National Museum
This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure and several of King Sobhuza I’s 1940s cars.
Eludzidzini Royal Residence
At the end of a palm-lined avenue south of Lobamba lies Eludzidzini, the queen mothers royal residence. Its not open to the public except during festivities, notably the Incwala ceremony or the umhlanga (reed) dance.
Maguga Dam
This very scenic dam is on the Komati River, and was constructed to provide irrigation and energy to local communities. With its glittering waters surrounded by the muscular hills of the highveld, it fits the picture-postcard ideal.
Parliament
Opened in 1969 as a post-independence gift from the departing British, this hexagonal building topped with a brass dome is a major landmark in Lobamba. It is sometimes open to visitors; if you want to visit, wear neat clothes and use the side entrance.
Big Game Parks
The central reservations office is accessed through the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Contact it for accommodation in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park. It also runs Chubeka Trails, its activities arm at Mlilwane.
Market
Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market, whose upper section is packed with handicrafts from Swaziland and elsewhere in Africa. Thursday morning is a good time to see the rural vendors and Mozambican traders bringing in their handicrafts and textiles to sell to the retailer
Somhlolo National Stadium
Built for Swazilands independence in 1968, the 20,000-capacity national stadium hosts important state occasions, such as coronations (including that of Mswati III, which took place on 25 April 1986), and soccer matches. It is named after Swaziland’s King Sobhuza I, also known as So
King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
Adjacent to the parliament, this memorial was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II, who led Swaziland to independence from British rule in 1968. Its main highlight is a 3m-tall bronze statue of the late, revered king. Theres a small museum with various pictures and documents
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
The small and privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve boasts a range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope species and wildebeest. There have also been over 300 bird species recorded here. Several walking trails dot the reserve and make for a fun activity.The turn-o
Sibebe Rock
About 8km northeast of Mbabane is Sibebe Rock, a massive granite dome hulking over the surrounding countryside. Much of the rock is completely sheer, and dangerous if you should fall, but it’s a good adrenaline charge if you’re reasonably fit and relish looking down steep rock face
Nisela Safaris
Nisela is a small private reserve nestled at the foot of the Lubombo Mountains. Wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, warthogs and numerous species of antelope are widespread throughout the reserve, but theres no big stuff. Its also famed for its abundant bird life, especially raptors. Var
Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine
Ngwenya is one of the world’s oldest known mines. The Visitors Centre has an interesting display of photographs and information, including the original excavation tools. To visit the mine, even if you are travelling by vehicle, you’ll need to be accompanied by a ranger, who will ex
Mantenga Cultural Village & Nature Reserve
The entrance fee to this tranquil, thickly forested reserve covers a guided tour of the reserve’s Swazi Cultural Village, a ‘living’ cultural village with authentic beehive huts and cultural displays, plus a sibhaca dance (performed daily at 11.15am and 3.15pm) and a visit to the i
Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter
Culture buffs will love this community-run archaeological site. The well-preserved paintings are under a small but impressive rock shelter, which is perched over the Komati River and affords lovely views across the mountains. The cave was believed to be that of the Nsangwini Bushme
Hlane Royal National Park
You come to Hlane Royal National Park for the big stuff. Swaziland’s largest protected area, this well-organised reserve is home to elephants, lions, leopards, white rhinos and many antelope species, and offers wonderfully low-key wildlife and bird life watching. And its so easy to
Mlawula Nature Reserve
This low-key reserve, where the lowveld plains meet the Lubombo Mountains, boasts antelope species and a few spotted hyenas, among others, plus rewarding birdwatching. The best wildlife-spotting area is the Sisipho Valley. Keep your expectations in check, though; wildlife is more e
Mkhaya Game Reserve
This top-notch and stunning private reserve was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction. It’s known, however, for its black and white rhino population (it boasts that you’re more likely to meet rhinos here than anywhere else in Africa and, judging
Malolotja Nature Reserve
The beautiful reserve is a true wilderness area that’s rugged and, in the most part, unspoiled. The terrain ranges from mountainous and high-altitude grassland to forest and lower-lying bushveld. The reserve is laced by streams and cut by three rivers, including the Komati River, w
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
While it doesn’t have the drama or vastness of some of the bigger South African parks, this tranquil reserve near Lobamba is well worth a visit: it’s beautiful, tranquil and easily accessible. The landscape is another highlight; its terrain is dominated by the Nyonyane Mountain, wh
Ngwempisi Gorge
The Ngwempisi Gorge, 30km south of the Malkerns Valley, is one of the country’s few remaining untouched environments, with beautiful natural forests and the Ngwempisi River. Adventure-seekers will love the Ngwempisi Hiking Trail, a community-run 33km trail in the Ntfungula Hills on
