Mbabane

Mbabane is Eswatini's administrative capital, established as the seat of British colonial administration in 1902 and today the country's largest city. Set on the highveld plateau at about 1,200 m elevation, it has a cool, temperate climate distinct from the hotter lowveld. Finance and banking are major parts of the city's economy alongside tourism and agriculture, and Mbabane's compact centre serves as a practical base close to the Ezulwini Valley.

By Plane

King Mswati III International Airport (SHO), east of the city, is Eswatini's main international gateway.

By Car / Road

Mbabane is linked by road to Manzini and to the Ezulwini Valley to the south.

Walkable city centre; taxis and minibuses cover longer distances.

The Swazi Market, at the south end of Allister Miller Street, is Mbabane's signature attraction — a multi-hall market with sections for fresh produce, pottery, hand-made baskets, masks, traditional fabrics, soapstone carvings, and beaded jewellery, plus a notable traditional-medicine hall selling healing lotions and remedies.

Browsing the Swazi Market's various halls is the main visitor activity in the city centre.

Restaurants in town serve Swazi and international food.

Cafes and bars in the city centre.

Several hotels from budget to upscale.

Crafts, textiles, pottery, carvings, and traditional medicine at the Swazi Market.

• Ezulwini — 10 km south, tourist valley
• Lobamba — 15 km south, royal capital
• Malolotja Nature Reserve — 30 km northwest