Swazi Culture
Sangomas keep the art of traditional healing alive; folk tunes tell stories of life and encounters with God; Umhlanga reed dances are beguiling; and traditional thatch villages dot the landscape.
Manzini will engage your senses with curious herbs, inflame your soul with umhlanga reed dances and steal your heart with the humble charm of Swaziland. Manzini is the most populous city in Swaziland with a population of more than 100,000 people. Popular attractions include Manzini Market, House of Fire and the Cathedral of Manzini.
Journey into the heart of Swaziland and be swept off your feet by the gentle rhythm of the Swazi culture with cheap flights to Manzini!
Manzini is home to Matsapha Airport (MTS), which is a 15-minute drive from the centre of the city. Matsapha Airport serves South African Airways. Non-stop flights to Manzini depart from Johannesburg and popular connecting flights to Manzini depart from Cape Town and Durban. The flight duration from Johannesburg to Manzini is approximately 50 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Sangomas keep the art of traditional healing alive; folk tunes tell stories of life and encounters with God; Umhlanga reed dances are beguiling; and traditional thatch villages dot the landscape.
Bustling havens offering everything from colourful African textiles to mysterious bundles of roots used in traditional medicine. You will also find beautifully handcrafted percussion frogs and buckets of fragrant mangoes.
Engage in conversation with the warm locals to learn about the Swazi culture, and be enthralled by animated tales of a seven headed snake and Gogo and her special bird.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Swaziland |
|---|---|
| Currency | Swazi Lilangeni |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 1 SZL |
| Language | siSwati / English |
| Hub Airport | Matsapha Airport (MTS) |
| Airline | Swaziland Airlink |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type M |
Manzini has a temperate (sometimes tropical) climate with dry winters and hot summers. December to March is the warm season. During these months temperatures generally hover in the mid-high 20s, but often spike into the 30 degrees Celsius region. June to July is the cold season. During these months temperatures linger in the low 20s and can drop as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Rainfall usually descends during November and December. Forms of precipitation range from drizzles and light rains to moderate showers and thunderstorms. The best time to visit Manzini would be when temperatures are a bit cooler. January to April and October to December offer pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 19°C | 19°C | 18°C | 15°C | 12°C | 9°C | 9°C | 11°C | 13°C | 15°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| High °C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 24°C | 22°C | 23°C | 24°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 160 | 146 | 96 | 61 | 20 | 10 | 13 | 22 | 46 | 102 | 138 | 136 |
Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, the Kingdom of Swaziland is home to some of the most fascinating cultural traditions and beliefs. Culture and heritage is deeply embedded into the bones of the city and the hearts of the local Swazi people.
Swaziland is also one of few remaining monarchies in Africa, and the world. Ngwenyama (the traditional term for the ruling king) Mswati III reigns over Swaziland alongside spiritual leader and Queen Mother (or Ndlovukati) Ntombi Tfwala. Together, they ensure the age-old Swazi customs and modern forms of government weave together in a way that allows the culture to burn on.
Beguiling traditional practices and beliefs of the Swazi people have persisted for generations and are what give Manzini its charm and allure.
Journey to Manzini and feel the heartbeat of a culture that dates back to the 15th century. And while you’re at it, try sishwala and umcombotsi to get an authentic taste of Manzini. Manzini offers an intimate sojourn into the cultural soul of Africa.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Manzini online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders do not require a visa when travelling to Manzini. However you will have to ensure your passport has three blank pages for entry stamps and has a validity of at least six months.
The South African High Commission to Swaziland is situated in Mbabane.
Address: The New Mall, 2nd floor, Dr. Sishayi Road, Mbabane
Phone: +268 2404 4651 / + 268 2404 4652 / + 268 2404 4653 / + 268 2404 4654
Manzini is a small town and considered safe. However, crime does happen, so it is advisable to take certain precautions and maintain vigilance as you would in any other unfamiliar city. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is highly recommended.
Avoid public demonstrations and political rallies. Exercise caution when making use of local taxis. Avoid using taxis and wandering around at night, particularly when travelling alone. Avoid carrying around large sums of cash, valuables and important documents, as pick-pocketing and bag snatching is common. Women should exercise caution when travelling alone.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Other routine and recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, polio and diphtheria.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Manzini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal inexpensive restaurant | R 100.00 | R 100.00 | R 70.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 25.00 | R 25.00 | R 11.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 22.46 | R 22.35 | R 15.00 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | R 10.00 | R 10.00 | R 21.50 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 38.00 | R 38.00 | R 35.00 |
Manzini offers a range of charming and intimate accommodation ranging from sleek hotels, cosy bed & breakfasts, to comfortable guest houses and home style lodges.
Accommodation is concentrated along Nkosehlusaza Street, the main road that cuts through the town, with a modest smattering of guest houses and lodges situated in the outer neighbourhoods.
Although accommodation is limited, small town charm pervades, so personalised service is guaranteed. And for guests at the golf estate and lodges, sublime views of the Great Ususthu River and surrounding mountains add to the overall peace and tranquillity.
It is possible to explore Manzini entirely on foot because of its diminutive size. However, local taxis also operate within the city, giving you a chance to see how locals live and possibly get to know some of the residents. Fares are fixed and should be enquired about before getting in.
A bus station and taxi rank are located at the end of Louw Street. Bus fare depends on where you are going and can be paid in cash once you board.
Private taxis and car hire are also available, but limited. Car rental can be arranged at the airport or through the hotel.
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