Swaziland, Eswatini - Travel Guide

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore national parks, experience traditional ceremonies, and immerse themselves in the warm hospitality of the Swazi people.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

EswatiniSouthern AfricaKingdom of EswatiniMbabaneLobamba

🇸🇿 Country Information: Eswatini

CapitalMbabane

CurrencyLilangeni (E)

Language siSwati , English

Phone Code+268

Electricity230V (Type M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants (10
15%) and for tour guides/drivers (5
10%)
For porters, a small amount is sufficient

Money & Payments

ATMs are available in major towns, but cash is king in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some larger shops, but not widely elsewhere
It is better to bring cash (South African Rand or Eswatini Lilangeni) for general use
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting traditional areas or government buildings
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
It is polite to greet elders by saying "Sawubona" (hello) with both hands extended if offering a handshake
When visiting a homestead, it is customary to ask for permission before entering

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Eswatini and same-sex relationships are not recognized. LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited
It is disrespectful to point with a single finger; use an open hand instead

Common Phrases

HelloSawubona (sah-woo-BOH-nah) Sawubona

Thank youNgiyabonga (ngi-yah-BOH-nga) Ngiyabonga

Climate

Formerly Swaziland. Classified as a generalized subclimate due to lack of specific regional granularity in the request and overall size of the country.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Oct
Mar
Cold Season: May
Aug

Getting There

Fly into King Mswati III International Airport (Mbabane, MTS) from Johannesburg (1h, \~$150
300)
Overland by bus from South Africa or Mozambique (various times/costs)

Getting Around

Mini
buses (combis) are the primary local transport
Taxis available in urban areas
No major ride
sharing apps widely used

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccine may be required if arriving from an endemic area
Routine vaccines recommended
Malaria prophylaxis recommended for certain areas
Consult a travel clinic for personalized advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available
MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile are major network providers
Airalo and Holafly may offer eSIM plans for Eswatini

Local Cuisine

Sishwala must_try

This is a very thick porridge made from maize meal, serving as the staple carbohydrate in Eswatini cuisine. It is typically served plain and eaten wit

Umncweba (Biltong) snack

Dried uncooked meat, similar to jerky, often made from beef and cured with salt and spices. It is a popular snack throughout Eswatini, especially foun

Umncushu regional_speciality

A classic Swazi porridge dish made from samp (dehulled maize kernels) and beans, usually sugar or jugo beans. The ingredients are boiled until soft, m

Sidvudvu breakfast

A soft porridge made from pumpkin mixed with cornmeal, giving it a slightly sweet flavor. This dish is often consumed as a warm breakfast. Root vegeta

Emahewu non_alcoholic_beverage

A non-alcoholic, slightly sour drink prepared by fermenting thin maize porridge. Maize meal is cooked with water, cooled, and left to ferment, sometim

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Peak Season/Luxury Lodges) Accommodation

Book 2–4 months in advance, especially for high-rated lodges.

High-demand hotels, particularly the smaller luxury lodges near wildlife parks, have limited capacity and book up quickly during the dry season and holiday periods.

Umhlanga Reed Dance Festival Attendance tour_or_activity

Book 3–6 months in advance.

This is a major cultural event (late August/early September). Accommodation and transport infrastructure around the event venues become extremely limited, requiring very early planning.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Big Game Safari Tours tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 2 months in advance.

Limited slots are available for specialized guided tours in parks like Hlane Royal National Park, and booking ensures availability with reputable operators.

Fun Facts

1. Eswatini is home to the world's oldest known mine, Ngwenya Mine, which dates back over 40,000 years and is found in the ancient Makhonjwa Mountains.
2. The country's official name change from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 was partly intended to avoid being confused with Switzerland.
3. The kingdom hosts the Reed Dance (Umhlanga), a massive annual cultural event where up to 40,000 unmarried, childless women gather to pay homage to the Queen Mother.
4. Despite its small size, Eswatini features significant biodiversity and is one of the few places where both endangered black and white rhinos live in close proximity.

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