more secluded and tranquil experience. There are several lodges and guesthouses in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Booking your hotel with Agoda.com is easy and hassle-free. You can search for hotels based on your preferences, such as location, price, and amenities. You can also filter your search results to find hotels that meet your specific requirements.

Personally as a budget traveller i stayed at the African Violet guest house just Off Pine Valley Road, Hhohho. I had a really good time and can really recommend this place. Personal where helpful and really friendly and there was no problem with anything. I stayed there for four days and just loved the silence and the beautiful nature around. Its located on the outskirts of the city close to the sibebe rocks.

Transport

Eswatini has a good road network and most major routes are tarred, but exercise caution to avoid pedestrians, potholes and wandering livestock found on some of the roads leading to the airport and other attractions. Mbabane minibus taxis are the most affordable way to get around Mbabane. They are often crowded and uncomfortable, but they are also a great way to experience local culture

SiyeSwatini offer shuttle services from every international airport near the kingdom of Eswatini, and also to the cities near those international airports. There travel daily, including weekends and holidays. Going to Mbabane, the Magnific shuttles depart from Johannesburg 4 times daily: Morning, Mid-Morning, Afternoon and Evening. There also provide a complimentary local shuttle to designated stops within the kingdom to get you from their Mbabane office closest to your destination.The fare from Johnnesburg to Mbabane is R750 for a one way and R1400 for a return trip. Travel time is approximately 4 hours from OR Tambo to the Oshoek border and the immigration process border gate varies from 30-60 minutes. Estimated arrival time in Mbabane is 4 hours 40 minutes from OR Tambo departure time.

The closest international airport to Mbabane is the King Mswati lll international located 83 kilometres away, along the MR3 Mbabane/Ezulwini corridor. Each flight duration is about 50 minutes on average from Johannesburg. Direct flights are operated by Airlink, Eswatini Air and APG Distribution from Johannesburg. In total there are 62 flights per week from OR Tambo international Airport in Johannesburg.

Food and Shopping

The Swazi Plaza stands as a beacon of shopping and entertainment in the heart of Mbabane. This expansive shopping mall is designed to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, showcasing an impressive array of local crafts, fashion boutiques, and international retail chains. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs, stylish clothing, or the latest electronics, Swazi Plaza provides a one-stop shopping experience that has something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by regular entertainment events and activities that make it an engaging place for families and friends to gather. Swazi Plaza is also conveniently located, making it an easy visit for tourists exploring the city. The mall’s design encourages leisurely strolls, and its spacious layout allows for comfortable navigation. There are several other malls in the city i.e Mbabane new mall, Woodlands shopping centre, etc.

Umncweba is a traditional dish from Eswatini, known as dried meat similar to South African biltong. This dish is made from beef, goat, or game meat, which is marinated in a mixture of salt, spices, and vinegar, then air-dried until it develops an intense flavor and firm texture. Umncweba is loved for its durability and is often consumed as a snack or part of a main meal. This dish is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Eswatini, where it serves as a practical method of meat preservation.

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Eswatini, but there are shortages of common medicines. For serious accidents and emergencies or specialised treatment, it’s likely you would need to go to South Africa. Local private hospitals can arrange evacuation if you are fully insured or you can produce funds in advance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical evacuation to South Africa and repatriation.

Top hospitals in the city are Mbabane government hospital, Mbabane private clinic, medisun private clinic, etc.

Important notes

• Respect the local culture: Eswatini is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions
• Mbabane is a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions, such as not walking alone at night and keeping your valuables secure
• Learn some basic Swazi phrases: English is widely spoken in Mbabane, but learning some basic Swazi phrases can help you connect with locals and show your respect for their culture
• Try the local cuisine: Swazi cuisine is delicious and diverse, with influences from South Africa and Mozambique.