Ngwenya Glass Village

Close to Swaziland's northwest border with South Africa, there is a mountain that looks like a basking ngwenya (crocodile).

Ngwenya Mountain has at its summit the oldest mine in the world, where, in approximately 41,000 BCE, the inhabitants gathered oxides and earth colourings, probably for body painting. Half-way down the mountain is the Endlotane Tapestry Studios, whose unique African mohair wall-hangings adorn embassies, hotels and homes around the world.

At the mountain's base is a small, bustling glass factory, where visitors can watch glass blowers create enchanting African animal figurines and tableware. Using only recycled glass, much of which comes from the local community, the showroom is illuminated by light refracted from the wonderful creations.

Ngwenya Glass is set in a garden that's shared with other craft outlets whose prices compare very favourably with other centres and even roadside stalls.

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