Introducing Eswatini
About Eswatini (Swaziland)
On 19 April 2018, King Mswati III renamed Swaziland to Eswatini, meaning “Land of the Swazis”.
With traditional customs still central to everyday life, the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) offers an unparalleled insight into Africa’s tribal societies in a setting that is safe and welcoming to visitors. Combine this with a varied landscape and untamed wildlife, and you have a nation ripe for exploration.
Eswatini (Swaziland) holds the accolade as the only absolute monarchy in Africa (and one of only a handful left in the world). The monarch plays a central role in political and cultural life, with the country’s most important annual events, such as Independence Day, closely linked with the royal household.
Though smaller events involving traditional dress and celebrations can be found across the country at almost any time of year, it is the set piece ceremonies that draw the largest number of participants. In fact, the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) festival is one of Africa’s biggest cultural events. Thousands of unmarried Swazi women travel to the round, mud-brick buildings of the royal compound at Ludzidzini, where they pay tribute to the Queen Mother with reeds, song and dance.
The Incwala, or Kingship Ritual, takes place during the summer solstice and is a rare survivor of what was once common across southern Africa. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular sight of Swazi men in full battle regalia, the likes of which you will not have seen outside a Hollywood blockbuster.
Eswatini (Swaziland) also hosts a great diversity of landscape, ranging from river valleys and cool mountainous Highveld in the west, and hotter and dryer Lowveld in the east. A typical African landscape of acacia-dotted grasslands, the Lowveld is where the country’s most iconic wildlife can be viewed. Mkhaya Game Reserve, one of 17 protected areas, is considered one of the very best places in Africa to witness rhino in their natural habitat.
Friendly, safe and spirited, the countrys distinct and ever-present cultural traditions, together with its landscapes and wildlife, make this small land-locked country a unique and enticing destination.
Language, Culture & History
History of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Following the Boer War of 1899-1902, Eswatini (Swaziland) became a British Protectorate in 1907 and later became independent in September 1968. After independence, the British refused to hand over Swazi territory to South Africa, and instead administered Eswatini (Swaziland) as a ‘High Commission Territory’ – one of three established by a 1910 Act of Parliament.
Since independence, the country’s domestic politics have suffered constant turbulence. Between 1973 and 1978, the constitution was suspended and a state of emergency imposed at the instigation of the king. Political parties, public gatherings and freedom of speech were all outlawed. In 1978, a new constitution concentrated political power in the hands of the monarch, who appointed a prime minister and cabinet; the state of emergency remained in force, however. An elected parliament of 30 members, the Libandla, was established, although its functions were restricted to conveying advice to the king and his principal advisory body, the Liqoqo (Supreme Council of State).
The current monarch, King Mswati III, was crowned in April 1986. Political stability continued to prove elusive during the late-1980s – the Mswati monarchy was repeatedly threatened by plots organised by dissident members of the royal family and disaffected politicians but all were stifled with apparent ease. The focus of opposition has been the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), which operated largely clandestinely until February 1992, when it declared itself a legal opposition party – in contravention of the government ban on political association – and demanded a constitutional referendum. Although steady pressure has been exerted against the king from both inside and outside the country, he remains impervious to any entreaties and continues to be one of the world’s few absolute monarchs. The current premier, who took up the post in 2008, is Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini.
Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) foreign relations are dominated by South Africa. In general, foreign relations have undergone a steady improvement since 1994 and the advent of majority rule in South Africa. However, there are a number of territorial disputes in which Eswatini (Swaziland) claims tracts of land in the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces.
Eswatini (Swaziland) is a poor country and has suffered from several serious food shortages. Moreover, according to a January 2003 World Health Organisation report, the country has the world’s highest per capita incidence of HIV/AIDS, with an estimated 40% of the adult population afflicted. Average life expectancy was 35 years and falling. However, due to the implementation of better HIV/AIDS awareness, and increased access to medication and condoms, the average life expectancy has increased to 49 years and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has decreased to around 27% in 2016 – although it still holds the title of the country with the highest prevalence.
Eswatini (Swaziland) Culture
Religion in Eswatini (Swaziland)
82% Zionist (mix of Christianity and traditional beliefs).
Social Conventions in Eswatini (Swaziland)
Traditional ways of life are still upheld and Swazi culture, in the form of music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship, plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is standard, although formal wear is customary at casinos and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the local chief.
Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity fee may be required, especially if the subject has gone to some effort -for example, by wearing traditional regalia. It is prohibited to photograph the royal palace, the royal family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings.
Language in Eswatini (Swaziland)
English and siSwati.
Geography & weather
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Due to variations in altitude, the weather can be changeable. In the Highveld region, temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from between 5°C (41°F) and 21°C (70°F) in the winter, and between 13°C (55°F) and 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The Lowveld has a warmer, drier climate, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 27°C (81°F) in the winter, and from 18°C (64°F) to 32°C (90°F) in the summer.
Choosing when to visit Eswatini (Swaziland) is a matter of personal preference. The wet summer season, between October and March, can be unbearable in the Lowveld but pleasant in the Highveld. Hikers should aim for an early start during the summer, as the midday heat can get intense and afternoon electrical storms are also quite common. Heavy rains can also have a negative impact on activities such as white-water rafting and caving. The dry winter season, between June and August, is usually mild in the Lowveld but can get quite cold in the Highveld. In the dry season, there is a lack of lush vegetation which makes it easier to see the wildlife. However, since the wildlife reserves throughout the country are so small, it’s always fairly easy to see game all year round. Visit during the rainy season, though, if you want to witness the variety of birds Eswatini (Swaziland) has to offer.
Required clothing
Bring light clothing, such as linens, and a jacket for the evenings. Waterproofs are rarely needed unless you’re doing a lot of walking between October and March. Since hiking is the best way to see the beautiful landscape, hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must.
Geography
Eswatini (Swaziland) is surrounded to the north, west and south by the Mpumalanga province of South Africa and to the east by Mozambique. There are four main topographical regions: the Highveld Inkangala – a wide ribbon of partly reforested, rugged country including the Usutu pine forest; the Peak Timbers in the northwest; the Middleveld, which rolls down from the Highveld through hills and fertile valleys; and the Lowveld, or bush country, with hills rising from 170 to 360m (560 to 1,180ft).
The Lubombo plateau is an escarpment along the eastern fringe of the Lowveld, comprising of mainly cattle country and mixed farmland. Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) four major rivers are the Komati, Usutu, Mbuluzi and Ngwavuma.
Business Opportunities
Doing Business in Eswatini (Swaziland)
Lightweight suits are generally expected for business. Appointments are necessary and business cards are exchanged. English is widely spoken in business circles.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1645.
Economy
The economy is dominated by and closely linked with that of South Africa, and the country is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (through which the government receives around half its total revenue).
Agriculture is by far the largest part of the economy, employing over 75% of the working population. The industrial sector is mainly concerned with processing agricultural products, largely food and wood products including paper, and also the production of textiles and metal goods. The country’s mining industry produces coal, of which there are extensive reserves, and diamonds.
Unemployment remains at an estimated 40% (2006); GDP growth rate is 1.6% (2007); and inflation is running at about 6% (2007).
The principal facilities are at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre in the Ezulwini Valley, which has seating for up to 600 people. Several hotels also have facilities for smaller numbers, with back-up services. The tourist office (see Contact Addresses) can supply information.
GDP
US$2.7 billion (2007).
Main exports
Soft drink concentrates, sugar, pulp, canned fruits and cotton yarn.
Main imports
Chemicals, clothing, food, machinery and motor vehicles.
Main trading partners
South Africa, EU and Japan.
Keeping in Touch in Eswatini (Swaziland)
Telephone
A landline network covers most of the country, but most people rely on mobile phones. Outgoing international calls must go through the international operator.
Mobile Phone
The only mobile network available throughout Eswatini (Swaziland) is MTN. Mobile coverage is good, with 90% of the population having access, but it can be patchy in extremely rural areas.
Internet
Internet facilities can be found in the main towns like Mbabane and Manzini. Not all hotels or lodges offer Wi-Fi services, so it’s best to check before booking.
Media
Eswatini (Swaziland) is an absolute monarchy, meaning that complete freedom of the press does not exist in the same way as it does in democratic societies.
Post
Post offices can be found in all towns. Airmail to Europe can be unreliable, taking anywhere from two weeks to two months to arrive.
Post Office hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1600, Sat 0800-1100.
Plan your trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Here’s Airlink (www.flyswaziland.com) is the national airline. British Airways (www.ba.com), South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) and Virgin Atlantic (www.virgin–atlantic.com) fly from the UK to Johannesburg, from where it’s less than an hour’s flight to King Mswati III International Airport. South African Airways also operates direct flights to Johannesburg from the USA.
Airport Guides
Matsapha Airport
Code
MTS
Location
The airport is 5km (3 miles) northwest of the city. TelephoneAddress
Flight times
From London – 14 hours 55 minutes (including stopover); New York – 17 hours 40 minutes (including stopover).
Departure tax
E100
Travelling to Eswatini (Swaziland) by Rail
Driving to Eswatini (Swaziland)
If arriving by road, you need to pay a R50 on entry. For trucks and company cars, the fee is R80. If bringing a hire car, you must show a letter from the car hire company, along with your passport and driving licence. Note that some of the border crossings close at 1600 (Josefsdal, Waverley and Bothashoop) or 1800 (Mananga, Nerston, Emahlathini and Onverwacht).
TransMagnific (www.goswaziland.co.sz) and Sky World Travel and Tours (www.skyworld.co.sz) run luxury minibuses run between Johannesburg and Manzini.
Getting to Eswatini (Swaziland) by boat
Staying there
Hotels
Many hotels in Eswatini have air conditioning, a private bath or shower, a telephone, radio and TV. However, there is a general shortage of accommodation, and it is advisable to book well in advance (at least one month prior to departure); accommodation cannot be booked at the airport. Visitors should also note that accommodation in Luanda is expensive but the city does have many hotels. A list of hotels in Eswatini is provided by the Embassy (www.Eswatini.org).
Camping
Other accomodation
Visitors are able to stay in Kissama National Park (www.kissama.org).
While you’re there
Places to see & Things to do their
Be enraptured by Kalandula falls
Witness the impressive spectacle of the Kalandula Waterfalls, one of the largest by volume anywhere in Africa. Located in the country’s north, the falls are spread along 400m (1,312ft) and fall over 100m (328ft) from forested clifftops. The views are particularly mighty at the end of the rainy season when the Lucala River that feeds them is in full flood.
Echo the actions of the early explorers
It was at Soyo that the Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao was the first European to set foot on land in what is now Eswatini and placed a stone padrao (or standard). Five centuries on, the padrao still stands on the tip of a beautiful peninsula which is also home to sea turtles.
Explore the coastal forts
The many forts that dot Eswatini’s coastline give a real sense of the country’s history as a Portuguese colony. The largest and most famous is Luanda’s Fort Sao Miguel, built in 1576 to protect the fledgling city and serve as a slave depot. It now contains the Museum of the Armed Forces.
Grab a towel and head for the beach
Palmeirinhas beach offers magnificent scenery and a long, deserted beach approximately 45 km (28 miles) south of Luanda, while in the opposite direction Santiago beach is known for its fishing. To swim, the beaches of Luanda’s Ilha peninsula are a better bet, and just five minutes from the capital’s heart.
Head out on safari
Kissama (or Quicama) National Park is currently the only functioning national park in the whole country, and is within easy reach of Luanda. Thanks to a reintroduction programme, the park is home to an increasing variety of wild animals, including elephants and the rare black palanca antelope, which can only be found in Eswatini.
Relax in Benguela
Less frenetic than the capital, Benguela maintains its cool colonial charm, making the most of its bay side location. The Governor’s Palace, facing the long sandy beach, is one of the best examples of colonial architecture in the country, while plenty of public spaces provide shade for taking in the sights and sounds.
Ride the rails
The newly refurbished Benguela railway follows an old trade route inland to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Comprising 67 stations and 42 bridges, it is one of the longest rail journeys in Africa, and a great way to see Eswatini’s hinterland while interacting with its people.
Take in the view at Tundavala Gap
To the south of Eswatini, close to the city of Lubango, lies Tundavala Gap. Views extend for miles from among the rim of cliffs known as the Serra da Leba escarpment, which marks the end of the Bie plateau that divides Eswatini into high and lowland.
Take the capital to heart
Ever improving Luanda deserves more than just a quick rest stop on arrival from the international airport. It’s the city’s atmosphere that draws you in, with a pleasant Atlantic Ocean location and historic churches and architectural gems lining almost every street of the lower city. One of the more curious attractions is the towering Mausoleum of Agostinho Neto, the country’s first president: love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it.
Understand Eswatini’s tragic slave past
Gain a historical understanding into Eswatini’s role in the Atlantic Slave Trade at the Museum of Slavery, 25 km (16 miles) along the coast from Luanda. The museum is located near a 17th-century chapel in which slaves were baptised before boarding ships for the New World.
Tourist offices
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
Address: Largo 4 de Fevereiro, Palacio de Vidro, CP 1242, Luanda, Telephone: (2) 310 899.
Website: http://www.Eswatini.org
Nightlife & shopping
Shopping in Eswatini
Traditional handicrafts are available in the main cities. Outside of these, shopping is not easy.
Shopping hours
These can vary, but are generally Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Nightlife in Eswatini
There are nightclubs and cinemas in Luanda. Eswatinin music is a fusion of Caribbean, Brazilian and Afro sounds. Cinema seats should be booked in advance. The Lenarius, a gallery and café, is situated behind the Ministry of Defence and is open until late in the evening.
Meals & beverages
There is a noticeable Portuguese influence in Eswatinin cuisine, particularly in the spicy seafood, which creates a fusion between local ingredients such as cassava and non-natives like onion and garlic.
Meals generally consist of fish or meat stewed in a rich sauce with vegetables such as okra and served with rice or funge (an Eswatini staple that draws comparisons to polenta). At their most basic, dishes consist of funge and sauce alone.
With its long Atlantic coastline, the seafood is particularly good. Fish or shellfish including shrimp and lobster will often have been caught the same day by local fishermen.
The one downside to Eswatini cuisine may be the lack of restaurants, especially outside Luanda. Though new restaurants and cafes are popping up all the time, for the moment your hotel is still probably the best bet.
Specialties
Funge: Plain carbohydrate made from cassava with a texture like mash potato, generally served with a full-flavoured spicy sauce.
Calulu: Dried fish or meat layered with fresh fish or meat, onion, tomatoes, okra and sweet potato leaves.
Chicken muamba: Chicken seasoned with palm oil hash. Mufete de Cacuso: Tilapia fish seasoned with pepper and lemon. Farofa: Toasted cassava flour with a salty and smoky flavour.
Caldeirada de cabrito: Goat stew with rice traditionally served on Independence Day (Nov 11).
Frango peri-peri: Grilled chicken in a very hot chilli marinade. Feij5o de oleo de palma: Stewed beans in a palm oil sauce. Gafanhotos de palmeira: Toasted grasshopper.
Mukua: Dried fruit from the baobab tree, often used for ice cream. Kussangua: Traditional non-alcoholic drink made from cornflour.
Tipping
Where service charge is not added to the bill, 10% is acceptable, although tipping is not officially encouraged. Tipping can be in kind (e.g. cigarettes).
Drinking age
18.
Getting Around
Air
TAAG Eswatini Airlines (www.taag.com.br) operates flights within Eswatini. There are scheduled services between major towns. However, aircraft run by this airline may not be properly maintained, and travellers should aim to use flights run by reputable international organisations.
Private jets are operated by some Portuguese, French and Italian business interests (trading most notably in oil and diamonds) in the north of the country, particularly to and from the Cabinda enclave, which is only accessible by air. Sonair (www.sonair.co.ao) is recommended. Helicopter access to Cabinda is also possible. Passengers on internal flights must carry official authorisation.
Road
Car-jacking is a risk. You must carry identity papers.
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
Driving outside of Luanda may be risky. Unexploded mines remain, driving standards are poor, and conditions are challenging. Much of the infrastructure was destroyed in the civil war, and although some roads have been rebuilt, many are still in a bad state of repair.
Car Hire
You can find international car hire companies in Luanda; hiring a car with a driver is recommended. Only use a reputable firm.
Documentation
An International Driving Permit is recommended (or translation of national licence), although, in theory, visitors may drive with a national licence for up to 30 days.
Urban travel
Local buses run in Luanda. A flat fare is charged.
Rail
Rail services are erratic, and tickets hard to purchase. Trains run on three separate routes inland from Luanda: to Malanje (daily) with short branches to Dondo and Golungo Alto; Lobito to Dilolo (the Benguela Railway, daily); and Namibe to Menongue (daily). There are no sleeping cars and no air-conditioned services, though food and drink is available on some journeys.
Before you go
Visa & Passport
| USA | Passport required | Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required No |
| Yes | |||
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | No/1 |
Passports
To enter Eswatini (Swaziland), a passport valid for at least three months upon entry, and with at least two blank pages, is required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Visas for Eswatini (Swaziland) are not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 30 days, except:
- Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania.
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements for Eswatini (Swaziland).
Nationals of the following countries need to apply for a visa before visiting Eswatini (Swaziland): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Antarctica, Armenia, Aruba, Belorussia, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Columbia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, India, Ivory Cost Jordan, Kiribati, Krygyzstan, Laisser, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macao, Macedonia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Maldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Peurto Rico, Peoples Republic Of China, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia.
Visa Note
Visas cannot be issued on arrival at the Eswatini (Swaziland) border. They must be obtained and affixed to a passport before you enter the country.
Types and Cost
Single-entry visa: E80; multiple-entry visa: E300 (three months), E700 (six months), E1,000 (nine months) or E1,300 (12 months).
Validity
Single-entry visa: three months; multiple-entry visa: three to 12 months.
Application to
Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
Temporary residence
If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP).
Extension of stay
If you receive a 30-day stamp on arrival, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) in the
USA
Telephone: +1 (0) 202 234 5002.
Website: http://www.gov.sz/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=453&Itemid=270 Address: NW, 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, 20009, Opening times:
Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland) High Commission in the
UK
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7630 6611.
Website: http://www.gov.sz/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=456&Itemid=270 Address: Westminster, 20 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1 E 6LS, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1630 (by appointment only).
Healthcare
| Title Tetanus |
Special precautions Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes |
Health Care
Full health insurance is essential and should include medical evacuation insurance. There are some hospital facilities in the main towns but, at the moment, adequate medical facilities are virtually non-existent. However, there are some good private clinics in Luanda. Medical treatment is free although often inadequate, and visitors should travel with their own supply of remedies for simple ailments such as stomach upsets, as pharmaceutical supplies are usually extremely difficult to obtain.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Avoid dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis E is widespread and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Many insect-borne diseases exist all year throughout the country, including urban areas. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningitis outbreaks occur. Dengue fever epidemics occur sporadically. Vaccination against tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Holidays of Eswatini
Below are listed Public Holidays in Eswatini
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Martyrs of the Colonial Repression Day
04 January 2020
Start of Liberation War
04 February 2020
International Women’s Day
08 March 2020
Peace and Reconciliation Day
04 April 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Africa Day
25 May 2020
International Children’s Day
01 June 2020
Nation’s Founder and National Heroes Day
17 September 2020
All Soul’s Day
02 November 2020
Independence Day
11 November 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Boxing Day
26 December 2020
Holidays of Eswatini
Below are listed Public Holidays in Eswatini
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Martyrs of the Colonial Repression Day
04 January 2020
Start of Liberation War
04 February 2020
International Women’s Day
08 March 2020
Peace and Reconciliation Day
04 April 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Monday
13 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May 2020
Africa Day
25 May 2020
International Children’s Day
01 June 2020
Nation’s Founder and National Heroes Day
17 September 2020
All Soul’s Day
02 November 2020
Independence Day
11 November 2020
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
Boxing Day
26 December 2020
