Mantenga Cultural Village image

Mantenga Cultural Village

Tourist attraction African restaurant

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lobamba


Address

MR19, Eswatini

Website

entc.org.sz

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (422 reviews)


Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cultural (19) village (19) culture (16) tour (14) guide (13) visit (13) dance (12) people (11) experience (10) traditional (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lois “Lo” S. 1 year ago on Google • 158 reviews
    I enjoyed dancing with the performers here and touring the traditional homes. The guide was very informative and friendly. He walked me to see the waterfall and told me more about Swazi history. It's definitely worth the visit.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lydia V. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Place to get to know the swasi culture!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andre F. 1 year ago on Google • 1707 reviews
    Sollte man sich nicht entgehen lassen 11.15 Uhr und ca. 15.00 Uhr ist jeweils eine live Vorstellung mit Tänzen etc. Den Wasserfall kann man auch besichtigen. Alles für 150 Rand ( ca. 8,00 € ) Eintritt ist sehr Okay.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sampa S. 1 year ago on Google • 232 reviews
    A Captivating Journey into Siswati Culture: Mantenga Cultural Village: Visiting Mantenga Cultural Village in Eswatini was an awe-inspiring experience that immersed me in the rich traditions and vibrant customs of the Siswati people. From the moment I stepped foot in this cultural gem, I was greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality that made me feel like an honored guest. The guided tour through Mantenga Cultural Village was a journey through time, where I had the privilege of exploring the deep-rooted heritage of the Siswati people. The knowledgeable guides shared captivating stories and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of their customs, family traditions, and the essence of their way of life. One of the highlights of the visit was the mesmerizing dance and song performances. The rhythmic beats of the drums and the harmonious melodies resonated with the depths of my soul. The Siswati people's graceful movements and synchronized steps showcased their incredible talent and passion for their cultural heritage. I found myself completely captivated by the performances, unable to resist the urge to tap my feet and join in the celebration. Beyond the remarkable performances, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the intricate craftsmanship of the Siswati people. From intricate beadwork to beautifully woven baskets and colorful traditional attire, the attention to detail and artistry were truly remarkable. The artisans were more than happy to engage in conversations, sharing their techniques and stories behind their creations, making me appreciate the rich cultural significance behind each piece. Moreover, the picturesque surroundings of Mantenga Cultural Village added to the enchanting atmosphere. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the village offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, transporting me to a tranquil haven where nature and culture seamlessly intertwined. I left Mantenga Cultural Village with a profound appreciation for the Siswati people and their vibrant traditions. The experience was not only educational but also deeply moving, leaving me with a sense of connection and respect for a culture that cherishes its roots. If you have the opportunity to visit Eswatini, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in the enchanting world of Mantenga Cultural Village. Prepare to be transported into a realm of cultural richness, where dance, song, customs, and family traditions blend together to create an unforgettable experience.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 khethiwe G. 1 year ago on Google • 153 reviews
    Wow great place to visit, for those interested in understanding the swati culture.very interesting home, information and lot of knowledge they also have a traditional healer if you need to see one. Very rich with information and bring some cash to give for the singers ,to buy some handcrafts.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liesl T. 1 year ago on Google • 135 reviews
    A great place to learn about the traditional culture. The tour guide is knowledgeable. There are three parts to the tour - dancing, village tour and a walk to the waterfalls. Really worthwhile to do all three. R150 per person.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chipo “African skies” G. 1 year ago on Google • 74 reviews
    A beautifully preserved Swazi cultural village worth the visit. Don't forget to hike up for magnificent views of the waterfall. Great tour guide who's very knowledgeable on the culture.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iris G. 7 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Very nice place to visit! The people showed us several wonderful Swazi dances (see pictures). A guide gave us a tour over the camp. He gave some information about the history. There is a very nice waterfall. The entrance fee is 1500 Rand per person which is really worth the money.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nomthandazo C. 6 years ago on Google
    This was a great Swazi experience. The traditional dancers and singers were really entertaining. You could see from their facial expressions that they love what they are doing and that they are genuine about it. I enjoyed a lot when they picked some of us up and taught us the dance moves. Here we saw the real Swazi traditional homestead. The guide was also informative and able to provide answers to all of our questions. He knew what he was talking about. The staff here was helpful and assisted us when parking the buses. They also make sure that the toilets are clean and smell fresh at all times. The prices of refreshments though are really expensive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Louis P. 1 month ago on Google • 252 reviews New
    Visite du village intéressante mais pourrait être un peu plus dynamique. On a eu un guide qui récitait ce qu'il devait dire, rien de plus. Sinon, le spectacle de danse et de chant traditionnel était vraiment bien. On a adoré !! La route pour y aller est pas bitumée sur 1km mais ça se fait bien, même avec une petite voiture
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Zamalushaba L. 1 year ago on Google • 95 reviews
    Got a lesson on the Swati culture from the tour guide. Also did a very short hike to the Mantenga Falls. After that we enjoyed a musical performance from talented ladies and gents which was the highlight of the day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zélia L. 3 months ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    Local muito interessante! Permite conhecer um pouco da história e da cultura local. Além da recriação do espaço duma aldeia, é possível assistir a um espetáculo musical com músicas e danças tradicionais. Os funcionários muito simpáticos e acessíveis! Vale a pena a visita!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lindokuhle Maseko (. 11 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    The village was alive with cultural activities. We were given a tour guide and a bit of background history about the village. It has hiking trails , a very nice cosy bar and beautiful works of art. We were serenaded by different cultural dance groups.Its a beautiful nature reserved place with a sight for beautiful pictures , the place is loved by friendly monkeys and apes. Please do visit this place if you are a historic person.💜💙🩵
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank S. 8 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    An einem heißen Tag im November 2023 besuchten wir das schöne kulturelle Dorf. Wir wurden herzlich eingeladen und begrüßt. Anschaulich und unvergessliche Eindrücke wurden uns geboten. Selbst wir wurden zum Schluß in die tolle Show mit einbezogen. Danke für den schönen Tag.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom P. 2 months ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    Great dancing show and also very nice guide that explained the village and the cultural glimpse view of the Swasi
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 xnnx_1602 8 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Nice and safe spot to get in touch with the old culture of the Swasi. It's worth the money!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 NMG Portal S. 5 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Great place of interest, the tour around was quite interesting and very informative and the picnic area by the waterfall is a perfect chill spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danilo P. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nice experience. The dancing and singing were great, the guides are knowledgeable and make you feel at home. Would definitely go back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick F. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a great time here! We got to see the Eswatini dance and tour the cultural village. Our tour guide Paul was a wealth of knowledge! The restaurant is being renovated right now.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bibek K. 1 year ago on Google
    for those looking for a quick immersion of swazi culture & tradition, this is a lovely place to visit. energy of swazi dancers & drummers - particularly their ability to raise leg straight over the head with the beat of the drum was majestic. And not to miss out is a lovely water fall within just few minutes walking from the cultural village.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 elton n. 1 year ago on Google
    Learned the culture of Swati people
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 MFJ 10 months ago on Google • 361 reviews
    Beautiful place with a waterfall and peaceful view. They do have cultural dance programs also some guide will explain their life style. It was beautiful experience. We have stayed there one night. Problem is restaurant closes at 5, so either be ready to cook or buy food from outside . Nearby so many restaurants available on main road.

  • 4/5 Marvin “Marvin” S. 6 months ago on Google • 195 reviews
    Ein Ort um die alte Geschichte der Eswatani kennen zu lernen. Ein Tanz wurde aufgeführt und man bekommt eine Führung durch die Hütten und deren Struktur erklärt. Zum Wasserfall fährt man von dort aus nochmal 2 Minuten. Der Weg ist etwas Holprig.

  • 4/5 P M. 2 months ago on Google • 167 reviews New
    Este poblado cultural suazi es probablemente el destino turístico más destacado de Suazilandia. Es interesante y tanto los guías como los artistas se esfuerzan en ilustrar todos los detalles de la vida cotidiana en los poblados tradicionales. Dicho esto, hay que tener en cuenta que el espacio es una reconstrucción pensada para el turismo y que, como casi todo en Esuatini, está orientado a dar una imagen muy determinada y muy dirigida del país

  • 5/5 Tetxu M. 2 months ago on Google • 115 reviews New
    Amazing place to visit and have lunch there. It was worth it.

  • 4/5 Michael s. 8 months ago on Google • 89 reviews
    Very lovely traditional dancing

  • 5/5 Maddy H. 10 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    Ein Besuch ist dieser kleiner Ort wert. Man kann bei der Aufführung der Mantengas verweilen und sich verzaubern lassen. Wunderschöne Stimmen der Damen macht Gänsehaut.

  • 5/5 SN N. 9 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Oh...what a lovely village to go to and refresh...it gives you everything u need to know about this country & it's people...so eye opening...it has that feel good factor

  • 5/5 yulin T. 2 weeks ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    好吃。牛排;雞(整隻)

  • 5/5 Philippe Z. 2 months ago on Google • 26 reviews New
    Une plongée hors du temps dans la culture swatie traditionnel. Reconstitution d'un ancien village et spectacle de danses traditionnelles.

  • 5/5 Magyzua A. 3 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    10000/100000 Was so perfect and they’re so adorable

  • 3/5 kaye j. 9 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Whilst interesting, it is lacking in the additives to make it more real, ie cooking pots etc. also was lacking in people in costumes except for the dancing. Glad I’ve been but would not go again

  • 5/5 Nurbol B. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    Классное место показывающее быт народа Эсватини

  • 4/5 Rhulani M. 11 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Beautiful place to visit and learn more about the Swati culture

  • 2/5 Claude DE M. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Expérience sympathique. Ça reste des acteurs payés pour danser

  • 2/5 Webby M. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Amazing cultural place

  • 5/5 ollie o. 2 months ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Staff is kind and keen too help. Very informative

  • 5/5 Mandla N. 1 year ago on Google • 4 reviews
    I enjoyed the dance and everything about the cultural village. They have a very good tour guide .

  • 5/5 Mphile M. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Great service and good

  • 3/5 sharvae g. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place, however the restaurant isn't open and there's no traditional food or beer to sample. Unfortunately a 3 until the first two points add the other two stars

  • 5/5 Trenton M. 1 year ago on Google
    Worth a detour! Enjoyed touring the cultural village and seeing the dance performance. During my visit the restaurant was closed for renovations. The roads in/out of the village and to the waterfalls are in rough shape with numerous potholes. I’d recommend arriving for the dance and touring the village afterwards to economize time.

  • 5/5 Wolfgang B. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to experience Eswatini culture and how people lived in this wonderful country in the past. Nice people and well explained! Definitely recommended!!!

  • 5/5 Spencer M. 5 years ago on Google
    You definitely need to stop here during your visit to eSwatini! The cultural dance (see times on website) and traditional cultural village are very well done and provide an insight to Swazi culture. Make sure to see the waterfall which is only a short walk (or drive) from the main parking lot.

  • 5/5 Mologadi K. 4 years ago on Google
    Here we learnt about the Swati culture and customs. We also went to view the waterfall situated in the reserve. It's a refreshing sight and site, wonderful I have to say. The cultural dance was epic.

  • 5/5 Laura H. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic experience! Having already tried cultural villages previously, we weren’t sure what to expect. Mantegna Cultural Village is a beautiful site, made and explained by passionate and proud people. The visit of the reconstituted village was insightful and our guide absolutely great! (We’ve been very impressed when we heard him singing during the concert! He’s ready to join an opera!) The show is well done and performed by talented dancers and singers. Absolutely recommend this stop. If you have time, check the waterfall from above & from beneath.

  • 5/5 Bernhard S. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are in eswatini as a tourist you definitely should go there. Especially the dance shows and the guided tour through the village are worth seeing. The guid knows the eswatini culture very well and can probably answer all of your questions. You can also drive or walk to a near waterfall but you definitely can skip this part if you have already seen some big waterfalls and are short in time.

  • 5/5 Kevin H. 8 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Def a worthwhile experience. Thanks all, including Welcome for a great tour of the village. 🙏🏽

  • 5/5 Andiswa M. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Best experience, wonderful service


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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