SWAZILAND
SWAZILAND
SWAZILAND
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Location: Swaziland
Location: Swaziland
Location: Swaziland
New York: TBC
Washington DC: TBC
For more useful information on safety & security, local laws / customs, health and more, please see the below official US travel.state.gov web link for Swaziland travel advice. NB: Entry requirements herein listed are for US nationals only, unless stated otherwise.
You can also find recommended information on vaccinations, malaria and other more detailed health considerations for travel to Swaziland, at the below official US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weblink.
The currency of Eswatini is called the lilangeni (plural: “emalangeni”), denoted by the symbol “L” for one, or “E” for more than one (ISO code: SZL). It is tied to the South African rand at par, as are the Namibian dollar and Lesotho loti.
Shops in Eswatini usually accept and make change for both currencies indiscriminately where banknotes are concerned, but not coins. However, this is not the case in South Africa, so if you are planning to visit South Africa also, you may prefer to request rand in exchange for emalangeni at banks in Mbabane or Manzini: proof of identity is required. It is impossible to exchange your emalangeni at Johannesburg Airport or in the UK. All Swazi vendors will take rand, but no South African vendors will take emalangeni.
Kombi operators in Eswatini do not take Rand coins.
Most travel in Eswatini is by either car or minibus.
Minibuses, called kombis, are prevalent, but can be confusing. Like similar modes of travel around the world such as the jitney, matatu or dolmus, these are small vans that accumulate as many travellers as possible while making their way along a general direction. In Eswatini, these vans are often driven by very young men, and most have assistants who estimate and collect fares, ask your destination, and make change. It is very, very unlikely to be over-charged.
Be prepared for crowded seats, loud radios, and sometimes reckless driving. The larger Sprinter vans are a safer and faster choice if available.
Minibuses can usually be flagged down along main roads. Larger towns usually serve as minibus hubs or connections. Major hubs include Manzini, Mbabane, Pigg’s Peak, Nhlangano, Siteki, and Big Bend. Finding the correct bus can be tricky, so discreetly ask if you can’t figure it out. The kombis typically have destinations written on the front bumpers. At a bus station (or bus rank), young men will yell out the destinations and are helpful in guiding you to the correct kombi, however, always double check with the passengers. Watch your belongings as such places, like all bus terminals worldwide, have disproportionally higher crime rates. Stay away from these bus ranks at night.
Travel is very difficult after dark. The only option is by taxi. If staying around Mbabane or Manzini, keep a couple cab drivers’ phone numbers on hand. Taxi drivers may overcharge.
EAT:
Many Western foods are available in Swazi grocery stores, but traditional foods are still common, as is modern convenient food based on traditional ingredients.
Maize-based dishes are popular, and mealie or pap (similar to porridge) is a staple. Beans, groundnuts, pumpkin, avocado and sour milk are also common ingredients. Dried and cooked local meats, such as antelope (often called ‘wild meat’ by locals), are widely available at tourist restaurants.
“Chicken dust” is a cheap local bbq meal; basically chicken grilled in the open served with a salad and mealie. It is popular both with locals and absolutely delicious. Of course, take appropriate precautions as it is a street vendor food.
Sweet breads, vegetables and fruits are often available from roadside merchants. If you’re craving pasta, imported olive oil, Nestle chocolate, Herbal Essences and Carlsberg, head over to the Hub, at Manzini: a huge Spar with everything you could need (at an appropriately inflated price). There are several coffee-shops and restaurants around the Hub, also: be aware that the lavatories are located separately, down the stairs, and you have to pay to use them. Manzini’s bustling markets and local shops yield all kinds of interesting foodstuffs, along with the ubiquitous KFC.
DRINK:
Marula (made of fruits from the tree with the same name) is locally brewed during the marula season, fruits ripen between December and March. It may be difficult to find; ask locals as it is home-brewed.
There is a vibrant nightlife in Eswatini ranging from traditional dances to bars and nightclubs. If you’re staying in Ezulwini, there are four bars at the Royal Swazi hotel. If you’re in the Malkerns area, the House on Fire is extremely popular: local art, local and national DJs, an open-air setting and live acts.
Eswatini is a small country and it is easy to get anywhere in the country during one day.
If you’re watching the pennies, head to Veki’s Guesthouse or Grifter’s Backpackers in Mbabane, which costs around E120 per night for a bunk. It is unclear whether the latter one still exists. If you want to push the boat out, book a room at the Mountain Inn which has outstanding accommodation, facilities and leisure opportunities.
The most sought-after hotels in Eswatini tend to be located in Ezulwini Valley between the two major cities, Mbabane and Manzini. (Don’t forget to pick up beautiful local crafts from the roadside stalls on the way.) With four bars, a restaurant, a casino, golf, swimming, tennis and 411 rooms and suites, the Royal Sun Swazi epitomises luxury. The Royal Villas, also found in Ezulwini, spread 56 rooms across 14 villas and are extremely luxurious, offering excellent food, atmosphere and leisure facilities. The Ezulwini sun offers excellent facilities, also, at mid-range prices. A budget option is Sundowners Backpackers, private rooms from around E200, dorms from E120 and camping from E70/night.
And, if you’re heading down towards the Mozambique border, you’ll find comfortable, well-appointed country clubs at Manananga, Mhlume and Simunye.
There are small stores where you can buy everything from Swazi foods to Swazi wooden sculptures and handmade bags.
Location: Swaziland
Location: Swaziland
Location: Swaziland
New York: TBC
Washington DC: TBC