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Eswatini🇸🇿 | townsMalkernsGlassblowers, candle workshops, pineapple farms, live music | things to do and best time to go

Explore EzulwiniExplore Ngwenya Glass Village

Backpacking in Malkerns
👌 Worth visitingtown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Malkerns was once a farming valley known for pineapples and a sleepy road between Manzini and Mbabane, with little reason to stop. Today it draws travelers to a cluster of craft studios, a small music venue and a few guesthouses set among fruit farms. It lies in the central-west of Eswatini, in the Ezulwini-Malkerns valley, a short ride from Manzini. Buses and minibuses pass along the main road, so reaching it is easy, though getting between the farms is easier with a ride arranged. The Malkerns Valley is small. Evenings are quiet, hostels are few, and you will meet other travelers mostly at the guesthouses or at a gig. The craft studios and the Malandela’s complex deserve an afternoon. The town itself has little to see beyond the roadside shops. Slow travelers and craft lovers will like it most. Anyone chasing nightlife or big sights will not.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in EswatiniWhat makes it a must-see town

Malkerns works as a calm base in the middle of the country, close to the other valley attractions. The reason to come is the cluster of makers around the House on Fire arts venue and the Ngwenya Glass and candle studios, where you can watch the work being done and buy things directly. Most backpackers stay one or two nights, sometimes three if they use it for hikes and the wildlife reserves nearby. Evenings are quiet unless there is a show, and the social scene is a handful of guesthouse bars rather than a hostel crowd. That suits solo travelers who want rest after the road, and small groups who prefer a garden and a fire to a club. The Malkerns Valley farms give the area its green, patchwork look, and walking the lanes at a gentle pace is part of the pleasure. If you need a big-city buzz … read more 👉
Malkerns works as a calm base in the middle of the country, close to the other valley attractions. The reason to come is the cluster of makers around the House on Fire arts venue and the Ngwenya Glass and candle studios, where you can watch the work being done and buy things directly. Most backpackers stay one or two nights, sometimes three if they use it for hikes and the wildlife reserves nearby. Evenings are quiet unless there is a show, and the social scene is a handful of guesthouse bars rather than a hostel crowd. That suits solo travelers who want rest after the road, and small groups who prefer a garden and a fire to a club. The Malkerns Valley farms give the area its green, patchwork look, and walking the lanes at a gentle pace is part of the pleasure. If you need a big-city buzz or a packed itinerary of ticked sights, treat this as a short stop and keep moving.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Malandela’s complex and House on Fire: The best-known stop in the valley, mixing a restaurant, a mill-turned-craft-market and an outdoor arts venue with sculpture and music stages. Come in the afternoon for browsing, or on an event night. Entry to the grounds is usually free, and a visit takes 1 to 3 hours. Concerts cost roughly US$10 to 40.
  2. Ngwenya Glass: Studio where recycled bottle glass is blown into animals, bowls and jugs. Visit on a weekday morning when the glassblowers are working. Watching is free, purchases run from about US$3 to 60, and 45 minutes is enough.
  3. Swazi Candles: Workshop making hand-shaped wax candles in animal and spiral forms. You can watch the making and shop in the on-site store. Weekday mornings are best. Browsing is free, and an hour is plenty.
  4. Malkerns Craft Market:
… read more 👉
  1. Malandela’s complex and House on Fire: The best-known stop in the valley, mixing a restaurant, a mill-turned-craft-market and an outdoor arts venue with sculpture and music stages. Come in the afternoon for browsing, or on an event night. Entry to the grounds is usually free, and a visit takes 1 to 3 hours. Concerts cost roughly US$10 to 40.
  2. Ngwenya Glass: Studio where recycled bottle glass is blown into animals, bowls and jugs. Visit on a weekday morning when the glassblowers are working. Watching is free, purchases run from about US$3 to 60, and 45 minutes is enough.
  3. Swazi Candles: Workshop making hand-shaped wax candles in animal and spiral forms. You can watch the making and shop in the on-site store. Weekday mornings are best. Browsing is free, and an hour is plenty.
  4. Malkerns Craft Market: A short row of stalls and studios selling woven baskets, wood carvings and textiles. Mornings are calmer for talking with the makers. Browsing costs nothing, and you will spend about an hour. Bargaining is gentle here.
  5. Malkerns Valley farm lanes: A walk past pineapple, banana and citrus plots, with views toward the surrounding hills. Go early in the morning or late afternoon when it is cooler. It is free and takes 1 to 2 hours. Keep to the quiet side roads rather than the main highway.
Malkerns makes an easy base for day trips to Mantenga Nature Reserve and its waterfall, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Ezulwini Valley’s Mantenga Cultural Village. Glass and candle studios pair well in one morning, since they sit close together and both reward an early visit.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Malkerns is a spread-out valley town, not a compact grid, so the areas below are strung along the main road and the hills behind it.
  • Malkerns Valley (Mhlambanyatsi Road corridor): This is where most visitors spend their time. Craft studios, a candle workshop, a pottery and glass studio and a few restaurants sit among pineapple and citrus farms. It is worth a half day, and the stretches between stops are long enough that walking all of it is tiring in the midday heat.
  • House on Fire area: A short distance from the main road, this is the cultural venue known for its sculpture-filled grounds and evening concerts. Come for a show or a meal. It is quiet most other days, so check the events calendar before you go.
  • Malkerns town center (Malkerns Plaza): A modest commercial cluster with a supermarket,
… read more 👉
Malkerns is a spread-out valley town, not a compact grid, so the areas below are strung along the main road and the hills behind it.
  • Malkerns Valley (Mhlambanyatsi Road corridor): This is where most visitors spend their time. Craft studios, a candle workshop, a pottery and glass studio and a few restaurants sit among pineapple and citrus farms. It is worth a half day, and the stretches between stops are long enough that walking all of it is tiring in the midday heat.
  • House on Fire area: A short distance from the main road, this is the cultural venue known for its sculpture-filled grounds and evening concerts. Come for a show or a meal. It is quiet most other days, so check the events calendar before you go.
  • Malkerns town center (Malkerns Plaza): A modest commercial cluster with a supermarket, banks, ATMs, bakeries and minibus stops. Nothing here is a sight, but it is the place to restock and eat a cheap plate of pap and stew. It is flat and walkable in about ten minutes end to end.
  • Farm and hill lanes: Dirt tracks lead through pineapple fields and past homesteads toward Mlilwane and the Ezulwini side. They suit unhurried walks in the morning. There is no nightlife here, only dark roads and dogs, so skip them after sunset.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

8:00 AM: Malkerns Valley Market area
Start with coffee and a pastry at one of the cafés along the main valley road, where the morning is cool and the traffic is light. Eat slowly, since the first handful of craft stalls will not be fully open yet.

9:30 AM: Gone Rural
Walk or take a short ride to this women’s weaving cooperative, known for colorful grass and sisal products. You can watch the weavers at work and buy pieces straight from the people who made them, which beats any souvenir stall in the capital. Allow an hour.

11:00 AM: Malandela’s craft and ceramics studios
Move on to the cluster of studios around Malandela’s, where candles, pottery and glass are made on site. Browsing is free, and the glass-blowing and pottery areas are the interesting part. Prices are fair and the pieces pack … read more 👉
8:00 AM: Malkerns Valley Market area
Start with coffee and a pastry at one of the cafés along the main valley road, where the morning is cool and the traffic is light. Eat slowly, since the first handful of craft stalls will not be fully open yet.

9:30 AM: Gone Rural
Walk or take a short ride to this women’s weaving cooperative, known for colorful grass and sisal products. You can watch the weavers at work and buy pieces straight from the people who made them, which beats any souvenir stall in the capital. Allow an hour.

11:00 AM: Malandela’s craft and ceramics studios
Move on to the cluster of studios around Malandela’s, where candles, pottery and glass are made on site. Browsing is free, and the glass-blowing and pottery areas are the interesting part. Prices are fair and the pieces pack down well for a backpack.

1:00 PM: Lunch at Malandela’s
Sit down for a long lunch in the garden. The menu is a mix of simple grilled dishes and salads, and the shade is welcome in the middle of the day.

3:00 PM: Back roads through the pineapple fields
This is the part off the usual circuit. Walk a quiet gravel road behind the studios, past pineapple fields and small homesteads, and keep to the verge when a truck passes. Greet people you meet with a friendly “sawubona”. The valley looks its best here, green and open, and you will likely have it to yourself. Give it about ninety minutes.

5:00 PM: Evening at your guesthouse or a valley bar
Finish with a cold local beer on a terrace as the light drops. Evenings here are calm, so talk to the other travelers you find and plan the next day over dinner.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Malkerns

  • Winter (May to August): Days are dry and sunny, around 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F), with chilly nights dropping to 4 to 8°C (39 to 46°F). Daylight runs roughly 10.5 to 11 hours. Crowds are light and prices stay steady.
  • Spring (September to October): Warming to 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F), with jacarandas and wildflowers. Early rains start. Good walking weather and fairly quiet.
  • Summer (November to February): Hot and humid at 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F), with afternoon thunderstorms and up to 14 hours of daylight. Dirt roads turn muddy. December and January bring local holiday crowds and slightly higher guesthouse rates.
  • Autumn (March to April): Storms ease, temperatures sit around 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F), and the farms are green. Prices are at their lowest.
Aim for the last week of April or September if you … read more 👉
  • Winter (May to August): Days are dry and sunny, around 20 to 24°C (68 to 75°F), with chilly nights dropping to 4 to 8°C (39 to 46°F). Daylight runs roughly 10.5 to 11 hours. Crowds are light and prices stay steady.
  • Spring (September to October): Warming to 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F), with jacarandas and wildflowers. Early rains start. Good walking weather and fairly quiet.
  • Summer (November to February): Hot and humid at 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F), with afternoon thunderstorms and up to 14 hours of daylight. Dirt roads turn muddy. December and January bring local holiday crowds and slightly higher guesthouse rates.
  • Autumn (March to April): Storms ease, temperatures sit around 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F), and the farms are green. Prices are at their lowest.
Aim for the last week of April or September if you want comfortable temperatures and empty craft studios.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Malkerns Valley along the main craft road is the best bet for a budget stay, with a second option in Manzini, about 15 to 20 minutes away. The valley has a handful of guesthouses, backpacker-style lodges and campsites, mostly priced at US$10 to 20 for a dorm bed or camping pitch, and US$30 to 50 for a private room. Options are limited, so book ahead for weekends and December. It is quiet and green, with birdsong in the morning and almost no street noise. The drawback is distance: shops and restaurants are a taxi ride apart, and kombis stop running in the evening, so arrange a ride back if you … read more 👉
Malkerns Valley along the main craft road is the best bet for a budget stay, with a second option in Manzini, about 15 to 20 minutes away. The valley has a handful of guesthouses, backpacker-style lodges and campsites, mostly priced at US$10 to 20 for a dorm bed or camping pitch, and US$30 to 50 for a private room. Options are limited, so book ahead for weekends and December. It is quiet and green, with birdsong in the morning and almost no street noise. The drawback is distance: shops and restaurants are a taxi ride apart, and kombis stop running in the evening, so arrange a ride back if you go out.
Manzini offers more beds, supermarkets, ATMs and every long-distance bus and kombi link, making it practical if you are moving on early. It is louder, with traffic and nightlife on the weekend, and the center is best avoided on foot after dark. Choose a place near the main bus rank during daylight arrival, or take a taxi door to door. For most backpackers, the valley wins for calm and safety, while Manzini wins for connections and price.
Best hostels in Eswatini


Best quality hotels in Eswatini

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

Malkerns town center is small enough to cross on foot in ten minutes, but the attractions lie several kilometers apart along the valley road, so walking between them stops making sense beyond about 2 kilometers, especially at midday. Traffic is light apart from the main Manzini to Mbabane highway, which is busy at rush hour. Public transport exists but thins out quickly after dark.
  • Walking: Fine for the plaza area and short stretches of the valley road. Shoulders are narrow and there are few lights, so avoid it after dusk.
  • Minibus taxis (kombis): The backbone of local travel. Fares from Malkerns to Manzini or along the main road run about US$0.60 to 1.50, and the ride takes 15 to 30 minutes. They run from roughly 5 am to early evening and leave when full. Ask the driver or the conductor to drop
… read more 👉
Malkerns town center is small enough to cross on foot in ten minutes, but the attractions lie several kilometers apart along the valley road, so walking between them stops making sense beyond about 2 kilometers, especially at midday. Traffic is light apart from the main Manzini to Mbabane highway, which is busy at rush hour. Public transport exists but thins out quickly after dark.
  • Walking: Fine for the plaza area and short stretches of the valley road. Shoulders are narrow and there are few lights, so avoid it after dusk.
  • Minibus taxis (kombis): The backbone of local travel. Fares from Malkerns to Manzini or along the main road run about US$0.60 to 1.50, and the ride takes 15 to 30 minutes. They run from roughly 5 am to early evening and leave when full. Ask the driver or the conductor to drop you at the right turnoff, since many craft sites sit a walk from the highway.
  • Private taxis and ride hailing: Hired cars from the plaza to a valley venue cost about US$5 to 12, depending on distance and your bargaining. Negotiate before getting in. This is the practical choice for evening events at House on Fire, when kombis have stopped.
  • Hitching and lifts: Locals do share rides, and a lift along the valley road is common during the day. Women traveling alone should favor taxis. Offer a small contribution for the driver if asked.
  • Rental car: Roughly US$30 to 50 a day from Manzini or Mbabane agents. Roads are paved to the main sites, though side lanes are rough, and driving is on the left. A car makes sense if you are linking Malkerns with Mlilwane and Ezulwini in one day.
Buses to Johannesburg or Mozambique leave from Manzini, not Malkerns, so plan on a kombi there first.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

Malkerns suits a budget of about US$40 to 63 a day, which is modest by regional standards but higher than neighboring countries because of limited beds. Travelers pay in emalangeni, though South African rand is also widely accepted.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 20 (high season)Few dorms exist, so camping or a basic guesthouse bed often fills the gap. Prices dip in the low season to about US$8 to 15.
MealsUS$10 to 20Plaza takeaways serve a plate of pap and meat for US$2 to 4. Valley cafes charge US$7 to 12 for a main dish.
Local transportUS$2 to 8Kombis cost under US$2 per hop, while private taxis to valley venues run US$5 to 12.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 15Craft studios are free to browse, while Mlilwane entry is about US$8 to 12.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3
… read more 👉
Malkerns suits a budget of about US$40 to 63 a day, which is modest by regional standards but higher than neighboring countries because of limited beds. Travelers pay in emalangeni, though South African rand is also widely accepted.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$10 to 20 (high season)Few dorms exist, so camping or a basic guesthouse bed often fills the gap. Prices dip in the low season to about US$8 to 15.
MealsUS$10 to 20Plaza takeaways serve a plate of pap and meat for US$2 to 4. Valley cafes charge US$7 to 12 for a main dish.
Local transportUS$2 to 8Kombis cost under US$2 per hop, while private taxis to valley venues run US$5 to 12.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 15Craft studios are free to browse, while Mlilwane entry is about US$8 to 12.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 8Covers water, snacks, SIM data and small tips.
Total Daily BudgetUS$40 to 63About US$52 on a typical day.
Buy groceries at the plaza supermarket and cook at your campsite or guesthouse kitchen to save US$5 to 10 a day.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Malkerns sits in the middle of the country's most visited corridor, so day trips are easy, mostly by kombi with one change, and all return the same evening.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:
Zebra, giraffe, impala and hippos live in this park near Ezulwini, and you can walk or cycle among them without predators. Allow 30 to 45 minutes by kombi plus a short walk to the gate. Entry is around US$8 to 12 and a bike rental about US$12 to 15. Go in the cooler months, and start early because the animals are most active by 8 am.
👉 Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Ezulwini Valley:
The Mantenga Cultural Village and the Mantenga Falls sit about 25 to 40 minutes away by kombi. Expect a total spend of US$10 to 20 with entry and a dance performance. The falls run strongest after summer rain. First-timers often … read more 👉
Malkerns sits in the middle of the country's most visited corridor, so day trips are easy, mostly by kombi with one change, and all return the same evening.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:
Zebra, giraffe, impala and hippos live in this park near Ezulwini, and you can walk or cycle among them without predators. Allow 30 to 45 minutes by kombi plus a short walk to the gate. Entry is around US$8 to 12 and a bike rental about US$12 to 15. Go in the cooler months, and start early because the animals are most active by 8 am.
👉 Explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Ezulwini Valley:
The Mantenga Cultural Village and the Mantenga Falls sit about 25 to 40 minutes away by kombi. Expect a total spend of US$10 to 20 with entry and a dance performance. The falls run strongest after summer rain. First-timers often arrive after the afternoon dance has finished, so go before midday.
👉 Explore Ezulwini Valley
Manzini Market:
This is the country's busiest trading hub, a 15 to 25 minute ride away. Fruit, secondhand clothes, crafts and street food cost little, and a full day rarely tops US$10. Go on a weekday morning, keep valuables zipped, and skip it on Sunday when many stalls close.
👉 Explore Manzini
Mbabane and Sibebe Rock:
Sibebe is a granite dome near Mbabane, about 45 to 60 minutes away by kombi, with guided climbs. Budget US$15 to 25 including fees and transport. Climb in dry months and carry water.
👉 Explore Sibebe Rock

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Malkerns is calm and low-risk, and most problems are small. The valley roads are unlit and have little foot traffic after dark, so take a taxi to evening events and avoid walking between venues at night. Keep phones and cameras out of sight on the plaza and in kombis, where opportunistic theft is the usual issue, and carry only the cash you need. Solo travelers, women included, generally report a friendly atmosphere in daytime, though hitching alone is best avoided. Taxi drivers may quote high fares to foreigners, so agree the price first. Dogs roam on farm lanes, and a calm walk away is usually enough. Heavy summer storms can flood low road crossings, so check conditions before heading out.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Malkerns

Malkerns is worth a stop of its own, particularly for craft studios, the House on Fire venue and farm-lined valley walks. It is less a sightseeing destination than a calm base near Mlilwane, which is 30 to 45 minutes away by kombi. Visitors who like pottery, glass, candles and live music will fill a full day, while those chasing big sights may find it small.
Two days is enough for Malkerns itself, with one for the craft studios and an evening at House on Fire, and another for walks or a Mlilwane trip. Add a third if you want to cycle in the sanctuary or visit Ezulwini's Mantenga Falls. A single afternoon covers just the main craft road.
Malkerns works well as a day trip from Manzini, about 15 to 25 minutes by kombi for roughly US$1, or from Mbabane in 40 to 60 minutes with one change. Day visitors can see the studios and have lunch in about four to five hours. Evening events are harder because kombis stop early, so budget US$5 to 12 for a return taxi.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Swazi towns near Malkerns

Explore more nearby:

  • Lobamba—Royal village, Reed Dance, parliament, memorial museums| 9 km away
  • Ezulwini—Mantenga Falls, beehive huts, hot springs, roadside craft stalls| 15 km away
  • Bulembu—Ex-asbestos mine, misty hills, sawmill, rough road| 65 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Malkerns is best late on a weekday afternoon, when the studios are winding down and the valley cools. Better still, arrive on a show night and stay put. I would book a bed in advance, carry small notes for the craft stalls, and skip rushing the farm lanes in midday heat.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Eswatini. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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