16 days South Africa - Northern Highlights- Self Drive KZN, Drakensberg & Kruger

Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.

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 
 

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 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% 

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.  

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 cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Accommodation options: Sometimes  
Restaurants: Sometimes 
Cafes: Sometimes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Possibly, in cities 
 

Plug Type: M 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

* A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.