Restaurants are found mainly in the larger centres and at hotels. Most serve international cuisine: Greek, Hungarian and Indian food is available.

Things to know: There are no formal licensing hours.

National specialities:
• Food stalls in the local markets sell traditional Swazi meat stew and maize meal or stamped mealies and roasted corn on the cob (in season).

National drinks:
• There is a good selection of spirits, beers and wines.
• Traditional Swazi beer can be tasted in rural areas.

Tipping: 10 to 15% of the bill is customary in restaurants and hotels.

In the main centres of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley, there are nightclubs and discos, some with live music and cabaret. The main attraction in Ezulwini Valley is the casino at the Royal Swazi Hotel. There is also a cinema there.

There is a modern shopping complex in Mbabane but local markets are always interesting places to shop. Purchases from craft centres include beadwork, basketry, grass and sisal mats, copperware, wooden bowls, local gemstone jewellery, wooden and soapstone carvings, calabashes, knobkerries, battleaxes, walking sticks, karosses (animal skin mats), drums, woven cloth and batik and tie-dye, which are often incorporated into traditional Swazi garments.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300.