Top Things to do in Ezulwini
10 Things to Do in Ezulwini That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ezulwini, Swaziland including Swazi Cultural Village, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Royal Swazi Spa, Swazi Candles, Swazi Trails Adventure Day Tours, House On Fire, Yebo Art Gallery, Traditional Swazi Craft Markets, Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre, Swazi Art & Craft.
Restaurants in Ezulwini
1. Swazi Cultural Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By mdyrdek - Solothurn, Switzerland
We visited on a Saturday morning, arrived around 9:00, and it was pretty empty. We only saw a couple sets of guests (not more than 10-15 people when we visited). Once the 11:15 traditional dance show started, guests poured in from out of nowhere. If you want to enjoy the falls and the tour before the show, you could get lucky and have few guests to contend with.
It costs R100 per person (at least for adults, not sure about kids) and includes a tour of the village (about 45-60 minutes, depending on size of group). You can also walk 800m (uphill at first, then down) to the Waterfalls. There are two showtimes for the traditional dance (11:15 and another one in the afternoon, not sure when though) and it lasts 45 minutes. I would say allot about 2.5 hours for the whole experience (waterfall, tour, dance). However, I didn't think the waterfall was worth it, especially if you've seen Waterfalls before. You don't even get very close to them.
There is also an onsite restaurant offering pizzas (about R60-70), pastas (about R55), burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. However, be prepared to wait a while for the food. We arrived at 10:45 and not one other customer was there. We quickly ordered two of the same pizza and they had to bring it to the show as they were not ready by 11:15. They brought it over around 11:35. No worries though as they have Takeout boxes. If you're in a hurry, I would suggest ordering your food right before the show starts and it will be ready about the time the show is over (and still hot).
Overall, it was a nice experience, though felt very commercialized (even sold CDs of the music after the show). However, readers should keep in mind that my husband and I have been to several villages throughout other countries in Southern Africa, so we have experienced some real local villages before. I would do it if staying nearby (like at the Milwane area). We came from Hlane and it was just a side day trip toward Hluhluwe. Due to the lack of authenticity, I wouldn't go out of my way to go, but if you've never been to a village it might be worth a visit for you.
2. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By KaylaWoodhouse
Lovely nature reserve, they don't have the big five but they have some lovely warthog and other smaller animals that aeren't afraid of people and cars. The warthog just chill with you by the firepit. Dinner was available in a buffet syle for R160 (ish) and breakfast again buffet for R120, both were very nice, dinner more so. The park fees are R50 per person unless you have a wildcard and then it is free.
The accommodation was comfortable but walls very thin, we could hear the neighbors coughing, just so you know.
This place had the most friendly staff and we really enjoyed one night of just chilling out here. In the evening they had some traditional dancing which was amazing, real entertainment and highlight of the stay. However at the end of the show we noticed lots of people leaving without giving the dancers a tip, this was really sad to see. R10 is hardly 60 pence, come on people if your willing to watch a show then give these people that have little or nothing, give at least R10 they are working for it!!
3. Royal Swazi Spa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 93 reviews
Set in the natural tranquility of the Ezulwini Valley, the trio of the Royal Swazi Spa Valley beckons guests from all corners of the world. The complex consists of the elegant Royal Swazi Spa, Ezulwini Sun, as well as the Lugogo Sun. The Casino is situated within the Royal Swazi Sun. Residents of the Royal Swazi Sun, Ezulwini Sun and Lugogo Sun, have free access to the Casino upon presentation of their hotel resident cards.
Reviewed By Beeth0veen - Jerusalem District, Israel
The hotel is tired and will be removed from our list of places to stay. The shower barely worked, the plug in the basin did not fit too large, really fun shaving. Bed switches for room broken and safe not bolted in anymore, cupboards. Carpets and rooms old. The planters Restuarant that was brilliant has now moved into the average category at best, breakfast average. But pricing expensive, this is a classic case of something being great and now mismanaged and poorly maintained
4. Swazi Candles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
Swazi Candles Factory Shop is an music filled workshop, open to the public. Come and see the artisans sculpting the wax and see our 100% handmade process. There are a multitude of other shops and a handcraft market as well as a tea garden serving delicious food and a selection of cakes and coffee/teas etc. A children's playground is available for the young ones.
Reviewed By Horst S - Cape Town Central, South Africa
One of your definite stops when travelling through Swaziland is the Swazi Candles Center: Next to hand-made candles there is an array of shops with textiles (batik and other types of print), a well stocked curio market and an excellent restaurant. Although this stop is also frequented by larger groups, service if fast and friendly, prices reasonable.
5. Swazi Trails Adventure Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Ricardo H - Basque Country, Spain
Swazi Trails is a perfect and professional support for both ideas in Swaziland. They also provided the transport from Joburg. Mseni was our guide both days. He provides useful information about local people and traditions. Darron -Swazi Trails owner- also joint us for the climb...MoreThank you for coming such a long way just to conquer our Swazi Mountains and for trusting us with your valuable holiday time. Your commitment to finding new and exciting destinations to explore every year is an inspiration to us! Keep adventuring...
6. House On Fire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By kdgarlipp - Pretoria, South Africa
The assembled art works and buildings of all sorts create a setting for the bush on fire art festival held here annually. The individual artworks are amazing and require investigation and perusal. The shops around are interesting but the tintsa grass mat weaving is off site, only the dying is done here.
7. Yebo Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Dirty_Bindle - Sooke, Canada
I ended up staying on this property for over a month as I got to be good friends with the family who own and operate it. As an artist and gallery owner myself I have the utmost respect for what the family has done/is doing in Swaziland. To bring together the work from some of the best artists in the country is inspiring. The location itself is stunning with a restaurant on site and the new gallery space is stunning with all the work that the family, artists and volunteers have put into it. If you go to Swaziland, you simply must check out this gallery and support the artists there!
8. Traditional Swazi Craft Markets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 44 reviews
Swaziland has a rich history, and provides a myriad of activities to suit each individual preference. But there is so much more to explore! Shops such as Traditional Swazi Craft Markets will definitely appeal to all. There are two traditional Swazi craft markets close by - one at the Royal Swazi Sun's entrance, and another along the main road, next to the Ezulwini Sun.
Reviewed By kdgarlipp - Pretoria, South Africa
Whilst this type of appearance may have been acceptable 20 years ago, the local tourism industry should do something about the appearance of these markets. The stock is repetitive and prices fixed. These markets are for foreigners who want something from Africa. The dresses were all oversized.
9. Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre is an outdoor space, encompassing restaurants, coffee shops and cultural gift stores, all under the shade of a giant rubber tree. The old farmhouse is now home to a vibrant community of skilled entrepreneurs who work together to create a lively and yet serene atmosphere. It is the perfect location to grab a bite to eat or do some cultural gift shopping.
Reviewed By L_Man1 - London, United Kingdom
Nice little craft market with an excellent pizzeria called vesuvio, would highly recommend it for lunch or dinner. Next to it is a wine shop and bar who serve a great selection of South African wines.
10. Swazi Art & Craft
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Swaziland has a rich history, and provides a myriad of activities to suit each individual preference. Experience Swazi arts and crafts by spending a half-day visiting the variety of markets in Ezulwini Mantenga, Mlilwane and Malkerns, including the unique Candle Factory. An alternative route can be taken via Ezulwini Valley up to Mbabane City, Motshane and the Ngwenya Glass Factory where one can see the Swazi glass blowers exercising their skills.
Reviewed By kimbaj - Maputo Province, Mozambique
Unfortunately it was raining when we were there so all the outdoor vendors were closed, but there were still enough shops to buy goodies. Our favorite was the Swazi candles, such beautiful designs, and the baobab batik is stunning. The café makes delicious food, so plan your trip for lunch.
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