Electricity
In Eswatini, the power plugs and sockets are of type M. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Eswatini, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V you need a voltage converter in Swaziland. You can also consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter. If you have a video or digital camera, make sure your battery charger is of the same voltage.
Time Zone
Swaziland GMT + 2 (1 hour ahead of continental Europe).
Currency
Lilangeni (SZL; symbol E) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Notes are in denominations of E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of E5, 2 and 1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Mobile Phones
The only mobile network available throughout Eswatini (Swaziland) is MTN. Mobile coverage is good, with 90% of the population having access, but it can be patchy in extremely rural areas.
Bugs
With Swaziland being located in Africa you may encounter all manner of local wildlife (insects, reptiles, small mammals, rodents, cockroaches). Lights attract bugs so don’t leave your lights on when you leave your room.
Ticks can be found in the Swaziland bush and usually burrow under the skin (leaving a small black dot) around the ankles and lower legs. Be sure to keep your body well covered when walking in the bush and to use insect repellent.
Mosquitoes are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net. Regarding medication in malarial areas please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health organisation.
Security
Please ensure that your passport, air tickets and money are securely stored in your room safe. Do not leave jewellery, mobile phones, cameras or any other valuables in your room or in public areas.
In terms of your physical safety if you are on an organised safari then risks are minimal, if you are guiding yourself ask for local advice before heading off. Although Swaziland is considered relatively safe, big cities are renowned for petty theft and muggings so keep jewellery and cameras concealed.
Tipping
A tip of 10 to 15% of the bill is customary in restaurants and hotels.
Safety on Safari
The basic rules of safari are:
Don’t feed animals you don’t own.
If you don’t know ask.
Always listen to your guide.
Do not go walkabout without a guide.
Wild animals are called that because they are wild and unpredictable.
Many rivers are populated with crocodiles and hippos, even if you can’t see them.
Road Safety
Hiring a car can be one of the easiest ways to explore the country. The road system is largely well developed, although there is little street lighting. The main road from east to west is the MR3. Some roads are winding and roads can be rough in the bush.
Health
These are merely guidelines please follow the advice of your local health practitioner and the World Health Organisation.
Eswatini (Swaziland) has extensive medical facilities, with hospitals and clinics available in all major towns. Since Government hospitals are often stretched to the limit mostly due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, you are more likely to receive reliable care at private facilities such as the Mbabane Clinic. Dentists and general practitioners are widely available, and all main towns have pharmacies. Up-to-date health insurance is recommended. Personal medications may be brought into the country, but a doctor's note is advisable in case of questioning by authorities.
Water is safe to drink in all main towns, but should be avoided in more rural communities. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption; exercise caution if you are unsure of the milk’s origin. Only eat meat and fish that has been cooked well and is served hot. Vegetables should be cooked thoroughly and fruit should be peeled.
Other Risks
Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe
Mosquitoes, malarial and otherwise, are best dealt with by using mosquito repellent, long baggy clothing in the evenings and sleeping under a mosquito net.
Compulsory Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving within 6 days after leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. Exempt: Children under 1 year, those not leaving the airport whilst in transit and those entering Swaziland not having left an airport during transit in affected countries.
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis & Cholera.
Visas (all subject to change without notice)
All travellers need a valid passport (usually valid for 6 months after your trip), with sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (usually at least two).
If you are not a citizen of the countries listed below you must obtain a visa in advance from the Swaziland Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the country where you reside.
Nationals of the following countries do not need a Swaziland visa (up to 90 days):
Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, Cook Island, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Monstserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niuc, Norfolk Islands, Northern Marion Island, Norway, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Papua New Guinea, Peoples Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Virgin Islands (USA), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Samoa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Language
The official languages of Swaziland are English and Swati.
Religion
Christianity and Zionism are the two main religions of the population, while Islam, Hindu and indigenous beliefs are also represented.
Culture and customs
The Swazi people are generally extremely friendly and proud of their traditions. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be shown when visiting someone’s home. Swazi people have very strong ties to their culture and you will often see them dressed in their colourful national dress known as “mahiya”, usually accompanied with a spear or shield. It is not uncommon to see Swazi businessmen dressed in the traditional amahiya robe, with a spear in one hand and a briefcase in the other. Music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship also form an integral part of Swazi daily life.
Swaziland is one of the last few remaining monarchies on earth and the current ruler, King Mswati III, wields absolute political power. As many people in Swaziland follow their traditional way of life, visitors should be sensitive to customs which will inevitably be unfamiliar to them. Bear in mind that outside urban areas and safari destinations, people may well not be used to visitors.
Photography
Do not photograph the Royal Palace, members of the Royal Family, government institutions / buildings, without checking with your guide. When photographing people ask permission, in some tourist areas it is customary to pay to take photographs.
When to travel
The best time to visit would be during September at the beginning of spring when the flowers are in full bloom and quite a sight to see. Temperatures are also pleasant and there is less chance of rainfall. Travellers who would like to experience game viewing should visit during the summer months, November – March.