Mbabane is the capital city of Swaziland. Mbabane has shops and eateries. Sibebe Mountain is a huge granite outcrop that provides a scenic spot for a picnic and offers a good two-hour hike to the top. Mbabane can be easily seen in a day and is a good base for excursions. It is 20 mi/30 km northwest of Manzini. Mbabane is situated in the highveld of the country and it encompasses a moderate temperature.
Mbabane Events
Ncwala (first fruits) is the most sacred and colourful of the annual festivals in Swaziland. This is held in late December and early January. This is mainly dedicated to the king to honor the royal family. The festival takes place over three weeks. People wear traditional outfits and chant sacred songs.
Accommodation in Mbabane
Mountain Inn
• Standard hotel designed in Spanish style situated just outside Mbabane overlooking the Lubombo Mountains to the east and down to the 'Heavenly Place' of Ezulwini.
• 35km from Matsapha Airport
• The Terrace is popular for weddings, fashion shows, garden parties and afternoon tea.
• offers mountain bikes, birding excursions and many hiking trails
• hotel has conference facilities of up to 260 people
Brackenhill Lodge
• Perfect stop over between Kruger and KwaZulu-Natal
• Cosy, comfortable guest house situated on 400 acres.
• All rooms have en suite, private verandah, TV, M-Net and all the mod cons.
• Guests have their own dining room and lounge.
• Ideal for businessmen. Pool, tennis court, fishing, walks, mini-gym and dinners available.
City Inn
• Central city hotel close to the Governmental commercial and financial institutions.
• 24 double rooms, all en suite and furnished to a high standard
• Updated bar and dining areas
Getting Around Mbabane
Most bus services in Mbabane provide service to Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town in South Africa as well as Maputo in Mozambique.
Smaller bus lines stop at border crossings. Most travel is by road.
Dining in Mbabane
Many foods are found in the grocery stores but traditional food is common. Maize-based dishes are popular, and mealie-meal or mealie-pap (similar to porridge) is a staple. Beans, nuts, and sour milk are also common ingredients. Dried and cooked local meats, such as antelope, are widely available.
Sweet breads, vegetables and fruits are often available from roadside merchants.
Advice
There are risks for bilharzia if you frequent infected streams, as well as seasonal risks for malaria in some parts of Swaziland.
