Mbabane Tourist Places to Visit in Mbabane, Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Mbabane Tourist Places to Visit in Mbabane, Swaziland, South Africa, Africa

Mbabane is the capital as well as the largest city of the African country Swaziland. It also serves as the administrative centre of Hhohho district, located on the Mbabane River between 26°19′ S latitude and 31°08′ E longitude. Mbabane is located on the MR3 Road, at an elevation of 1243 meters and covers an area of 150 sq. km. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with relatively mild temperature throughout the year. The Indingilizi Gallery and the campus of the University of Swaziland are the two noted landmarks of Mbabane.

History of Mbabane:

It is believed that, Mbabane got its name from a local leader who lived in what is today’s Mbabane when the arrival of British to the area, Mbabane Kunene. Mbabane geared up towards development becoming the administrative centre of the country, replacing Manzini in the year 1902.

How to reach Mbabane?

Matsapha Airport is the major and closest airport to Mbabane, situated around 35 km away. The airport is catered by Swaziland Airlink and Airlink with flights from Johannesburg in South Africa.

Mbabane is connected by regular bus services to Johannesburg and Durban. Mini-buses are the prevalent options to get around Mbabane.

For airport travel, sightseeing purposes and airport travel, visitors can hire car at the travel agencies in Mbabane.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mbabane:

Swazi is a widely spoken language in Mbabane and also some people speak English. Mbabane is home to an art gallery called Indingilizi Gallery.

There are several upgraded restaurants in Mbabane, of which some are as follows:

Foresters Arms Hotel
Phoenix Steak House
Taste of Africa
Plaza Tandoori

Things to do in Mbabane:

City tours
Visiting nearby traditional villages
Walking

What to see in Mbabane?

Indingilizi Gallery:

Founded in the year 1982, the Indingilizi Gallery is a prominent art gallery, home to the works of many eminent artists of Swaziland and the items showcased in the gallery include paintings, batiks, mohair, pottery, jewelry and sculptures.

Mbabane River:

The Mbabane River flows through the district of Hhohho in the northwestern part of Swaziland and its main tributary is the Polinjane River. Mbabane is situated on the river bank, where visitors can involve themselves in different water-sport activities.

University of Swaziland:

Mbabane is home to one of the campuses of the University of Swaziland, where regular cultural events take place year round apart from offering latest courses and quality education.

Mantenga Nature Reserve:

The Mantenga Nature Reserve is situated around 20 km south of Mbabane, spread over an area of 725 hectares, home to a cultural village, where visitors can experience the local Swazi culture and tradition. There are also some camping options within the reserve for accommodation.

Other places of interest in and around Mbabane include:

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
National Museum of Swaziland
Malkern Valley
Somhlolo Stadium
Grace Christian Fellowship International Church
Royal Swazi Sun Hotel
Hawane Nature Reserve
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre
Mkhaya Game Reserve
Somhlolo National Stadium
Hlane Royal National Park

When to visit Mbabane?

Mbabane can be visited year round, though the tour of Mbabane can be best enjoyed between June and August.

Where to stay in Mbabane?

Mbabane houses many tourist favor accommodation centres such as hotels, holiday rentals, BB and inns, providing memorable hospitality services to visitors with latest facilities and services. Here are some well known hotels in Mbabane: