Manzini

Having re-emerged from the British colonial HQ (Bremersdorp) razed to the ground at the end of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War, Manzini became the country’s commercial, agricultural and transportation heart.  Just 30 minutes from Mbabane on the main east west MR3 highway, it is the gateway to the south and east. Its centre is compact: you can walk from one end to the other in 15 minutes, passing the main bus rank, the bustling Bhunu Mall, the Catholic cathedral and Manzini Market – the busiest in the country. Tourists are, in general, a rarer sight in Manzini than in Mbabane or Ezulwini.

There are plenty of places to stay in town, although many cater more to the business traveller than to the tourist. Eateries run from fast-food outlets and cafés to a handful of more upmarket restaurants. Swaziland’s largest and liveliest market is sprawled across the eastern end of Mancishane Street. It is noisy, crowded and completely authentic. Thursday is the day to go, when buyers and sellers arrive from all over the region. You can find pretty much anything here, from the usual arts and crafts, fruits, veg and clothing to traditional dress and some fascinating traditional healer stalls.