Malkerns Valley
A farming valley south of Ezulwini, now the centre of Eswatini's craft industry.
Updated 3 September 2026
Malkerns is a broad farming valley of pineapple and sugar fields between Mbabane and Manzini, and over the last few decades it has become the centre of the country's craft production, with weaving, glassblowing, candle-making and textile workshops spread along the valley road. Most run open studios where the work can be watched. The Bushfire music festival takes place here at the end of May.
The main sights
- The craft workshops - weaving, glass, candles and textiles with open studios.
- The farming valley - pineapple and sugar fields between the hills.
- The open production - work that can be watched being made rather than only bought.
- Bushfire - the music festival held in the valley at the end of May.
When to go
Year round for the workshops. Bushfire falls at the end of May and books out the whole area. Workshops close at weekends in part.
Things to know
Some workshops close at weekends and hours vary, so a plan helps. Prices are aimed at visitors. Accommodation is fully booked around the festival.
Nearby
House on Fire is in the valley, and Manzini is east.
What to pack for Malkerns Valley
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
