Swaziland Travel Guide - Going Out

Restaurants are found mainly in Mbabane and in tourist areas such as the Ezulwini Valley. Portuguese cuisine (an influence from nearby Mozambique) including seafood, and especially prawns, can be found in areas like Big Bend. African staples such as stew and pap can be sampled in more remote locations. Other international food available includes Indian, German, Swiss and French.

Things to know: There are no formal licensing hours.

National specialities:
• Food stalls in the local markets sell traditional Swazi meat stew and maize meal or stamped mealies and roasted corn on the cob (in season).
• Prawns and other seafood cooked in Portuguese style.

National drinks:
• There is a good selection of spirits, beers and wines.
• Traditional Swazi beer can be tasted in rural areas, but be careful - it packs a punch!
Tipping: 10 to 15% of the bill is customary in restaurants and hotels.

In the main centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley, there are nightclubs and discos, some with live music and cabaret. The Sun hotels are the place to head in the Ezulwini Valley for discos and bars. The main attraction in Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Hotel. There is also a cinema there.

There is a modern shopping complex in Mbabane but local markets are always interesting places to shop. Purchases from craft centres include beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, local gemstone jewellery, wooden and soapstone carvings, calabashes, knobkerries (wooden club-like implements), battleaxes, walking sticks, karosses (animal skin mats), drums, woven cloth and batik and tie-dye, which are often incorporated into traditional Swazi garments. The Malkerns Valley is known for its arts and crafts outlets. 

Keep an eye out for the exquisite works of art from Ngwenya glass factory. They use recycled glass to create gorgeous images of African animals and birds as well as more traditional tableware.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.