Located not far from the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel, just of the Mbabane - Manzini road, the Mantenga Cultural Village is worth a visit for anyone interested in getting to know more about Swazi culture. It is also known as Ligugu Lemaswati, siSwati for "the pride of the Swazi people". The Village consists of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose, kraals (enclosures) for cattle and goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks, and various other structures.

Ligugu Lemaswati is a living museum that represents the classical traditional Swazi way of life. Although old traditions are still very strong in Swaziland a lot of modern influences have changed life for most. The primary objective of the village is to enable Swazis themselves to maintain a positive interest in their cultural heritage including language, customs, rituals, dance, music, folklore, arts and crafts. It is also geared towards tourists.

A Swazi guide dressed in traditional attire will welcome you at the entrance to the Village. The Village has been built using traditional building techniques and architecture, the main feature being beehive shaped grass and reed huts. As you are led through the Village, your guide will introduce you to Swazi culture and the traditional way of treating life's various challenges - sleeping, cooking, drinking, dancing, health, love, marriage, death, hierarchy, etc. There are traditional dance performances at regular intervals and we can strongly recommend the on-site Swazi River Café (restaurant). The Village also offers simple accommodation in permanently pitched safari-style tents with outside showers. The latter offers very good value for money for the not too particular traveler.

Please note that this is not an amusement or entertainment park. It deals with Swazi culture in an informative and entertaining way, yet it is truthful and down to earth. If you have a real interest in culture we strongly recommend that you visit the Village. However, if you are primarily in search of commercial styled entertainment rather head to the nearby Royal Swazi Sun (hotel, casino and golf resort).