Swazi Candles Centre

Discover the warm, creative heartbeat of Eswatini at the Swazi Candle Complex in Malkerns Valley. An inviting stop that feels more like stepping into a colourful community than a typical craft market. Tucked into fertile valleys and friendly countryside, the complex is a vibrant showcase of Swazi talent, where every stall and studio tell a story of tradition, skill and bright imagination.

Stroll between informal traders and watch artisans at work: skilled woodcarvers shaping elegant figures, bead workers threading intricate patterns, textile makers dyeing and printing fabric with bold, local designs, and painters bringing everyday life and heritage to canvas. Small satellite shops offer a delightful variety: a bag shop filled with handcrafted carryalls, a cosy bookshop, Fairtrade goods from local SMEs, original screen-printed art, and paper-mâché creations full of whimsy. Don’t miss the famous candle factory, where fragrant, hand-poured candles in unique shapes and colours make perfect keepsakes.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts from the on-site café, a welcoming spot to rest and reflect. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee paired with a light meal or a slice of homemade cake while watching locals and visitors mingle, it’s a perfect pause in your day of discovery. Sample the chilli treats for a spicy taste of local flavours, or pick up a piece of original canvas art to take home.

Beyond shopping, the Swazi Candle Complex offers an authentic cultural atmosphere: warm greetings, spirited conversation, and the rhythm of craftspeople at work. It’s an immersive experience that connects you with Eswatini’s artistic pulse and community spirit. Whether you’re hunting for a special souvenir or simply want to soak in local life, a visit to Swazi Candle Complex promises memorable encounters and beautiful treasures. Well worth adding to your Eswatini itinerary.

Outlets currently include:

Swazi Candles

Visit the music filled workshop to witness the candle-making process first hand. Beautiful shapes in fabulous colours and patterns that range from crazy to classic. Also featuring soy lights – eco friendly candles, LED lights for no flame glowing. Visit their Website here.

Amarasti

A large selection of beautiful bags in various designs and sizes. Hand embroidered and beaded by the Amarasti women who take great pride in their work.

Black Mamba

Delicious, deadly selection of Chilli Venoms®, including dangerously tasty sauces, pestos and pickles, plus hot t-shirts & accessories. All our sizzling goodies are made with organically grown ingredients and no artificial stuff. Fair trade. Our air stream caravan is the perfect spot for serious chilliheads! Enter if you dare… Or click here to go to their website.

KwasiSwazi

A great selection of Books, Music, Souvenirs, Jewellery & T-shirts.

Malane Leather

Malane Leather offer quality handcrafted leather products made with passion.

Sambane Coffee Shop

Variety of tasty light meals and hearty main meals, delicious desserts and cakes of the day with a full liquor licence and speciality coffee machine. Kiddies play area including 2 Jungle gyms. Ice creams, Soft drinks and all main beers including Swaziland’s finest Sibebe.

The Imbali Store

The Imbali store at the beautiful Swazi Candles centre is a Fair Trade shop that supports local female enterprises from the Kingdom Of Eswatini. The store features the stunning clothing of Ubuntu Creations, beautiful baby clothes from Africa Love, the exceptional quality of Tsandza Weaving’s mohair, bamboo and cotton shawls and scarves, the impeccably handmade crafted leather work of Melane, gorgeous crocheted clothing from Golden Hands and the jewellery of Quazi Design that you won’t believe came from upcycling magazines.

Tintsaba

Offering the highest quality sisal woven baskets, jewellery and homeware.

Umgololo

A wonderful selection of artifacts, mask, sculptures, cloth and gifts from Africa.

Yebo! Art Gallery

Yebo! is a contemporary art gallery and design studio based in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Founded in 2010, it is dedicated to supporting the growth of the creative economy by partnering with leading established and emerging artists from Eswatini and across Southern Africa. Yebo! presents regular exhibitions both in its physical gallery and online, and collaborates with artists on product design, community art initiatives and creative workshop.

Zoggs