Manzini Market

The market in Manzini is the biggest in Eswatini and works on two levels: produce, meat and household goods on the ground floor and through the surrounding streets, and craft work on the upper level where carvers, weavers and basket makers sell directly. Thursday morning is when rural producers come in and the market is at its fullest. It is a working market rather than a tourist one. Manzini is the country's commercial centre and larger than the capital, and the market is the reason much of the traffic comes in.

What you actually see

• The produce floor - vegetables, meat and household goods on the ground level.
• The craft level - carvers, weavers and basket makers selling upstairs.
• Thursday morning - the day rural producers come in and the market fills.
• The surrounding streets - trade spilling out well beyond the building.

When to go

Thursday morning is the fullest and best day. The market runs most days but is quieter. Midday heat in summer is uncomfortable inside.

Honest expectations

It is crowded and chaotic and pickpocketing happens. The craft section is aimed at buyers and prices need negotiating. Photography of people needs asking first.

Nearby

Malkerns Valley is west, and Mbabane is northwest.