Best things to do in Mbabane
Find out more about those top places in Mbabane
Exploring Mbabane: The Budget-Friendly Hidden Gem of Swaziland
When you think of Swaziland (now officially Eswatini), your mind might not immediately jump to its capital city, Mbabane. But let me tell you, Mbabane is one of those underrated cities that offers incredible value for your money. Located in the Heart of Swaziland, this charming city is a budget-friendly destination that still boasts all the top attractions you could ask for—just without the hefty price tag.
Things to Do in Mbabane: A Blend of Nature and Culture
Despite its relatively small population of over 90,000, Mbabane punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do and places to visit. Whether you’re into sightseeing, wildlife, or just kicking back in nature, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your itinerary:
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Explore the Stunning Landscape: Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Lebombo Mountains, Mbabane offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in Southern Africa. If you're into hiking or simply want to take in the views, the Ebenezer Mountain and Ngwenya Mountain offer trails that will make you feel like you're in a nature documentary (minus the wildlife running away from you).
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Mbabane Market: For an authentic taste of local life, be sure to visit the bustling Mbabane Market. This is where you can buy local crafts, fresh produce, and spices that’ll make you want to whip up a delicious Swazi dish. It’s the perfect spot to snag a souvenir without breaking the bank.
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**Visit the Swazi Cultural Village: A visit to Mbabane wouldn’t be complete without learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Swazi people. The Swazi Cultural Village offers a glimpse into traditional Swazi life, complete with colorful ceremonies and dances that make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
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Mbabane Nature Reserve: If you're looking for wildlife, you're in luck! The Mbabane Nature Reserve is home to a variety of animals, including impalas, zebras, and an array of bird species. It’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy a safari-like experience without traveling far from the city.
Budget-Friendly City: A Hidden Gem for Affordable Travel
Mbabane may not have the glitz and glam of larger cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, but that's what makes it such a hidden gem. The cost of living here is much more affordable, and the city offers a great value for money experience. You’ll find that accommodations, dining, and transportation are relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the region, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Nearby Attractions: More to Explore in Swaziland
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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: Just a short drive from Mbabane, this sanctuary is a must-see for wildlife lovers. You can walk or cycle through the park, spotting animals like giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. It’s a more relaxed, intimate safari experience than the big game parks, but just as stunning.
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Ngwenya Glass Factory: If you're looking to take home some authentic Swazi souvenirs, head to the Ngwenya Glass Factory. This eco-friendly glass-making factory produces beautiful glassware crafted from recycled bottles. It’s a perfect place to pick up something special, and maybe even watch the artists at work.
Why Visit Mbabane?
If you're searching for a peaceful, budget-friendly city with stunning landscapes, Mbabane should be at the top of your list. While it may not have the high-profile attractions of other African capitals, its relaxed vibe, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it a hidden gem worth exploring.
For those looking for a South African experience that doesn’t break the bank, Mbabane offers affordable travel options without skimping on adventure and fun. So if you're looking for a great travel guide to top attractions in a budget-friendly East African city, Mbabane is a destination you don’t want to overlook.
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Sibebe
The Sibebe Mountain is perhaps Swaziland’s most cherished attraction – located just 10 km from Mbabane, the granite mountain is recognized as the largest exposed granite pluton and the largest monolith in the world riding at 350 m above the valley of the Mbuluzi River. It is also the destination for the “Sibebe Survivor” an annual mountain hike event involving thousands of participants. Climbing the mountain might be a bit difficult for inexperience mountain climbers, to extra care is advised.
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Hlane Royal National Park
No trip to Mbabane is complete, without a visit to the Hlane Royal National Park – the largest protected area in Swaziland, with land area of over 22,000 hectares. At this park, there are no shortages of attractions to see and activities to partake in. It is home to wealth of wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, white rhinos and a wide variety of birds.
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National Museum
The hard to miss national museum is located at Lobamba adjacent to the Parliament – it is a place to go for an education on the history and archaeological facts about Swaziland. The national museum was built in 1972 and features some artifacts as well as a traditional village and cattle enclosure.
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King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
Built in the opposite side of the museum is the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, a formal garden where the body of King Sobhuza II, who led the country to independence, is laid to rest in a glass mausoleum which is guarded day and night. It also contains a large brass statue of the King at the center of the park, with Sobhuza’s famous utterances place at the base of the statue. If you are lucky to be visiting at an important time, the flame of the garden would be lit.
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Umhlanga Ceremony
The famous ceremony that is performed in most countries in Southern African is one that displays the culture of the Swaziland people. The eight-day ceremony features thousands of girls dress in their brightly colored traditional attire – making it one of Africa’s biggest events. For most parts the event is kept private and far from public eye, it is only open to the public on the last two days- the time of the event varies because it is derived from ancestral astrology but it usually occurs at the end of August or beginning of September. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures of the event.