Swazi Candles

Nestled in the scenic Malkerns Valley of Eswatini, Swazi Candles has been crafting illumination into an art form since 1982. What began as a small workshop in an old cowshed has grown into one of the kingdom’s premier tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to witness a unique blend of creativity and tradition. Every candle is a testament to the skill of the artisans, who transform vividly dyed wax into an astonishing array of animal and geometric shapes. The rich, warm glow that emanates from each piece doesn’t just light a room—it tells a story of heritage, patience, and colorful Swazi spirit.

The magic of Swazi Candles lies in the ancient millefiore technique, a method historically used by glassmakers in Murano and Venice to create intricate “thousand flower” patterns. Here in Malkerns, that same artistry is applied to a special hard wax veneer. Layers of colored wax sheets are cut, layered, extruded, and hand-sculpted into detailed designs, from majestic elephants and rhinos to shimmering spheres and cubes. Because the hard outer shell largely remains intact as the candle burns, the illuminated exterior creates a romantic, ethereal effect that has become the company’s signature. Even after the inner wax is gone, the delicate shells can be reused as tea light holders or keepsakes.

Services & Facilities

Swazi Candles offers far more than just a shopping trip. The vibrant, music-filled workshop in the Malkerns Valley invites guests to step inside and interact with skilled artisans as they shape glowing designs right before your eyes. This hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience makes a visit memorable for families, tour groups, and anyone curious about the creative process. The friendly team is always ready to explain the millefiore craft, from dyeing and sheet preparation to the final sculpting of each candle.

The wider Swazi Candles Centre enhances the experience with a curated collection of neighboring shops and attractions. You can browse handmade crafts, original artworks, and local specialty foods all in one place, making it a one-stop destination for cultural tourism in Eswatini.

On-Site Attractions

• Live candle-making demonstrations: Watch artisans in real time, learning how intricate patterns come to life.
• Handcraft market: Explore stalls featuring carvings, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs from other talented local makers.
• Sambane Tea Garden: A family-friendly café set in a lush garden with a children’s playground, offering meals, cakes, and daily specials.
• Yebo Art Gallery: A space showcasing contemporary Swazi art and rotating exhibitions.
• Black Mamba chilli sauce tasting: Sample and purchase the country’s famously flavorful export, made right on site.

What We Offer

The product range at Swazi Candles has blossomed over four decades, combining tradition with innovation. While the core collection revolves around hand-sculpted paraffin wax designs, the company now incorporates eco-friendly materials such as soy wax and explores functional lighting beyond the classic candle.

• Artisan candles: Hundreds of geometric shapes and African animal figures—elephants, hippos, giraffes, and more—in an endless variety of color combinations.
• Soya tea lights: 100% pure soy wax tea lights sold individually or housed inside decorative wax casings, offering a cleaner, longer burn.
• LED glow lamps: Wax-encased LED lights that run for approximately 100 hours on two AA batteries, perfect as children’s nightlights or ambient décor without an open flame.
• Handmade soaps and balms: Pure vegetable glycerine soaps and marula oil body balm, crafted with the same care and artistry as the candles.
• Custom and wholesale orders: Bulk production for businesses and custom color or pattern requests for special events are accommodated through the Matsapha workshop.

Why Customers Choose Us

Visitors and international buyers consistently praise Swazi Candles for the authenticity and warmth of the experience. The workshop’s cheerful, collaborative atmosphere reflects a deep-rooted company philosophy centered on fair trade and empowerment. As a founding member of SWIFT (Swaziland Fair Trade Association), the company prioritizes the well-being of its 45 permanent employees through profit-sharing, healthcare, pension funds, meal and transport allowances, and educational loans. This ethical foundation resonates with travelers seeking meaningful souvenirs and with wholesale partners who value responsible sourcing.

Moreover, the decorative hard wax veneer sets these candles apart from mass-produced alternatives. The illuminated shell retains its colorful, sculpted beauty even as the inner wax melts down, creating a functional piece of art that guests often display long after the first burn. Reviewers consistently highlight the engaging demonstrations, the wide selection of designs, and the opportunity to meet the makers directly.

Serving Bulembu & Hhohho District

Although the workshop is situated in Malkerns, Swazi Candles serves as a cultural beacon for the entire Hhohho District and beyond. Visitors from Bulembu and surrounding highland communities often make the journey to the Malkerns Valley as part of a scenic day trip through Eswatini’s diverse landscapes. The company also exports to over 20 countries worldwide, allowing residents and tourists alike to purchase a piece of Swazi heritage regardless of where they call home.

For those unable to visit in person, the official website provides a catalogue of available products and a supplier locator to find the nearest international wholesaler. This global reach means the signature glow of a Swazi Candle can be found in homes, boutiques, and galleries across Africa, Europe, and beyond, all while staying rooted in the local community through fair wages and garden projects that supply fresh produce to the staff.

Hours, Location & Directions

The Malkerns shop and workshop is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it an easy addition to any travel itinerary. Located along the MR18 highway in the Malkerns Valley, the center is a short drive from major towns such as Manzini and Mbabane. Clear signage and a prominent Map listing guide visitors directly to the entrance, where ample parking and a welcoming courtyard await.

Contact information for inquiries, catalogue requests, or wholesale orders is readily available. Reach the Malkerns shop by phone at +268 7808 7833 or via email at info@swazicandles.co.sz, and stay connected through the official Facebook page for updates on new designs and seasonal collections.

Questions Visitors Ask

• Can I watch the candles being made? Yes. Live demonstrations run continuously in the workshop, and artisans are happy to explain each step of the millefiore process.
• Do the candles really glow from the inside? The hard wax veneer on larger candles allows light to shine through the colored pattern as the core burns down, creating a soft, romantic illumination that makes the design come alive.
• Are there other things to do at the Swazi Candles Centre? Absolutely. Guests can enjoy shopping at the handcraft market, dine at the Sambane Tea Garden, gallery-hop at Yebo Art Gallery, and sample gourmet products like Black Mamba chilli sauce—all within the same complex.
• Can I order custom colors or bulk shipments? Custom orders for specific patterns and colors are welcome, and the separate Matsapha workshop handles large-scale production and export logistics.