Ezulwini Valley (Swaziland)

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The Elzulwini Valley is located in the central part of Swaziland and is also known as the Heavenly Valley. The valley is about 30 km long and is strategically located exactly between the largest cities in the country (Mbabane and Manzini); it is flanked by the Mdzimba hills.

Central to the valley is the town Lobamba known as the Royal city as well as the city with many legends about the history of the mini state. Tourism is increasing in this region of the country and because of this phenomenon is being built heavily in the region; shopping centers such as Gables but also casinos, restaurants and hotels are being built. The valley is also known for its many souvenir shops, regular shops and markets.

There are no buses in the Elzulwini valley between Mbabane and Manzini so you will have to take a combi (taxi bus) that constantly drives between the largest cities in the country. These leave when full.

Mbabane - Lobamba (Elzulwini valley): the vans take about 15 to 20 minutes and cost 8R.

Lobamba - Manzini - Hluhluwe (SA): first you have to take a "combi" (minibustaxi) to Manzini for 15R. All vans go in that direction. Then you will have to look for the "big" minibus towards Durban. No matter where you get off you pay 230R. Talk to the driver where you want to go (along the road).

Duration is about 3.5 hours depending on the border formalities on Golela. Times of departure are very flexible - if the van is full it leaves. We eventually left with a half full bus at 12:30.

• Name: National Museum

Price: 80R

Time: 10:00 - 16:00

Content:

Located between the Memorial Park of king Sobhuza II and the Parliament and not far from the main road in the Elzulwini valley lies the national museum. Inside there is plenty of attention to the Swazi culture and you can see a traditional village of bee houses in the garden in front of the museum.

Also, the 1940s cars of the then king are there. With a combi ticket (120R) you can also visit the memorial garden opposite.

In the shopping center Gabbles there are different food and drink options; one is a must and that is the pub on the corner of the center - a bit of an Irish pub with many TV's (which often shows sports) and a big long bar. There is also a large terrace.

• Name: Legends Backpackers lodge

Price: 80R (camping)

Phone nr. : 416 1870

Email: legends@mailfly.com

Content:

A kind of hippie enclave in the middle of Africa; led by David who knows what backpackers want. A large outdoor terrace on a wooden platform, a large garden where you can camp and hang in a hammock. A wonderful relaxed (party) atmosphere with a brand new laundry room with showers - hopefully he will also address the toilets in the same style in the future. You can sleep in a dormitory or in a regular room.

There is breakfast (45R) but also a bar where you can order Swazi wine (12R), soft drinks or local beer. Coffee and tea is free. The first 50GB you get free (WIFI) then you have to pay. There is also a small swimming pool. In the evening, fire sticks are connected to the terrace, which only adds to the (romantic) atmosphere. Within walking distance is Gables shopping center with lots of shops, large supermarkets and here you can easily take a mini-taxi (combi) to, among others, Mbabane or Marzini.

Because Swaziland is safer than the big neighbor South Africa, I would recommend going for a nice walk to get a sense of the region. You will be a bit weird because you hardly see a white person walking here but with a smile and a gesture you come a long way.