Eswatini Travel Information
Getting There
eSwatini has an airport with flights from Johannesburg. The flight is just 45 minutes on Airlink, which is a South African airline. eSwatini does not have its own airline.
Passports and Visas
Australian tourists can visit Eswatini for up to 30 days without a visa. To enter you simply need a valid passport with two blank pages and six months’ validity from the date you return home. Please note, officials may refuse you entry if you try to enter as a same-sex married couple.
Weather and Climate
Winter (June to August) is a great time to visit as the weather is drier and sunnier. It’s also easier to spot wildlife thanks to an absence of lush vegetation. But you need to consider the variations in altitude in eSwatini as well, so if you plan on travelling to the highveld during winter, be sure to pack warm clothes – temperatures can get as low as 5C. Summer (November to January) is the wettest time of year. As such, this is when the country is at its greenest and most beautiful. It’s the best time for bird watching, but it’s also the hottest time of the year. The lowveld in particular, which is drier, can get very hot. The good thing about this place is that the wildlife doesn’t all disappear at certain times, most roads are navigable all year round, and it’s never overrun with tourists.
Getting Around
eSwatini is a small country so it’s easy to hire a car. It also gives you total freedom and flexibility to explore. Road quality varies from decent tarmac, uneven and bumpy roads in remote areas that are riddled with potholes to gravel and dirt tracks. There are ample petrol stations, and everything is in easy reach in just a matter of two hours! We can also arrange a private guide and vehicle if you prefer not to drive.
Health
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to eSwatini unless you’re travelling from a country with yellow fever. In this case, you’ll need to provide proof of vaccination at immigration. Other than that, nothing is compulsory, but it’s recommended you be up to date with routine vaccinations – hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for most travellers, while hepatitis B and rabies may be advisable depending on your planned activities. Malaria is also a risk in certain areas of the country. Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel regarding health precautions and immunisations for travel in eSwatini.
Currency
The local currency is the Swazi lilangeni (SZL), divided into 100 cents. Please note, the plural of lilangeni is emalangeni. The South African rand is also accepted in the country but expect to be given emalangeni in change. Always keep a small stash of cash handy as credit cards aren’t always accepted, especially in rural spots. ATMs are common throughout the country. Please note that friendly haggling is common in the markets, but elsewhere you need to pay the stated price. Restaurant wages are low in eSwatini, so tips of around 10% to 15% are expected.
Language
eSwatini is home to several languages and the native languages are Swazi, Zulu, Tsonga, Afrikaans and English.