Eswatini Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Thinking about visiting southern Africa? This Eswatini travel guide will help you discover one of the continent’s most underrated countries. From lush mountains and wildlife parks to cultural villages and local markets, there’s so much more to Eswatini than most people expect.
We traveled across the country and found it to be incredibly diverse, surprising us each day with something new. While it’s small in size, Eswatini offers a surprising mix of natural beauty, delicious food, and friendly people, making it one of our new favorite countries!
In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know before visiting from the top places to visit and getting around to a ton of helpful tips so you can make the most of your time in Eswatini.
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Eswatini Travel Guide: a Brief Intro
This Eswatini travel guide will help you plan your visit to one of Africa’s most overlooked gems. While it’s small in size, the country is full of natural beauty, cultural depth, and welcoming people. Our aim is to cover all bases for you, so that you can be perfectly prepared for an amazing trip!
But before diving into all of the details, let's go over some of the basics, so you can get acquainted a bit with the country.
What is the Difference Between Swaziland and Eswatini?
There is no difference in territory! Eswatini is just the new name for Swaziland. In 2018, the country officially changed its name to Eswatini to reflect its native language and move away from its colonial past.
Why Do Tourists Visit Eswatini?
Tourists visit Eswatini for its national parks with unique animal encounters, scenic landscapes, traditional Swazi culture, and festivals such as Umhlanga. It’s also a great stopover between South Africa and Mozambique, making it an awesome addition to any southern Africa itinerary.
Ewatini has a lot of great reasons to visit!
Where is Eswatini Located?
Eswatini is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa on three sides and Mozambique to the east. It’s one of the smallest countries in Africa, but its location makes it easy to include in a regional trip.
Eswatini Travel Guide: Getting There
So now that you know about about the basics, let's dive into the practical details of our Eswatini travel guide!
How Do I Get to Eswatini?
While Eswatini may seem really off-the-beaten-path, the road there isn't as complicated as you'd think! Here are the different options for getting to Eswatini:
- Fly to Eswatini with Airlink or Eswatini Air
- Take a bus from one of the nearby cities in South Africa or Mozambique
- Rent a car and drive there
Want more info? We dive into all of the details in our complete guide which you can access below!
Eswatini Travel Guide: Entry Requirements
So you know how to make it to Eswatini! But before arriving, you'll need to make sure you have the proper documents for entering. Our Eswatini travel guide is here to guide you in the right direction, so you don't get turned away at the border.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Eswatini?
Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, EU nations, Japan, and most Commonwealth countries, can enter Eswatini visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check current visa policies before traveling though, as rules may change!
To see if you need a visa for Eswatini or not, you can check this guide.
What Vaccines Do I Need to Go to Eswatini?
Yellow fever vaccines are required in many countries in southern Africa. While you don't actually need to show proof of one in Eswatini, we'd recommend having one if you want to visit some of the other surrounding countries (like Botswana for example).
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Eswatini Travel Guide: Local Adjustments
Now that you have made it to Eswatini, let's not forget an important part of our Eswatini guide- the local adjustments! These are the "know before you go" details like what to expect for language, currency, tipping, and water potability.
What Languages are Spoken in Eswatini?
The native language of Eswatini is Swati, but it's actually not the language you'll hear the most!
Do They Speak English in Eswatini?
While Swati is the native language, English has also become one of the official languages of the country.
English is not only widely spoken, but you'll notice that most signage, menus, and official documents are in English, especially in cities, tourist areas, and government institutions.
Currency in Eswatini
The local currency is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL). It’s pegged to the South African Rand at a 1:1 ratio. We were able to use credit cards often in Eswatini, but we'd recommend having some cash for smaller shops and street vendors.
Can I Use Rand in Eswatini?
Yes, South African Rand is accepted throughout Eswatini. However, you’ll often receive change in Lilangeni.
What Plugs are Used in Eswatini?
Eswatini uses plug types M (with 3 round prongs in a triangular shape). The country has a standard voltage of 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Make sure to bring a universal adapter if your plugs are different!
Can You Drink Tap Water in Eswatini?
Tap water in Eswatini is generally safe to drink, and you can also easily get tap water when dining. We'd recommend bringing a reusable water bottle during your visit, so that you can be a more eco-friendly traveler.
Tipping Culture in Eswatini
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated. A 10% tip is typical in restaurants, and small tips for guides or hotel staff are welcome.
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Eswatini Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Alright, so you've made it past the basics! Now let's dive into the fun part of our Eswatini travel guide, which is here to share the highlights of the country, and some fun activities you won't want to miss out on.
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The Best Things to Do in Eswatini
We actually have a dedicated guide for all of the best places and activities in Eswatini! But here's a sneak peak:
Go on a safari (our favorite ones are the giraffe walking safari and the rhino walking safari)
Check out Maguga Dam
Explore Malolotja Nature Reserve
Browse the craft markets (the handmade arts and crafts in Eswatini are incredible)
Learn how to make Swazi candles (also an amazing souvenir!)
Explore the Ngwenya Glass Factory
Discover the Ngwenya iron mine
Experience Mantenga Nature Reserve & Cultural Village
Chase waterfalls (Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve is our favorite)
Visit House on Fire (it has amazing shops and activities)
Try a Paint & Sip
Attend a Baobab Batik Workshop
Go on a hike (Sibebe Rock is the most popular one)
Experience the nightlife (we loved Solanis)
Attend a festival (there are so many, especially in winter!)
Visit, dine, or stay at Summerfield Botanical Gardens
There is a lot of beautiful nature in Eswatini.
Eswatini Travel Guide: Local Food & Drink
Now that you know all of the basics, let's dive into the next part of our Eswatini travel guide, which is for the foodies!
What Food is Eswatini Known For?
Food in Eswatini is hearty, locally sourced, and reflects the country’s rural lifestyle. Meals often center around maize porridge with beans, vegetables, or meat like beef and chicken.
While we dive deeper into cuisine in our Eswatini food guide, this Eswatini travel guide gives you a quick taste of the everyday flavors you might encounter.
Food & Drinks to Try While in Eswatini
- Umncweba: Dried and cured meat which is similar to South African biltong
- Umgcwembe: Traditional grilled meat plates
- Chakalaka: Vegetable relish with tomatoes & seasonings
- Sishwala: Thick maize porridge (also called pap)
- Samp: Dried maize kernals which have been pounded
- Sidvudvu: Pumpkin mixed with maize meal, typically served as a soft porridge
- Tjwala: Traditional homemade beer
- Emasi: Fermented milk, usually eaten with pap or on its own
- Stewed chicken or goat: Slow-cooked with vegetables & local spices
- Braai: South African–inspired BBQ which is popular at gatherings and roadside stops
Want to learn more about the flavors of Eswatini? Don't miss out on our Eswatini food guide below!
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Eswatini Travel Guide: Getting Around
Now that you know all of the best things to do around the country and where to eat, let's dive into another important part of our Eswatini travel guide- how to get around while you're there!
How Do You Get Around in Eswatini?
Eswatini is small, and you can easily get around the country in a variety of ways. Here are the different options you can choose from:
- Rent a car (or van)
- Take public transportation (buses and mini buses)
- Use private transportation (taxis)
- Hire a guide
We dive into all of the details for each option in our Eswatini transportation guide, which you can find below!
Sharing is caring! 17 shares Share Tweet Pin17 Wondering how to get around in Eswatini? This small but diverse country may not have a massive transportation network, but getting from place to place is easier than you might expect.Whether you're planning to explore game reserves, cultural villages, or the scenic
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Eswatini Travel Guide: Where to Stay
So now you know all of the fun things to do in Eswatini and how to get around. But having a good place to stay is the cherry on top of having an amazing trip. The next part of our Eswatini travel guide is here to dive into what areas to stay, and to share some cool accommodation options.
Where to Base Yourself in Eswatini
The country is pretty small, so you can easily base yourself somewhere and do day trips, or you spend a few days in one of the cities, and then a night or two at the different game reserves in Eswatini.
The two main cities to base yourself are Mbabane (the capital) and Manzini, where the airport is. Mbabane is where you'll find the most nightlife, restaurants, and shops, while Manzini has the most central location.
The cities themselves don't have a TON going on, so we'd really only recommend staying there if you don't have a car.
Unique Stays in Eswatini
While it's much easier to base yourself in one place while in Eswatini, we found so many cool accommodations that we'd definitely give the thumbs up for spending a couple of nights in each place! Here are a few of our top recommendations for accommodation in Eswatini:
Summerfield Botanical Gardens
We had Summerfield Botanical Gardens on our list of places to visit, but it was only until we arrived that we found out you could actually stay there!
The 100 hectare gardens feature a lake, waterfalls, and a variety of fauna to enjoy. But the gardens are not your average botanical gardens- they are actually part of a lucury resort! Don't worry - when we say luxury, we mean luxury on a budget.
For under $100/night you can enjoy this stunning 5-star stay with a variety of restaurants, pools, and (obviously) gardens. It truly is a bucket-list stay, and was one of our favorite things to do in Eswatini.
Beehive Huts
Eswatini is known for its traditional beehive huts, and there are actually quite a few that you can stay in across the country! Here are some of the top ones:
- Hawane Resort: This one is located just outside of Mbane, and has a good restaurant.
- Miliwane Game Sanctuary: This game reserve is perfectly located between Manzini and Mbane
- Buckswood Hilltops: This one has a cute restaurant with cats!
- KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris: You can also do an awesome walking safari experience here!
Nyanza Guest Cottages
This local family-run farm is home to dozens of adopted animals that they saved from being abandoned or severely hurt, and you can actually stay there!
Hang out on the farm and help feed and play with a variety of animals from cats and dogs to cows and deer. The cottages are simple, but clean and rustic, making it a truly unique stay to add to your bucket list.
Eswatini Travel Guide: Safety
Now that you know all of the fun things to do, places to eat, and where to stay, let's get back into one of the most important parts of our Eswatini guide- the overally safety of the country.
Is Eswatini Safe for Tourists?
Yes! Eswatini is actually really safe, especially compared to some of the other countries in southern Africa. Not only is it super safe, but locals are really welcoming and friendly, and the country overall just has an incredibly peaceful vibe.
Is Eswatini Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Eswatini is definitely safe for solo female travelers! That being said, the country doesn't really have hostels or a lot of group activities, so it would be a bit challenging to make other friends along your travels there.
Eswatini Travel Guide: Other Things to Know While Visiting
Now comes the final part of our Eswatini travel guide! You know almost everything you need to know, but here are a few final details to keep in mind for visiting Eswatini.
What is the Climate Like in Eswatini?
Eswatini has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild, but a bit wet winters. You can experience a lot of different weather patterns in Eswatini without traveling far! The highlands are cooler and can have a lot of fog, while the lowlands can get quite warm, especially from December to February.
From March-June days are warm and nights are cold. July is typically really windy, and August temperatures start to heat up, with lots of fog in the morning. August- April is usually the rainy season but because the weather is changing now the rain is more so starting from November, and going until January. These months are also the hottest and most humid.
We visited Eswatini in the August, and were pretty lucky to be able to enjoy mostly warm and sunny days, with temperatures dipping a bit low in the evenings.
The Best Time to Visit Eswatini
The best time to visit Eswatini is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is pleasant and great for outdoor activities. This period also offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities, and has some great festivals to look forward to!
We'd recommend going in the end of May for the Bushfire Festival, mid July for the biggest Braii, or the beginning of August for Eat Sway Love and the Fire Reed Festival.
Packing For a Trip to Eswatini
Pack light, breathable clothing, but also bring a jacket for cool evenings. Don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes if you plan to go hiking or on a safari.
Eswatini Packing List
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Is it Worth Visiting Eswatini?
Eswatini is absolutely worth visiting! We hope our Eswatini travel guide has helped you see just how incredibly underrated this country is. With stunning landscapes, delicious food, friendly locals, and affordable prices, this country really is the whole package.
Eswatini is definitely worth a visit!
How Many Days to Spend in Eswatini
We spent 5 days in Eswatini, and easily could have spent another few. If you want to experience the top highlights, you can spend 3-5 days, but if you want to also experience some of the local festivals and hidden gems, we'd recommend 7-10 days.
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
So are you ready to experience this underrated country? We hope our Eswatini travel guide gave you all of the information you need to plan the perfect trip. Have questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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