Tourist Places to Visit in Malkerns, Swaziland, South Africa, Africa
Malkerns is a rural town situated between the city of Manzini and the well-known tourist destination Ezulwini Valley, in the southeastern African country Swaziland. Blessed with opulent greenery and with a wide range of traditional art and craft shops, Malkerns has turned as one of the excellent tourist destinations in the country. Malkerns is located between 26° 34′ 0″ S latitude and 31° 11′ 0″ east longitude, around 684 meters above sea level and around 30 km south of the country’s capital, Mbabane. Malkerns is also a great place to experience the genuine culture and tradition of Swaziland.
How to get Malkerns?
Malkerns is situated around 18 km west of the Matsapha International Airport, the only airport of Swaziland, which operates scheduled flights from the South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. There are taxis gettable at the airport and one can also use pre-booked private transfer for more comfort airport travel.
Malkerns can also be reached by bus from the airport through MR18. The bus connection of Malkerns extends to all the major towns and cities in the country, including Manzini.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Malkerns:
An amazing cultural centre in the central-western part of the country, Malkerns is a perfect place to explore the real culture of Swaziland, which can be experienced at regular cultural events taking place in the area or at art and craft shops dotted all around Malkerns.
Malandela’s Farmhouse Restaurant & Country Pub in Malkerns was established with the objective of serving both national and international tourists.
What to do in Malkerns?
- Horse riding
- Shopping
- Golfing
- Playing squash and tennis
What to see in Malkerns?
Swazi Candle Factory:
The Swazi Candle Factory is one of the most popular tourist attractions and establishments in Malkerns, where visitors can buy a wide range of animal shaped candles. It is worth a trip.
Craft shops in Malkerns:
Those looking to buy genuine Swazi art and craft works can directly head towards craft shops in Malkerns. Products are colorful, attractive and reasonable, worth a purchase, so don’t miss it.
Malandela’s Centre:
The Malandela’s Centre is a great entertainment complex, featuring all types of amusements for all aged people. Malandela’s Farmhouse Restaurant & Country Pub is a favorite spot of youths, where visitors can have a wide range of mouthwatering delicacies at reasonable rates apart from enjoying dance and music.
Lobamba:
Situated around 8 km north of Malkerns, Lobamba is a royal capital of Swaziland, bounded to the west by the Swaziland’s oldest preserved area Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Lobamba itself is rich in tourist attractions, including King Sobhuza II Memorial Park and National Museum of Swaziland.
Other interesting places in and around Malkerns include:
- Somhlolo Stadium
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
- Royal Swazi Sun Hotel
- Mbuluzi Game Reserve
- Hawane Nature Reserve
- Blue Lagoon Leisure Park
- King Sobhuza II Memorial Park
- National Museum of Swaziland
- Grace Christian Fellowship International Church
- Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre
- Yebo Art Gallery
- Mkhaya Game Reserve
- Somhlolo National Stadium
- Hlane Royal National Park
Best time to visit Malkerns:
The best time to visit Malkerns Valley depends on visitors’ interest, however, the most preferrd time is from June to August.
Accommodation options in Malkerns:
Malkerns has established itself as one of the prominent tourist attractions of Swaziland with different distinct tourist attractions that are well served by many modernized budget and mid range hotels with the blend of local and international facilities and services. Some recommended hotels in and around Malkerns include:
- Brookside Lodge
- Rainbird Chalets B&B
- Esthers Lodge
- Wide Horizons
- Willows Lodge
- Summerfield Botanical Garden Lodge
- Happy Valley Hotel & Casino
- Sibane Hotel
- Sun International Lugogo Sun
- Esibayeni Lodge
- Buhleni Farm Chalets
- Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
- Lidwala Lodge
- Mantenga Lodge