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Frequently Asked Questions about Swaziland Swaziland

What is the best time to travel?

The best time to travel largely depends on what you want to see and do. The moderate temperatures make autumn and spring the best time to explore the country.

What is the best time to see wildlife?

During the dry season (April-October) you’ll have the best chance to see game, because then the growth of bushes and grasses is less thick and the animals are more likely to gather near artificial drinking places.

What are the best festivals and when do they take place?

Swaziland has many Christian public holidays as well as other civil or traditional festivals. The most important ones are: New Year's Day (1st January), Good Friday and Easter Monday (21st and 24th March 2008), Birthday of King Mswati (19th April), National Flag Day (25th April), Labour Day (1st May), Ascension (1st May), Birthday of the Late King Sobhuza (22nd July) Umhlanga, Reed Dance Day (August/September), Somhlolo Day or Independence Day (6th September), Incwala Ceremony (December/January), Christmas Day (25th December) and Boxing Day (26th December).

Can I pre-book transfers and extra nights?

Yes, you have the option to pre-book airport transfers (arrival only) and secondly the option to pre-book pre and post tour nights.These extra services should be added to your booking.


What about my passport?

You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.

Do I need a visa?

At the time of writing, UK/EU citizens do not need a visa for Swaziland, but these things can change. So please click here and check out the current situation. You can also check on that website if a visa is required for any other nationality. Make sure you inquire at least a month before departure if you need a visa so you do not run out of time.
If you need a visa, please contact the nearest embassy unless you choose to use a visa service. Shoestring does not organize your visa. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel. You can also obtain the visa through a specialized visa agency like http://www.travcour.com/.


Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

Please click here for questions regarding vaccinations or malaria tablets for this country and contact after your local practitioner or a specialised health centre and make an appointment to get your injections and pills. Please make sure that you allow at least six weeks for a full program. Two weeks might suffice for people who have already had a few injections. You are responsible for having the right protection when going on tour.

What is the recommended currency for Swaziland?

The official currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), plural Emalangeni, which is equal to 100 cents. The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (notes only). Visitors should exchange any Emalangeni they have left back into their own currency before leaving the country. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and are best taken in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling, to avoid high commission. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, and some banks are open on Saturdays. ATM machines are readily available.

What kind of clothing and other stuff is practical to take?

Nights here can be very cold and days can be extremely hot during the winter months. Bring thin clothes and a high-necked long-sleeved T-shirt or a thin cotton roll-neck jersey for the nights to protect you from mosquitoes. Also, bring a jumper or sweater and a raincoat. An umbrella will provide useful protection from the rain as well as the fierce sun. A pair of worn-in walking shoes with a good tread and strong soles is important too. Acacia thorns can easily perforate soft soles. Sandals or slippers are comfortable footwear on days we are not walking. Other important items are: sunglasses, suntan lotion, toiletries, basic medical travelling kit, sun hat or scarf, photo or film equipment and an adequate amount of film, spare batteries, torch, maybe a pocket knife, alarm clock (winding up or battery-powered), stationery, books, passport, sufficient cheques and cash, copies of passport and travel insurance, a list of travellers cheque numbers and their receipts, your travel insura

What kind of luggage should I take?

Hard suitcases cannot be taken into the safari truck. Additionally, a small rucksack or shoulder bag is handy for carrying everyday hand luggage. To keep valuable papers safe, you are best off purchasing a slim cotton money belt to wear under your clothes. Be sure to have a change of clothes in your hand luggage and to be able to survive 48 hours without the rest of your luggage in case it is carried to Africa indirectly. Keep essentials like the pill, malaria pills, essential medicine, cheques, camera and your toothbrush in your hand luggage. Make sure your luggage is not too heavy. You will not need the maximum weight allowed on the airplane at all: 20 kg. During your trip, you will certainly buy a number of souvenirs, which means you will soon have too much to carry. We advise you to bring a maximum of 13 kg of luggage.

How is the electricity situation in Swaziland?

Please click here to check what voltage and plugs are in use in Swaziland. You could also consider taking a universal electric plug.


Which travel guides and maps?

If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on Lonely Planet.


What is the accommodation like?

In Swaziland we stay at a cosy campsite by a small lake in the Mlilwane Game Reserve.

How is accommodation arranged if I book alone?

If you book alone you will share your room with a fellow traveler unless you have booked a single room. Sometimes it means that you need to share your room with someone of the opposite sex. In case we go camping, you could decide to take a small tent if you want to sleep alone. In case this involves extra camping fees (never very much), your tour leader will tell you and collect the extra fees.

Do I need a sleeping mat or sleeping bag?

Yes, you do need a sleeping bag, as you will sleep in campsites most of the time .

What can I expect for camping facilities?

You will sleep in two-man dome tents with sleeping mattresses and cooking facilities.

Do I need to take a mosquito net?

Yes, it is a great idea to take one with you.

Do they cater for vegetarians in Swaziland?

The food available in Swaziland is fairly similar to European food, but as a vegetarian you may have some problems finding suitable dishes.

What kind of transportation is used?

All transfers will be in well maintained overland trucks.

Is Swaziland dangerous?

In Swaziland the danger is more related to animals than people. In principal, the many wild animals you will see are not dangerous provided you stick to some basic rules. The first rule is to always do promptly what you are told by the travel guide when he or she senses danger. You can only discuss the matter afterwards.
When you want to go swimming, first ask whether there are crocodiles or hippos in the water, and if the water is free of bilharzia. Always beat your shoes before putting them on, as there is a small chance a scorpion or a snake has crawled into them. Keep them in the tent, because hyenas like them too! Sometimes there are groups of baboons that are quite used to people. When eating or preparing food, they can attack fiercely. Leave chasing them to the Africans.
If you are interested what the Foreign Office has to say, please click here.

What local customs do I need to keep in mind?

There are big cultural differences between us and the different tribes in the area. In general, this will not lead to miscommunication. A number of black tribes will bow their heads in respect for older people when they address them. This can strike us as avoidance, but it is intended to show respect!

What other activities and sports could I do?

You can have an (optional) escorted trek through the Mlilwane Game Reserve. You will stand a good chance of seeing hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, impalas, gnus, hartebeests, blesboks and zebras. On the shores of the small lakes you’ll see lots of water birds. There are also opportunities to go on a game drive, go horse riding, go on a night drive or go mountain biking.

How are communications in Swaziland?

The country is covered by a GSM 900 mobile network, and an Internet service provider is active. Post offices are open weekdays from 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 11am. Public telephones are well distributed throughout the towns and villages.


What is the time difference?

Please check the world clock in order to find out the exact time difference between Swaziland and your home country.