Swaziland

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Mbabane

Population

1,161,000

Government

Monarchy, Independent Member of the Commonwealth

Religions

Christianity (Zionist, Catholic), Islam

Languages

Swati, English

Calling Code

+268

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

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Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere; it emerges on world maps as a mere dot on the South Africa-Mozambique border. But Swaziland is living proof that sometimes great things come in small packages. Boasting a host of excellent wildlife reserves, the country affords some of Africa's best opportunites for getting up close with zebras, giraffes and white and black rhinos, as well as crocodiles (though you might want to avoid getting too close - just a suggestion). Swaziland's adherence to nature's demands is remarkable, considering its economical impoverishment; granted, hardwood forests in the west are victims of the logging industry.

Swaziland is a monarchy and Swazi culture identifies the king as a central figure of importance. Major national festivals revolve around honoring him or displaying potential wives for him; we'd recommend you try visiting Swaziland while one of these festivals is going on, because it's an amazing and proud cultural exhibition.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Swaziland is divided into four regions.

• Hhohho in the northwest
• Lubombo in the east
• Manzini in the central west
• Shiselweni in the south

Cities

• Hlathikhulu
• Lobamba is the royal and legislative capital
• Manzini is the country's largest town with a population of over 70,000.
• Mbabane is the country's capital
• Piggs Peak
• Siteki
• Matata
• Nsoko

Sights and Activities

Hlane Royal National Park

The Hlane Royal National Park is one of the highlights in Swaziland if you want to see abundant wildlife and the good thing is, you can explore parts of the park on foot together with a local ranger. It is located around an hours drive from Manzini and you can travel by your own car or charter a vehicle once in the park. Wildlife includes elephant, rhino, hippo, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, zebra and many species of antelope. Birdlife is plentiful as well.

Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya Game Reserve is another highlight exploring some of the more rarer and endangered species of wildlife in Africa. Animals include black and white rhino, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, and the usual big five (especially many elephants) as well as several other locally endangered species.

Malolotja Nature Reserve

This park protects both a very spectactular mountainous landscape as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is located in the northwest of the country and is one of the wildest areas in the country, with mountains (highest peak over 1800 meters), waterfalls, bushveld and grassland and walking is excellent here. Some parts are accessible by car as well, but you will need a 4wd if you want to the more remote areas.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Swaziland generally has a warm and tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity but because of the elevation temperatures and humidity are somehow tempered. December to March is summer with high temperatures of 26 to 32 degrees Celcius during the day, sometimes even warmer and around 20 degrees or just below at night. This is always the wettest time of year. June to September is the cool and dry season with average temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celcius daytime and around 8 to 12 at night, but temperatures close to zero (or even below in the mountains) is not uncommon. Snow is rare though.

Getting there

Plane

Swazi Express Airways has a number of international flights to and from Matsapha Airport (MTS) near Manzini. Destinations include Durban, Maputo, Vilanculos and Johannesburg. Airlink Swaziland flies to Johannesburg as well.

By Car

Travelling to and from Swaziland by car is pretty straightforward and most car rental companies allow you to cross into Swaziland from South Africa (to not to and from Mozambique!) for free. Main roads are tarred, but off the beaten track crossings may not be as good.

By Bus

Buses and minibuses travel between Manzini and Johannesburg and Durban in South Africa, as well as Maputo in Mozambique. It takes around 4 hours to Johannesburg and over 3 to Maputo. Bazz Bus operates has buses three times a week between Johannesburg/Pretoria to Durban, via Mbabane and Manzini.
There are less frequent departures from Mbabane to Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa though. There might be services to Maputo as well from Mbabane but check the local tourist office first.

Getting Around

As there are no plane, train or boat connections, your ways of getting around are limited and include all land travel by road. Most cities, towns and parks are within a few hours range of eachother.

By Car

Many people who travel around by car in Swaziland, rented a car in South Africa. You are able to rent a car on the international airport or some offices in the capital Mbabane. Most roads are generally in a good condition and even the secondary roads (usually gravel roads) are mostly accessible, but some require a 4wd. Traffic drives on the left and to rent a car you will an international driving permit.

By Bus

Minibuses are the way to get around by public transport in Swaziland. They are however crowded and can be uncomfortable. They usually are a bit pricier than coach buses and travel shorter distances. However, the bigger buses usually are slower and less frequent.

Red Tape

Swaziland tourist visa are not required for most nationals of Western countries including most of the European countries, Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, Canada, Japan, China, Argentina and Brazil. Visas are valid for up to 60 days. Most other travellers do need a visa.

Money

See also Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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