Bush & Beach Adventure - South Africa & Mozambique (Self-Drive): Johannesburg – Kruger – Hlane Park – Chidenguele – Tofo – Vilanculos – Limpopo – Phalaborwa – Waterberg – Johannesburg

eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a tiny landlocked nation boasting rich historical and cultural heritage. It is also Africa's last remaining independent monarchy. In addition to its tall mountains and low-lying savannah, it also homes tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. The region boasts many noteworthy attractions, including the mesmerizing Valley of Heaven and the Hlane Royal National Park, noted for its rhinos, antelopes and lions. Wildlife watching, river rafting, mountain biking, and hiking are excellent activities visitors can enjoy on the scenic trails that traverse the mountainous terrain. 

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.

The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (E1 = 1 Rand) so if coming from South Africa, there's no need to change money.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Visitors are advised to exchange Emalangeni back into their own currency (or into South African Rands) before leaving Swaziland.

Banking

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.

Only a few ATMs accept international credit/debit cards. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at hotels and upmarket shops and restaurants.

Travellers cheques are widely accepted. Several banks will exchange travellers cheques, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

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 

Mains water is generally safe but bottled or sterilised water is preferable. Drinking water outside major cities and towns may be contaminated. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption; exercise caution if milk is of uncertain provenance. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Restaurants are found mainly in Mbabane and in tourist areas such as the Ezulwini Valley. Portuguese cuisine (an influence from nearby Mozambique) including seafood, and especially prawns, can be found in areas like Big Bend. African staples such as stew and pap can be sampled in more remote locations. Other international food available includes Indian, German, Swiss and French.

Tipping 10 to 15% of the bill is customary for good service in restaurants and hotels.

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.  

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing is recommended, and a jacket is advisable for the evenings. Waterproofs are rarely needed unless you're doing a lot of walking between October and March. Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses are essential as is a good pair of walking shoes.

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

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Swaziland are the "Type M " South African SABS1661 ("Large" 15 amp BS-546) sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type M " South African plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type D " Indian plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Swaziland usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110-120 volts.

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Nestled in the southern part of the African continent, Mozambique, with its warm climate and unique culture, is not one to be missed. The country's natural beauty, wildlife, and historic heritage provide excellent beach, nature, and eco-tourism experiences. Mozambique's distinctive local style is a fusion of African, Arab and Portuguese elements that set it apart from the other countries in Southern Africa. The country is remarkably popular due to its location between Mkuze Game Reserve in South Africa and Maputo Elephant Reserve - both very low in human population, making it that much more pristine and beautiful. The country offers rich historical heritage, tropical beaches, coral reefs, spectacular landscapes, vibrant architecture, and small isolated islands close to the coast. It has become the new and exclusive destination of choice for those who want to explore an unspoiled region, where the beauty of nature occupies a central role in all its splendour. 

Currency

The unit of curency in Mozambique is the Metical (M) which is divided into 100 centavos. South African Rand and US$ are also widely accepted.

Banking

Local banks have branches in cities that are generally open on weekdays from 07h45 to 12h00. ATMs are spreading across the country, but travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange.

Public transport is not recommended within Mozambique, however there are reliable bus shuttles to the north and international/local planes.

There are scheduled flights into Maputo and Vilankulo. Flights are generally routed via Johannesburg in South Africa. There are a variety of smaller airstrips for smaller charter flights (to the islands, etc).

Driving is on the left in Mozambique. You need to make sure that you are carrying ID, your drivers licence, the car registration papers and your insurance details. It is also obligatory to carry a warning triangle and I would also recommend a high viz vest. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

The roads are generally not in good repair. Many of the main roads have an awful lot of potholes and some are very deep.

Malaria

There is a high risk of malaria throughout the country - even in the dry season. Tropical doctors advise on suitable prophylaxis and other vaccinations. The usual precautionary measures should be taken with regard to diet and drinking water to avoid infections.

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly 
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum. 
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays. 

Light clothing is a must for most of the year (do not forget your swimminwear and sunscreen!). However, during winter (June-August) it can be chilli in the evenings, so pack something warm. When visiting game reserves, remember to pack sensible walking shoes, a hat and colour appropriate clothing (browns, greens, etc). In the evenings, it is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts to protect from the mosquitoes.

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities