The capital of Swaziland is a clean, safe city with modern shops and restaurants. It hosts the national university and serves as a gateway to explore the country.
Mbabane, the executive capital of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), is home to about 95,000 people and sits in the Mdzimba Mountains. The city has modern amenities while being close to nature reserves and cultural sites. In Mbabane, you can view local art at the Indingilizi Gallery, hike in nearby mountains, or watch traditional Swazi dance performances. With its mild climate, Mbabane gives you a chance to experience contemporary Eswatini life.
Getting to Mbabane
You can reach Mbabane by air, bus, or car. Fly into Matsapha Airport (MTS) near Manzini, which connects to Johannesburg via South African Airways. From Johannesburg, take a minibus from the Taxi Rank Noord, next to Park Station. The journey takes about 5-6 hours and costs around ZAR330 (as of October 2022). For scheduled road transport, siyeSwatini TransMagnific runs daily services to and from Mbabane. If you're driving, you'll find tarred roads and several petrol stations along the main routes.
Climate and Geography
Mbabane has a moderate subtropical highland climate due to its altitude of about 1,243 meters above sea level. The city receives an average annual rainfall of 1,441.7 mm, with most precipitation occurring during the summer months. Snow is rare, having fallen only three times since 1900. Mbabane is situated on the Mbabane River and its tributary, the Polinjane River, surrounded by the Mdzimba Mountains. This geographical setting contributes to the city's climate and mountain views.
Art and Culture
The Indingilizi Gallery, established in 1982, displays a wide range of Swazi art in Mbabane. You can view local artworks, including sculptures, paintings, batiks, and pottery. The gallery also displays ethnic jewelry and mohair products, representing various aspects of Swazi artistic expression. For those interested in performing arts, Mbabane's theater club hosts various productions throughout the year.
Food and Drink
To taste traditional Swazi cuisine, head to eDladleni Swazi Restaurant at Mvubu Falls. They specialize in "Natural African Food" and serve a variety of local dishes. For a taste of local beverages, try Sibebe Special Lager, which is brewed in nearby Matsapha. Mbabane also has international restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets, particularly in the Swazi Plaza and Mbabane Mall areas.
Nearby Natural Areas
A short drive from Mbabane takes you to several natural sites. The Mantenga Reserve, Waterfall, and Cultural Village combine nature and culture. You can watch traditional Swazi singing and dancing performances daily at 11:30 and 15:15. For wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, visit the Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Ezulwini Valley. Here, you can go hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking while spotting animals like crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, and zebras.
