South Africa

Ngwenya Glassworks

The glassworks and the associated craft complex is located at Ngwenya, a village (whose name means crocodile) 1800 metres up in the north Swaziland mountains. The surroundings are very pleasant and green. In addition to glass, other crafts include a comprehensive selection of rocking horses and the tall wooden giraffes that are typical of Swaziland..

The large showroom has elephants, rhino, dolphins and many more animals and birds, plus cups, vases and chess sets, all made from glass. Some items appear rather too fragile to include in your flight luggage, but there are many chunky pieces available. Credit cards are accepted.

Upstairs, there is a viewing gallery above the factory. From here, you can see the glass being melted, formed and polished, and experience a little of the heat involved.

The glassworks has a toilet which is a good enough reason for stopping in this remote area.

It's hot above this furnace	Polishing the glass
Finished products - glass elephants	Peacocks inhabit the lovely grounds

More about Swaziland