The Location
Sondzela Backpackers has a unique location in the Mlilwane Wildlife Reserve, about a fifteen-minute drive from Mbabane on the road between Mbabane and Manzini. As this is a wildlife reserve, there are no services available other than those in the hostel itself. To visit Mbabane it takes about a twenty-minute walk to the bus stop. A hostel shuttle meets the Bazbus backpacker bus and this shuttle also does a drop-off and pick-up to Mbabane each morning and evening.
Rooms and Bathrooms
There are single rooms, double rooms, and dorm rooms available. The rooms are spacious and the hostel provides clean bed linen. Bathrooms are separate from the dorm rooms and are big and clean. Hot water is always available. Valuables can be stored in reception as there are no security lockers in the rooms.
Private rondawels are also available. It is also possible to camp. The hostel is fenced off from the wildlife reserve, but the odd warthog or ostrich does find its way into the hostel garden.
Common Spaces
There is an outdoor swimming pool. In the main building, there is a common area with some couches where travelers can relax and watch DSTV. There are two games areas with pool tables and ping-pong tables and other games.
The kitchen is small but is available for guests' use. Each evening there is a meal prepared by the hostel staff for a small charge and often includes local Swazi specialties. This is served around a nightly campfire. A good, cheap breakfast is also available in the mornings. The hostel also accepts South African rand currency.
There is a small shop in the hostel where guests can purchase snacks and refreshments including beer. There is lots of information available on local tourist activities in Swaziland, South Africa, and Mozambique. The staff can offer advice on activities, transport, and on visas to Mozambique.
Summary
This is a great hostel -- with a unique location, it is a great way to spend a day, walking around the wildlife sanctuary taking pictures of the roaming zebra, impala, wildebeest, warthog, and ostrich. Crocs and hippos are also in the park, so you have to be careful near water areas.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2008
Location/Contact
4.7 Average from 3 Ratings
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