Language
English, Swazi
English is the official language of business. It is advisable that travellers learn a little of the local language, SiSwati (also known as Swazi) which, in rural areas, is spoken almost exclusively.
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Africa · Southern AfricaOutline guideCountry in Southern Africa
Photo: User:(WT-shared) Burmesedays, Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection Swaziland Maps, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly (and still commonly) known as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa and is informally known as "Africa in a nutshell".
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Eswatini.
English, Swazi
English is the official language of business. It is advisable that travellers learn a little of the local language, SiSwati (also known as Swazi) which, in rural areas, is spoken almost exclusively.
SIM cards from South Africa do not work here (unless it's MTN) and roaming has been enabled.
Tap water is potable in major cities but may not be in rural areas.
Excellent medical care is entirely non-existent in Eswatini; the country has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the world and the healthcare system is poorly funded and maintained.
Swazis are very loyal to the king and the royalty; be smart about what is said openly.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Mkhaya Game Reserve is in Eswatini (Swaziland).
eSwatini's only national park.
Malolotja Nature Reserve is in Eswatini (Swaziland). It is one of the most impressive mountain parks in Southern Africa.
Mantenga Nature Reserve is nature park in the Ezulwini Valley of Eswatini that includes a replica 19th-century Swazi village.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area in Ezulwini Valley of Swaziland, near Lobamba. It is home to a diverse array of animals, including zebras, wildebeest, impala, warthogs, and a variety of bird species.
Mlawula Nature Reserve is in north-eastern Eswatini (Swaziland), covering an area of approximately 16,500 hectares. The reserve lies within the transitional zone between two biogeographic regions, the dry thorn savannas of the west, and the moister coastal thickets of the east.
Public transport and paid services in Eswatini.
By bus
Minibuses, called kombis, are prevalent, but can be confusing.
By car
Traffic is on the left. The road is partially in good condition and paved. There are sections in poor condition, particularly in the mountains.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Eswatini.
Finding apps for Eswatini…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mpaka · International · SHO
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Lobamba
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 29° | 29° | 28° | 26° | 25° | 22° | 22° | 25° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 30° |
| Avg. low | 17° | 17° | 16° | 13° | 10° | 7° | 7° | 9° | 11° | 13° | 15° | 16° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 137 | 95 | 86 | 53 | 16 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 29 | 59 | 104 | 122 |
| Humidity | 73% | 72% | 71% | 70% | 61% | 57% | 54% | 53% | 54% | 62% | 66% | 70% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$280
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $165 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2021). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 2 of 4Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased cautionin Eswatini due to crime and unrest. Crime Crime is common in Eswatini. Sporadic armed robberies and carjackings occur. Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents. Unrest Demonstrations and protests occur sporadically in Eswatini. Americans should avoid all public gatherings, even peaceful ones. They could turn violent with little or no warning.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Eswatini.
Nature & adventureMany of these parks are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They can be visited for safaris, to see the African flora and fauna.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsZip lining (also known as ziplining) is a sport in which participants “zip” between platforms on a series of cables.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureAs of 2023 the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is made up of 738 reserves in 134 countries of which 22 are transboundary.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsMonarchy is a form of government where the head of state, a monarch, is appointed for life, usually through heredity. In an absolute monarchy the monarch has uninhibited power.
Wikivoyage
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