MBABANE, EZULWINI VALLEY AND MANZINI, Swaziland

Displayed:   times.

The busiest border post, in Swaziland, is at Nqwenya due to its proximity to the capital, Mbabane, and the fact that it lies on the direct road route from the major population centre in the Republic of South Africa. Once over the border, the visitor immediately sees Swazi homesteads scattered across the rolling hills; rugged mountains slashed by timbered river valleys.

Nqwenya Glass and the turn off to Piggs Peak and Hawane Park are to the left and Mbabane, the Swazi capital, is soon reached. The city was formally established in 1902 by the British Colonial Authorities, the Highveld climate at this altitude being cooler and healthier than that in Manzini. Surrounded by hills, Mbabane has not lost its village atmosphere despite the tall commercial buildings which have been erected in the recent years.

Leaving the town, to the south, the road passe the Swazi Plaza Shopping Centre and the Mbabane Market before commencing the long winding road to Manzini. This sharp descent becomes the

Ezulwini Valley

the "Heavenly Place", in the Middleveld, turn to the Timbali Caravan Park, the "Cuddle puddle", the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel and Casino Complex, Mantenga Craft, the Mantenga Lodge and the Mlilwane Game Sanctuary are all to the right of the road.

Lobamba has been the spiritual capital of the Swazi Nation for around 150 years and is the site of the impressive House of Parliament which may be photographed from the outside. Nearby is King Sobhuza II monument, the National Museum, the Somhlolo National Stadium, venue for soccer matches and major public events, and the Emboss State Palace which visitors may not approach, nor photograph, without proper authority.

Above is an alternative route to Manzini branching from the first off ramp on the highway.

Matsapha, the airport and industrial area, lies to the right of the main road known as Bremersdorp after an early Inn-Keeper. The largest city in Swaziland, Manzini is, and always has been, something of a trade post.

In kilometers from Mbabane to: Nqwenya Border Post 22

Manzini 42

Piggs Peak 66

Matsamo Border Post 104

Hlathikhulu 69

Nhlangano 148

Mahamba Border Post 169

Mhlambanyatsi 27

Bhunya 42

Sandlane Border Post 74

Tshaneni 131

Siteki 105

Siphofaneni 79

Big Bend 115

Lavumisa Border Post 179

It will be seen that Swaziland is a small country and, despite the moderate general speed limit of 80kph, all of Swaziland is within easy reach of hotels near Mbabane

Rate this tip:

Rate!

Add Comment >>

Your Name:

Your Comment:

General Tips about Swaziland

» Required travel documents for Swaziland
» Key Phrases
» Local Time
» Electricity
» Currency
» Clothing
» Business Hours:
» Sibebe Rock
» Flora and fauna
» Places to Stay
» Airport
» Transport
» REGIONS
» LANDSCAPE
» CLIMATE
» GEOGRAPHY
» Traditional dishes
» Languages
» Traditional Customs and religions
» Health Precautions
» Currency
» Passports and Visas
» Transportation
» Communications
» History
» Mlawula Nature Reserve
» Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
» Mkhaya Game Reserve
» Piggs Peak and the northwest
» Manzini
» Lobamba
» Ezulwini Valley
» MBABANE, EZULWINI VALLEY AND MANZINI
» Malolotja Nature Reserve
» Never Ending Gardens
» The Swazi Warrior
» Sibhaca Dance
» The Swazi Homestead – Umuti
» The Sangoma and the Inyanga

   More travel tips about Swaziland