Swaziland is known for its original arts and crafts. The Swazi Candles Craft Market is a unique shopping center showcasing work by local artisans. Among the boutiques and gift shops of this outdoor complex is Swazi Candles – a colorful collection of paraffin wax candles, scented beauty products, and other gifts. The candles are molded by hand into several standard and animal shapes. Their lively patterns and beautiful designs make perfect souvenirs. When you’re done, stroll the rest of the craft complex, then head to the courtyard to watch the wood carvers at work. Specialty items available at the shops in the craft center include woven baskets, batik prints, jewelry, and carved masks.
This popular tourist spot, the Swazi Candles Centre, consists of a cluster of handicraft outlets around the showroom and workshop of Swazi Candles, a successful local enterprise that today exports candles worldwide. Inside the workshop you can watch the candle-makers shaping and colouring their creations. Their technique, known as millefiore (’thousand flowers’), was developed centuries ago by Venetian glass blowers and has transferred seamlessly to wax. A hard veneer means that the lit candles melt only on the inside, creating a translucent stained-glass window effect for the luminous colours. Numerous products are for sale.
Products at the other shops include woven mohair garments, batiks and hand-crafted bags, all produced by local women, plus jewellery, chilli sauces, clothing, soaps, African artefacts and the varied works of contemporary Swazi artists. There are outlets of Tsandza Weaving, Baobab Batik, Black Mamba Chilli, amongst others. Under the huge jacarandas you will also find an open-air handicraft market including wood-carver stalls, a children’s playground, and the friendly Sambane Café, where you can enjoy excellent coffee and cake. The complex is open seven days a week between 8 am and 5 pm and is a real gem. Outlets currently include:
Swazi Candles
Visit the music filled workshop to witness the candle-making process first hand. Beautiful shapes in fabulous colours and patterns that range from crazy to classic. Also featuring soy lights – eco friendly candles, LED lights for no flame glowing. Visit their Website here.
Sambane Gifts & Cafe
Variety of tasty light meals and hearty main meals, delicious desserts and cakes of the day with a full liquor licence and speciality coffee machine. Kiddies play area including 2 Jungle gyms. Ice creams, Soft drinks and all main beers including Swaziland’s finest Sibebe. Bookings recommended for large tour groups. The Gift shop also has souvenirs to purchase.
Tsandza Weaving
Tsandza Weaving (formerly Rosecraft) is a socioeconomic enterprise. Since 1979 they have been teaching the art of handweaving and providing income source to many rural women within Swaziland, and ethically produced products to consumers. Our fashion and home décor accessories boast the vibrant colours and traditional methods of Africa. Have a look at their website here.
Baobab Batik
Baobab Batik invites you to visit their shop to see the variety of designs, from the African inspired silhouette range to the modern Mbabane collection. The product assortment includes wall hangings, cushion covers, bright kiddies products, and scarves in different sizes. Visit Baobab’s website by clicking here.
KwasiSwazi
A great selection of Books, Music, Souvenirs, Jewellery & T-shirts.
Amarasti
A large selection of beautiful bags in various designs and sizes. Hand embroidered and beaded by the Amarasti women who take great pride in their work.
Umgololo
A wonderful selection of artifacts, mask, sculptures, cloth and gifts from Africa.
Black Mamba
Delicious, deadly selection of Chilli Venoms®, including dangerously tasty sauces, pestos and pickles, plus hot t-shirts & accessories. All our sizzling goodies are made with organically grown ingredients and no artificial stuff. Fair trade. Our air stream caravan is the perfect spot for serious chilliheads! Enter if you dare… Or click here to go to their website.
Swazi Sense
Handmade pure soaps, not only beautiful but also soft for your skin and good for the soul!
The Imbali Store
The Imbali store at the beautiful Swazi Candles centre is a Fair Trade shop that supports local female enterprises from the Kingdom Of Eswatini. The store features the stunning clothing of Ubuntu Creations, beautiful baby clothes from Africa Love, the exceptional quality of Tsandza Weaving’s mohair, bamboo and cotton shawls and scarves, the impeccably handmade crafted leather work of Melane, gorgeous crocheted clothing from Golden Hands and the jewellery of Quazi Design that you won’t believe came from upcycling magazines.
