Legends Backpacker Lodge

Address: #1 Mantenga Falls Drive, Ezulwini Valley view map

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Legends Backpacker Lodge is a fun, environmentally friendly and active hostel right in the middle of Ezulwini Valley, or 'Valley of the Heavens'. The hostel’s location ensures a close proximity to almost all of the region’s highlights, especially to outdoor adventure activities, and the tourist info center is just across the road.

Legends has dormitory and double rooms as well as camping to choose from, and their rates are aimed at accommodating budget travelers. Legends is also a great choice for budget group accommodation, as the hostel can hold up to 60 persons. School, volunteer, church, cultural, choir, and sport groups are all welcome. All rooms come with mosquito nets, most with fans, and Legends offera free wireless internet. The camping area boasts hammocks and a rondavel hangout spot.

One hostel feature of particular pride is the recycling system. Legends aims to recycle most of their rubbish, as this is not common practice in Swaziland (yet). The hostel has separate bins for paper/cardboard, aluminum/tin, plastic and glass. In addition, they have a compost container for fruit and vegetable leftovers. Other sustainable practices include the use of solar panels, energy efficient light bulbs, and furniture made of recycled wood pallets.

The self-catering kitchen is well-equipped and the hostel is just a 10 minute walk from a large shopping centre. Naturally, there is a fine braai area as well but if you don't feel like cooking, not to worry! There are plenty of restaurants in the budget- and medium range to choose from, none of them longer than a 5 minute drive away.

Finally, for rainy (or just lazy days) Legends has DSTV, a bookshelf full of books to swap or purchase, or you can just hop online on the hostel laptop (free of charge).

Locally owned and operated. Buhle Dlamini is the day manager, with supporting staff helping 'round the clock.

Caring for Destination

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:

Features:

- Recycling

- Compost

- Solar lights

- Energy-saving policies

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Since March 2011, Legends Backpacker Lodge has established a garbage recycling system. Most of Swaziland’s refuse unfortunately still ends up in landfills. So, in order to preserve the country’s natural environment they try and do their bit to break through this habit. Every guest receives an explanation of the system upon checking in at Legends: how and where they separate out paper/cardboard, tin, plastic, and glass, as well as compost for the garden. The staff then personally brings the separated garbage into a recycling depot to make sure it is processed properly.

In general, Legends Backpackers has energy saving policies in place and they encourage their guests to preserve resources. In addition, making use of the powerful African sun, they have multiple solar-powered lights around the premises that charge during the day and illuminate after sunset.

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