Legends Backpacker Lodge is a fun, environmentally friendly and active hostel in Swaziland’s Ezulwini Valley, or ‘Valley of the Heavens’. The hostel’s location ensures a close proximity to almost all of the region’s scenic, cultural and historical highlights, but especially for outdoor adventure activities, as Swazi Trails Adventures are right next door.

Legends has dormitory and private rooms as well as camping to choose from, and rates are aimed at accommodating budget travelers. Legends is also a great choice for budget group accommodation, as the hostel can hold up to 95 persons, and has a high-volume ablution facility with gas-powered geysers to ensure hot-water never runs out. School, volunteer, church, cultural, choir, and sport groups are all welcome.

Legends offer free capped wireless access to internet, and the option to buy additional data access. The camping area is well shaded with lighting and electricity points. Additional facilities includes a swimming pool, boma braai area, a conference room, TV lounge with sateilitte channels and both a self-catering and catered kitchen. There is also a bar facility and friendly local staff to add direction and inspiration for your daily adventures.

One hostel feature of particular pride is the recycling system. Legends aims to recycle most of their rubbish, as this is not common practice in Swaziland (yet). The hostel has separate bins for paper/cardboard, aluminum/tin, plastic and glass. In addition, they have a compost container for fruit and vegetable leftovers. Other sustainable practices include the use of solar panels, energy efficient light bulbs, and furniture made of recycled wood pallets.

The self-catering kitchen is well-equipped and the hostel is just a 10 minute walk from a large shopping centre. Naturally, there is a fine braai area as well but if you don’t feel like cooking, not to worry! There are plenty of restaurants in the budget- and medium range to choose from, none of them longer than a 5 minute drive away.

Finally, for rainy (or just lazy days) Legends has DSTV, a bookshelf full of books to swap or purchase, or try your hand at table tennis.