The commercial hub of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has a central market where vendors sell traditional Swazi crafts and fresh produce in an active town center.
Manzini, the second-largest city in Eswatini, functions as a central point for business and travel. Locals call it “The Hub” due to its compact downtown filled with markets and industrial areas, along with easy access to nearby wildlife reserves. You can walk through the Manzini Market on Thursdays to see traditional herbs, handwoven baskets, and fresh produce sold by local vendors. The city sits along the main highway, making it a practical starting point for trips to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or the Swaziland International Trade Fair in August or September. Residential areas here include informal settlements and middle-class neighborhoods, reflecting both the city’s growth and everyday life in urban Eswatini.
Travel Routes and Getting Around Manzini
Manzini lies 30 minutes by car from Mbabane, Eswatini’s capital, via the primary highway. The closest major airport, King Mswati III International Airport, is 57 km east and connects to Johannesburg. For short trips within the city, use kombis (shared minibuses) or taxis. Downtown Manzini is small enough to explore on foot—crossing it takes about 15 minutes. If you plan to visit rural areas like Hlane Royal National Park, public buses run regularly. Renting a car is straightforward, and traffic stays manageable except during morning and evening rush hours.
Top Places to Explore in Manzini
Begin at the Manzini Market, where wooden carvings, secondhand clothes, and traditional medicines fill the stalls. Thursdays bring extra energy as rural traders arrive to sell their goods. Walk five minutes to Bhunu Mall for supermarkets, fast-food chains, and electronics shops. Near the post office, small public parks with benches under trees let you observe daily life. Visit Webster’s Bookshop for books on local plants, animals, and Eswatini’s history. Just outside the city, the Mantenga Craft Centre displays batik workshops and handmade pottery you can watch artisans create.
Day Trips and Surrounding Areas
Drive 20 minutes west to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to hike past zebras, antelopes, and hippos. The sanctuary allows self-guided drives or horseback tours. North of Manzini, the Malkerns Valley’s farms grow citrus fruits and produce dairy—roadside stands sell fresh mangoes and pineapples. Each August or September, the Swaziland International Trade Fair fills Matsapha’s exhibition grounds with agricultural displays, crafts, and live music. History buffs can explore remnants of Bremersdorp, a colonial-era settlement destroyed in the Anglo-Boer War.
Accommodation Options
Choose from budget guesthouses, mid-range lodges, or private game reserves. Valley View Lodge, close to downtown, has self-catering units with barbecue areas. Coates Valley Lodge sits in a residential area with simple rooms and gardens. Dombeya Game Reserve, 15 km from the city, includes two lodges where giraffes and zebras roam nearby. Business travelers often stay at Global Village Guesthouse for its conference facilities and industrial zone access. Backpackers favor Vuya Nathi Bed and Breakfast for shared kitchens and affordable rates.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Bring cash in emalangeni, as many small vendors don’t take credit cards. English works in most places, but learning phrases like “Sawubona” (hello) in siSwati helps connect with locals. Stick to well-lit areas after dark, especially near neighborhoods like KaKhoza. Visit between May and September for cooler, dry weather suited to hiking and wildlife viewing. If attending the Trade Fair, reserve your hotel months ahead. For airport transfers, book a taxi through your lodge or use the shuttle service from George Hotel.
