Backpacking in Swaziland: Staying at Swaziland Backpackers in Matsapha, Malkerns Valley

I’ve been going through all my old travel memories recently as I aim to get a book on my journeys released soon and I literally can’t believe the amount of unwritten articles I have on here. So here is my post on my time at Swaziland Backpackers, which is the perfect place to stay when backpacking through this small and often neglected country. First up, I crossed the border from South Africa to Swaziland.

I stayed three nights in Swaziland backpackers and this was enough time to relax, tour the sights of the country and meet a few fellow backpackers, here are five cool things about staying in Swaziland Backpackers.

1. Red Bus Tour of the Country
Sean the owner of Swaziland Backpackers runs a crazy one day bus tour of the country. While obviously this is rushed, it does mean you get to see some of the most important sights in the country. On the tour we visited the Swazi Candles Factory, Ezulwini Market, Gone Rural Handicrafts Centre and the crazy House on Fire nightclub.

2. Swimming Pool
Here in remote Swaziland countryside is a swimming pool to lounge in or to sit by. I took some extra suncream and passed the time by reading, writing blogs and planning.

3. The Lunar Lounge
When the sun sinks and the moon rises, this is the place to drink and chat travel. The LUnar Lounge is the downstairs bar in Swaziland Backpackers. I met a load of cool travel buddies here and we often whipped out the guitars and drums and pumped out Roll With It or the Lion Sleeps Tonight.

4. Ease of Border Crossing
This might not be for the most hardcore backpackers amongst you, I admit. But if you sign up for the Baz Bus which is a partner of Swaziland Backpackers, it eases the border crossings for you and you can get dropped off right outside Swaziland Backpackers! I chose this option to save time and hassle. You can do it alone of course, but it is more hassle.

5. Relaxation
The upstairs lounge has mattresses to chill in, there is a pool table, there are nightly bonfires and music, the swimming pool, the local pub Sundowners and just a general relaxing place to stay. Here are some photos of my time here including my first ever Sibebe Beer (Swazi’s own).

If you ever end up in Swaziland, please try and stay at the Swaziland Backpackers – Sean is the English guy that runs it. The only negative thing is that they don’t have a website, internet, wifi or even emails. This is the address: MR103, Matsapha, Swaziland

And here are my videos from Swaziland Backpackers: