Swaziland, sinds 2018 officieel het “Koninkrijk van eSwatini” beschikt over een rijk historisch en cultureel erfgoed. Het ingesloten Swaziland is de laatst overgebleven absolute monarchie van Afrika en is het op twee na kleinste land op het Zuidelijk halfrond. Door de zwakke economie en omdat de meeste mensen in de landbouw werken, zijn de Afrikaanse tradities en de eeuwenoude wooncultuur goed bewaard gebleven.
Het land bestaat uit zeer uiteenlopende, imponerende berglandschappen, ongerepte natuurreservaten en authentieke Afrikaanse dorpjes.
Swaziland omvat een gevarieerd scala aan ecosystemen met torenhoge bergen, laaggelegen savanne, regenwouden en weelderige riviervalleien. Hoogtepunten zijn de betoverend mooie 'Vallei van de Hemel', het handwerknijverheid van de Malkerns Vallei en het Hlane Royal National Park dat beroemd om zijn witte neushoorns, antilopen en leeuwen. Bezoekers kunnen wilde dieren spotten, raften, mountainbiken en wandelen over een netwerk van schilderachtige paden door spectaculaire berglandschappen.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Lingaleni. South African Rand (ZAR) is also accepted. (E1 = ZAR1)
ISO code: SWZ
Central bank: The Central Bank of Swaziland
Subunit: cents
Banknotes: E200, 100, 50, 20, 10
Coins: E5, 2, 1; 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1c
Banking:
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes/No
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: In some places
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h30 - 14h00
Weekends: Saturdays, 08h30 - 13h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes/No
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Royal Swazi National Airways
International Airports: King Mswati III International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: An English or English-translated national licence is allowed. International Drivers Licenses are also allowed.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: No
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes, in towns and cities
Fresh fruit and veg: No
Ice: Yes, in towns and cities
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked / hot
Street food: No
Local cuisine: The menus here feature the Portuguese influence of neighbouring Mozambique, including wonderful fresh seafood and prawns. Traditional Swazi dishes include Umncushu (Porridge), Umncweba (dried uncooked meat or jerky, known as biltong in neighbouring South Africa), and Umbidvowetintsanga (made with cooked pumpkin leaves and peanuts).
Drinks: Tjwala: Traditional home-brewed beer made from maize meal.
Tipping: 15%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 500 mm – 1, 500 mm
Average temperature: 15°C - 23.4°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 15°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 17°C
Average in lows: 6°C
Best time to visit: This is a fantastic year-round destination. The dry winter – from May to September – is arguably the best time to see wildlife. Summer, hot and wet, brings spectacular birdlife and lush green scenery to the setting.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes, in major cities
Accommodation options: Sometimes
Restaurants: Sometimes
Cafes: Sometimes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Possibly, in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: M
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
* A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
