About Swaziland

The tiny landlocked country of Swaziland is between South Africa and southern Mozambique. Swaziland has stunning landscapes, game viewing, gambling and affordable accommodation to enjoy, as well as the most intact practicing national culture in southern Africa, making Swaziland budget travel the ideal way to see Africa.

Swaziland Budget Travel

Below is a list of Swaziland's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Hlane Royal National Park, Malolotja National Park, Mbabane, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Fast Facts

Currency

Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL)

Dialing Code

268

Airports

Swaziland airports include the following:
• Matsapha International Airport ' referred to as Manzini International Airport.

Birdlife

There are about 507 species making up Swaziland birdlife, including Desert Cisticola, Blue-breasted Cordon-bleu, African Firefinch, Common Waxbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Fish Eagle, Magpie Mannikin, Purple Crested Turaco, Swee Waxbill, Pink-throated Twinspot, Bush Blackcap, and Narina Trogan.

Conservation

A number of government and private game parks conserve a diversity of habitat and therefore species in Swaziland. Due to the size of the Kingdom, the reserves are small, but significant. Much of Swaziland’s wildlife was hunted out in colonial times, but with the support of the monarchy, conservation was established in the 1960’s and many (22) indigenous mammal species since reintroduced by big game parks.

Culture

Swaziland cultures include the following:
• Music and dance play a key role in celebrations and heritage
• Art and crafts is an important income provider and heritage form
• Most intact National cultural celebrations in southern Africa
• Traditions are passed down for generations
• Tribal dress play a role in cultural identity

Health

Swaziland is a 3rd world country, and as such health precautions should always be taken when travelling in the country. Inoculations are essential before visiting, and during your travel take care to follow basic health steps to prevent tummy complaints or anything more serious from potentially ruining your travel experience.

AIDS

Swaziland HIV/AIDS precautions include:
• Don't ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment may not be adequately sterilised, or blood may not be properly screened for HIV
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Don't have a tattoo, acupuncture treatment or body piercing unless the equipment is sterile

Vaccinations

The following inoculations are required when travelling to Swaziland:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Meningococcus
• Polio
• Rabies
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Tetanus-diphtheria

Languages

Swaziland languages include:
• Siswati (official language)
• English

Money

Swaziland money and banking info includes:
• Lilangeni (SZL, symbol: E) = 100 cents
• The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (E1 = 1 Rand)
• Local currency must be changed back into your own currency before leaving Swaziland
• Only a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards
• Banks are open Monday to Friday 08h30-14h30 & Saturday 08h30-11h00
• Most tourism establishments accept Visa or Master Card, but best to confirm

Phrase

Swaziland local phrases in Siswati include:
• Hello / Greeting - Sawubona
• I am fine - Ngiyaphila
• Thank you - Ngiyabonga
• Good day to you and your household, may I enter your house? - Sikhulekile ekhaya
• Stay well - Sala kahle
• Go well - Hamba kahle

Plants

Although a tiny country, Swaziland consists of 4 geo-regions including mountainous Highveld, Middleveld (savanna and woodland), lowveld (broad-leaved and Acacia bushveld and savanna) and the unique Lebombo region, thus diversity of plant and wildlife is extremely rich.

People

Swaziland people include the following groups:
• Swazi
• A tiny minority of Shangaan, Zulu and Muslim
• White Africans

Safety Tips

Swaziland safety tips include the following:
• Major roads are in good condition, but look out for speed humps, livestock and potholes
• Roads can be bad, with livestock and potholes to look out for
• Do not attempt to touch or feed any wildlife you see
• Stay in your car during game drives and follow your guide's instructions
• Generally the area is safe to visit with little crime or issues

Religion

Swaziland religion includes the following groups:
• Christianity 57%
• Zionist 40%
• Muslim 3%

Transport

There are a few Swaziland transport options on offer:
• Car
• Taxi
• Bus

Travel Books

Swaziland recommended travel books include:
• Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland by Mary Fitzpatrick
• Swaziland: Enchantment of the World Series by Ettagale Blauer and Jason Laure
• Swaziland Map by ITMB Publishing
• All the King's Animals: The Return of Endangered Wildlife to Swaziland by Cristina Kessler (forward by King of Swaziland Mswati III)
• The Wildlife of Southern Africa: The Larger Illustrated Guide to the Animals and Plants of the Region by Vincent Carruthers
• Southbound travel Guide ' SWAZILAND by David Fleminger
• Wild in Swaziland ' various authors
• Shared Secrets ' Peter Shark

Visa Requirements

Swaziland visa info includes the following:
• Most EU, SADC and American countries don’t require visas, but these are simple and quick to obtain
• All other nationals do not require a visa
• A valid passport of 6 months minimum and 2 empty pages is required
• Return tickets and documents for return or onward travel are required
• Sufficient funds to cover your stay is required

Wildlife

Swaziland wildlife includes 107 species of mammals, including Elephant, Lion, Black & White Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo, Crocodile, Hippo, Kudu, Eland, Duiker and many others.

What To Pack

What to pack for Swaziland safaris:
• Loose, lightweight clothing for hot days, and warm clothing for cool days
• Binoculars and camera
• Mosquito repellent and malaria medication
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Solid, comfortable walking or hiking shoes

What To Buy

What to buy for Swaziland safaris:
• Mosquito repellent and malaria medication
• Luggage and backpacks
• Sleeping bag
• Guide book of Swaziland plus a good map
• Swaziland bird and wildlife guide for the region

When To Go

Best time to visit Swaziland:
• Swaziland is a year-round destination, although the best time to visit Swaziland is: - April ' October for cooler temperatures and better game viewing; - November ' March for scenery (green and lush)
• October to May April is hot, but is still good to visit
• Rains fall in summer winter, with mild warm to hot temperatures and a green landscape
• Game viewing is best in summer winter months, when the bush in thinner and game congregates around waterholes