Eswatini Travel Guide
Country Small landlocked African nation known for culture
In Eswatini, rolling hills meet traditional homesteads and wildlife reserves. Tourists come for the Mkhaya Game Reserve’s rhinos, the cultural vibrancy of the Umhlanga Reed Dance, and the craft markets in Mbabane. The country’s landscapes and warm Swazi hospitality offer a unique African experience.
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Why Visit Eswatini #
Climb Sibebe Rock just outside Mbabane for a half-day hike across one of the world’s largest exposed granite domes. Early morning treks reward you with wide valley views over Ezulwini and chance encounters with local birdlife. The route is straightforward but bring water and a guide for the best viewpoints.
Visit Mantenga Cultural Village for hands-on demonstrations of Swazi crafts, homestead life and lively traditional dances. If your timing matches, the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) offers an intense, colorful insight into Swazi royal rituals - memorable but crowded, so plan ahead for permits and local guidance.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary near Ezulwini is ideal for walking or horseback safaris where zebras, impala and warthog roam freely. Trails are compact and family-friendly, with overnight cottages and a relaxed lodge atmosphere that puts wildlife close without the formality of larger parks.
Head north to Hlane Royal National Park for classic safari drives to see elephant, buffalo and white rhino with experienced guides. Nights here are simple and immersive; guided drives and night-spotting walks give the best chances for large mammals without the long distances of bigger African reserves.
Spend an afternoon in the Ezulwini Valley visiting glassblowers, woodcarvers and market stalls to buy Swazi candles, beadwork and woven baskets. Gallery spaces and small studios around Lobamba and Malkerns mean you can meet artisans directly and support locally made crafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
Who's Eswatini For?
Eswatini’s luxury game lodges and mountain viewpoints make it a quiet romantic choice. Stay near Mlilwane or Mantenga for sunrise walks, horseback rides and dramatic views from Sibebe Rock.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and small private reserves offer safe, close-up wildlife viewing and family-friendly trails. Accommodation tends toward lodges rather than big resorts, so plan for simple, nature-focused stays.
Budget backpackers will find limited hostels and a short overland trail; Eswatini suits travelers who prefer lodge-based nights, guided bush walks and short rural routes rather than long social circuits.
Internet remains patchy outside Mbabane and Matsapha; coworking spaces are rare and broadband can be expensive. Best for short remote stints rather than long-term nomad setups.
Swazi food centers on maize porridge, grilled meats and market snacks. Visit Mbabane markets and community feasts to taste local breads, stews and simple traditional flavors.
Hikers prize Malolotja and Sibebe Rock for steep trails and panoramic ridgelines, while private reserves offer mountain biking and guided off‑trail exploration on quiet dirt tracks.
Nightlife is low-key: a few hotel bars in Mbabane and occasional live-music nights in Malkerns. Don’t expect big clubs or an all-night party scene.
Excellent small reserves like Hlane, Mlilwane and Mlawula protect rhino, elephant and rich birdlife. Intimate guided drives and walking safaris give close wildlife encounters without huge crowds.
Regions of Eswatini #
Hhohho
High, cool and green, Hhohho is where most visitors start to understand Eswatini’s landscape and monarchy. Expect dramatic ridges, short multi-day hikes and cultural sites tied to the royal family. The region mixes small urban bustle with mountain reserves-great for a weekend of walking, birds and easy encounters with Swazi culture.
Top Spots
- Mbabane - The administrative capital with markets and fika-style cafes for a quick city stop.
- Lobamba - Royal and cultural heart; see the national ceremonies and the Parliament buildings.
- Malolotja - Rugged reserves with excellent hiking and sweeping highland scenery.
Manzini
Manzini is the commercial pulse: practical, loud and useful for travel logistics. Beyond the market chaos you’ll find local eateries, craft sellers and nearby agricultural valleys where people grow much of the country’s produce. It’s a working region rather than a showpiece, perfect for seeing ordinary Swazi life and organising onward trips.
Top Spots
- Manzini - The country’s busiest market town and transport hub.
- Malkerns - Small craft workshops, nurseries and quiet rural lanes.
- Matsapha - Industrial centre with onward transport links across the country.
Lubombo
Stretching along Eswatini’s eastern edge, Lubombo drops from highlands into a warmer lowveld. Game reserves and wide savannahs draw wildlife lovers, while rural villages offer quiet, low-key cultural visits. Travel here is about safaris, birds and long slow drives rather than crowds.
Top Spots
- Hlane Royal National Park - Big mammals and classic safari drives.
- Luboho lowveld - Dry plains and birding hotspots.
- Local villages - Quiet homestays and community visits.
Shiselweni
Shiselweni is sparsely populated and pleasantly off-grid, with rolling hills, tea and sugarland fringes and few tourist services. It’s ideal if you want to escape the main tourist loops-expect simple stays, community-run activities and open-country walks where you’re likely to meet local farmers.
Top Spots
- Nhlangano - Rural market town and gateway to southern reserves.
- Quiet trails - Hikes through rolling hills and smallholder farmland.
Top Cities in Eswatini
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Best Things to Do in Eswatini
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Eswatini Bucket List
- Hlane Royal National Park - Big-game reserve where lion, elephant, and rhino are observed on guided drives in eastern lowveld.
- Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Accessible wildlife sanctuary for walking, mountain-biking, and horseback safaris amid rolling lowland grasslands.
- Malolotja Nature Reserve - Highland reserve offering dramatic escarpments, hiking trails, and the country's highest peaks for adventurous day hikes.
- Mantenga Cultural Village and Falls - Mantenga Cultural Village showcases Swazi traditions, with nearby Mantenga Falls and interpretive trails.
- Ezulwini Valley - Ezulwini Valley's craft markets, galleries, and cultural centers form Swaziland's tourism and creative heartland.
- Mkhaya Game Reserve - Private reserve focused on black rhinoceros and rare antelopes, renowned for intimate conservation experiences.
- Ngwenya Mine and Ngwenya Glass - Ngwenya Mine archaeological site and adjacent Ngwenya Glassworks where recycled-glass artisans produce handblown pieces.
- Shewula community and mountain camp - Shewula community and mountain camp offering homestays, cultural encounters, and dramatic escarpment viewpoints.
- Maguga Dam - Maguga Dam and surrounding reservoir offer fishing, picnic spots, and engineered landscapes near Piggs Peak.
- Mantenga craft cooperatives - Smaller craft cooperatives and weaving groups in Mantenga and Ezulwini producing traditional Swazi beadwork and textiles.
- Ezulwini-Hlane-Mlilwane loop - Ezulwini-Hlane-Mlilwane scenic loop, about 150 km, ideal for two-day wildlife, cultural, and craft stops.
- Mbabane-Malolotja-Ngwenya route - Mbabane to Malolotja via Ngwenya Mine, roughly 80-120 km, combining mountain hiking and heritage visits.
- Shewula mountain traverse - Shewula Mountain Camp multi-day traverse along eastern escarpment trails, recommended two to four days with community guides.
- Maguga Dam and Piggs Peak pass - Short scenic drive linking Maguga Dam and Piggs Peak for reservoir vistas, picnic stops, and river valley views.
Planning Your Trip to Eswatini #
1 Week Eswatini Itinerary
Explore Eswatini's hills, game reserves, and cultural villages: arrive in Mbabane, hike Malolotja, visit Mlilwane Sanctuary, Mantenga Cultural Village, and Hlane National Park, ending in Manzini.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Mbabane or Manzini; stroll Swazi markets and hairdressing shops.
- Day 2 - Ezulwini Valley: Ngwenya Glass, craft markets, cultural village visit.
- Day 3 - Mantenga Cultural Village and Mantenga Falls walk.
- Day 4 - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: walking trails and wildlife spotting.
- Day 5 - Hlane Royal National Park game drive and birdwatching.
- Day 6 - Hike Malolotja Nature Reserve trails and viewpoints.
- Day 7 - Return to Manzini for departure; last-minute shopping.
2 Weeks Eswatini Itinerary
Two-week Eswatini trip slows the pace: Malolotja multi-day hikes, Mlilwane wildlife, Hlane drives, Mantenga culture, Ngwenya crafts and village homestays across Ezulwini and Manzini.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Mbabane; evening craft market in Ezulwini.
- Day 2-3 - Malolotja multi-day hike and valley viewpoints.
- Day 4 - Mlilwane Sanctuary trails and horseback option.
- Day 5 - Mantenga Cultural Village and Swazi cultural performance.
- Day 6 - Hlane Park full-day game drive and birding.
- Day 7 - Transfer to Manzini; Ngwenya craft and glassworks visit.
- Day 8-9 - Community homestay and village tours around Malkerns.
- Day 10-11 - Ezulwini Valley relaxation, local restaurants and galleries.
- Day 12-14 - Return to Mbabane for markets, day trips and departure.
3-4 Weeks Eswatini Itinerary
Three- to four-week Eswatini plan covers all regions: extended Malolotja treks, Mlilwane and Hlane wildlife, Mantenga culture, Ngwenya crafts and multiple village homestays.
Show itinerary- Day 1-2 - Arrive Mbabane and tour city sights and markets.
- Day 3-6 - Extended Malolotja trekking and valley exploration.
- Day 7-9 - Mlilwane Sanctuary extended wildlife walks and conservation talk.
- Day 10 - Mantenga Cultural Village and waterfall exploration.
- Day 11-13 - Hlane National Park game drives and night drives.
- Day 14-18 - Community projects or longer homestays in Malkerns region.
- Day 19-21 - Slow return via Ngwenya crafts and Ezulwini galleries before departure.
Best Time to Visit Eswatini #
Eswatini has a subtropical climate modified by elevation: a hot, wet summer (roughly November-March) and a cool, dry winter (May-September). Weather and visitor experiences vary between lowveld (hotter) and highveld (cooler), with the dry winter best for wildlife viewing and hiking.
January
January falls in Eswatini's dry, cool season-mornings can be crisp in the highveld while lowveld remains mild. Vegetation is drier and wildlife viewing in reserves is easier because animals concentrate around water.
Events
- Incwala (varies) - Incwala, the Swazi kingship ceremony, often occurs around December-January and involves several traditional rites and public gatherings.
February
February stays largely dry with gradually warming daytime temperatures, especially in lower elevations. It's still a good month for game drives and hiking before the main rains begin.
Events
No major festivals this month.
March
March is a shoulder month as the first rains can arrive, producing short, intense showers interspersed with sunny periods. Travel conditions begin to change-roads in remote areas may deteriorate after heavy downpours.
Events
No major festivals this month.
April
April typically sees more frequent thunderstorms and higher humidity; landscapes turn green quickly. Crowds are lighter and accommodation prices often drop compared with the dry season.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
May marks the start of the drier, cooler season across most of the country, especially in the highveld. This is a popular time for wildlife viewing and trekking as vegetation thins and skies clear.
Events
No major festivals this month.
June
June is cool and very dry, with chilly nights in higher areas and pleasant daytime temperatures-good for outdoor activities. Tourist numbers are higher at this time, particularly in national parks.
Events
No major festivals this month.
July
July is one of the coolest months; mornings can be quite cold, especially inland and at altitude. Clear skies and low humidity make it excellent for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.
Events
No major festivals this month.
August
August remains dry and cool and often sees increased tourist activity around cultural events like the Reed Dance. Accommodation and travel can be pricier during festival periods.
Events
- Umhlanga (Reed Dance) - Umhlanga, the annual Reed Dance festival, usually takes place in August or September and attracts visitors to cultural celebrations around the monarchy.
September
September warms up but stays largely dry; this is a transitional month before the spring rains. Landscapes start to lose the deep winter browns, and wildlife viewing remains very good.
Events
No major festivals this month.
October
October is a shoulder month with rising temperatures and the first thundery showers possible by month-end. It's a quieter travel period with lower prices than the core dry season.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
November usually marks the start of the main wet season: afternoon storms become more frequent and humidity increases. Expect occasional road disruptions in remote areas after heavy rainfall.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
December is in the hot, wet season with frequent thunderstorms and high humidity-travel can be affected by localized flooding. Tourist numbers fall and many lodges offer lower rates compared with the dry season.
Events
- Incwala (when scheduled) - Incwala ceremonies may fall in December depending on the lunar cycle and include large public rituals tied to the monarchy.
How to Get to Eswatini #
Most international visitors reach Eswatini via King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) near Sikhuphe or by road from South Africa (Johannesburg O.R. Tambo JNB is the main international hub used to connect). Regional flights and road links to Mbabane/Manzini make overland crossings from South Africa and Mozambique common for travelers.
- Many nationalities can enter Eswatini visa-free for short stays (commonly up to 30 days).
- Citizens of countries that require a visa must obtain one from an Eswatini diplomatic mission before travel.
- Passport recommended to have at least 6 months validity and a blank entry stamp page.
- Proof of onward/return travel and accommodation details may be requested on arrival.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country.
International Airports
All Airports ›Border Crossings #
Eswatini ↔ South Africa
South Africa is by far the most-traveled neighbour for Eswatini. Overland crossings are frequent for commuters, buses and freight between Johannesburg/Pretoria and Mbabane or Manzini; many travelers arrive by road after flying into Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) and taking a bus or private transfer to the Oshoek border. South African citizens may cross using a valid ID or passport; most other nationalities need a passport and, if required by nationality, a visa for Eswatini (check Eswatini and South African immigration sites for current rules). Expect heavy commercial traffic and occasional long queues at peak times; use early-morning crossings where possible.
Crossings
- Oshoek (Eswatini side) - Ngwenya (South Africa side) (Mbabane / Mpumalanga) - The busiest vehicle crossing on the western corridor; used by long-distance buses and private cars coming from Johannesburg via the N17/R40. Expect customs and immigration for both persons and freight; queues are common during holidays.
- Golela (Eswatini side) - Golela/Creighton area (South Africa side) (Lavumisa / KwaZulu-Natal) - A major southern crossing used by travelers heading to Maputo or along the southern corridor. Facilities are basic but functional; good for travellers going to southern Eswatini or Mozambique via shared taxis.
- Mahamba (Eswatini side) - Jeppes Reef (South Africa side) (Shiselweni / Mpumalanga) - A smaller crossing popular with local traffic and tourists aiming for the eastern lowveld game reserves. Less busy than Oshoek, but expect limited hours for some services outside daytime.
Eswatini ↔ Mozambique
Mozambique is Eswatini’s smaller but important neighbour to the east. Crossings handle local trade and tourist traffic toward Maputo and the Mozambican interior. Border formalities are required for most foreign nationals - check Mozambique’s visa rules and whether you need a visa in advance; some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival or use an e-visa service. Road conditions on the Mozambican side can be variable; arrange transport and check for seasonal closures.
Crossings
- Goba (Mozambique side) - Nsoko / Lomahasha (Eswatini side) (Lubombo / Maputo province) - The main eastern crossing connecting the Eswatini road network with the N4 toward Maputo. Used by freight and cross-border day-trippers; services and inspections are slower than at the Oshoek corridor.
How to Get Around Eswatini
Airlink operates scheduled services linking King Mswati III (SHO) with Johannesburg (JNB) and occasionally other regional centers; these are the main air connections for international transfers. Check Airlink for current schedules and fares.
Domestic and short regional hops are limited; many international itineraries route through South African hubs for onward connections.
Long-distance coach operators run scheduled services between Mbabane/Manzini and South African cities such as Johannesburg and Durban. Services vary in frequency and comfort; expect multi-hour cross-border trips and carry identification and any required immigration documents.
For intercity travel within Eswatini, minibuses and private coach companies serve the main corridors-book in advance for peak seasons.
Metered taxis and shared minibuses (locally common) are the usual way to get around urban areas; fares are modest but negotiate or confirm meter use where applicable.
Taxi ranks are found at the airport and in Mbabane/Manzini; expect cash payments and limited app-based ride-hail options.
Car rental is a practical option for exploring rural Eswatini and game reserves; international brands are present at the airport and in major towns. Renting gives flexibility for national parks and rural roads where public transport is infrequent.
Vehicle hire requirements usually include a valid driver’s license, passport, and a credit card for deposit.
Motorbikes and local shared taxis cover short urban trips; walking is fine in compact town centers but not recommended after dark in less populated areas.
If visiting reserves or remote attractions, arrange transfers through tour operators or your accommodation to ensure access and safe timings.
Where to Stay in Eswatini #
Stay in Mbabane or the Ezulwini Valley for most visitor conveniences; many hotels cater to business and leisure travelers. Book ahead for public holidays and cultural festivals in Lobamba and Manzini to secure mid-range rooms and higher-end lodges.
Small family-run lodges are common around Manzini, Ezulwini and near Sibebe Rock, offering comfortable rooms and local meals. They’re practical bases for day trips to craft markets and nearby cultural sites.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hlane and Mlawula have simple lodges and guided-walk options for wildlife viewing and hiking. Expect rustic comfort, game drives and easy access to nature trails close to main centers.
Several campsites exist inside and near protected areas such as Mlilwane, with basic facilities and sheltered pitches. Good for travellers wanting close wildlife encounters and lower-cost overnighting while exploring Ezulwini and surrounding reserves.
Staying Connected in Eswatini #
Internet access is decent in urban Eswatini with usable 3G/4G mobile speeds and variable fixed‑line broadband. Mobile connectivity is the most reliable option outside main towns, with affordable prepaid data bundles the common choice.
Buy a prepaid SIM at airports or city shops from MTN or local operators. Starter SIMs usually cost about $2-$7; expect basic day bundles from $2-$10 for short stays.
Bring ID for registration; bundles are affordable and geared toward data usage.
Primary mobile options include MTN and other local carriers offering 3G/4G coverage in towns and along major roads. Plans focus on prepaid data with competitive top‑ups and daily bundles ranging roughly $1-$10.
SIM registration is required; operator apps let you buy bundles and monitor usage.
Hotels and cafés in urban centers offer usable Wi‑Fi, though speeds and reliability vary outside Mbabane and Manzini. Coworking spaces are limited; expect to rely on mobile tethering for consistent connections.
Consider a local data package for remote or rural travel.
Rural and mountainous areas can have weak coverage; eSIM availability is limited - a physical prepaid SIM at arrival is usually easier.
Health & Safety in Eswatini #
Eswatini is generally safe for visitors who take standard African-travel precautions. Top concerns are infectious diseases (notably HIV), malaria in low-lying areas, and road safety. Urban petty crime and limited emergency healthcare outside major towns mean planning ahead is important.
- Road Safety - Roads can be poorly maintained and lighting is limited outside towns. Expect aggressive driving and pedestrians on highways; avoid night driving where possible. Use reputable taxis or drivers and confirm fares before starting trips.
- Health Risks (HIV & Infectious Diseases) - Eswatini has one of the highest HIV prevalences globally; take standard precautions, carry condoms, and ensure continuity of any antiretroviral medication. Routine infections like TB and respiratory illnesses are present; seek HIV-aware clinics for testing or treatment.
- Malaria & Vaccinations - Malaria is present in lowveld and rural areas year-round; use insect repellent, treated nets, and consider prophylaxis. Stay up to date on routine vaccines; proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from an endemic country.
- Scams & Petty Crime - Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in markets and around bars in urban areas. Keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and be cautious with ATMs and unmarked taxis. Use hotel safes when available.
- Food & Water - Tap water quality is inconsistent-drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice from unknown sources. Street food can be tempting but eat at busy, well-reviewed stalls; wash hands or use sanitizer before eating.
- Women Travelers - Eswatini is socially conservative; modest dress reduces unwanted attention. Harassment can occur in public spaces; travel in groups when possible, avoid isolated areas after dark, and be firm with unwanted advances.
History & Culture of Eswatini #
A small, landlocked monarchy in southern Africa where traditional authority and royal ceremonies remain highly visible; Eswatini is known for formalized cultural festivals and strong community networks. Travelers will commonly encounter siSwati language, colorful regalia and ceremonial events tied to the monarchy.
History of Eswatini
The modern Kingdom of Eswatini grew out of a nineteenth-century state formed under leaders such as King Mswati II, consolidating Swazi chiefdoms in the face of regional change. The Swazi polity retained internal structures while adapting to pressures from Zulu expansion and later European colonization. In 1903 the area became a British protectorate and later moved to independence on 6 September 1968 as Swaziland; in 2018 the monarch announced the country’s new official name, Eswatini. The monarchy and traditional ceremonies have remained prominent features of national life, and visitors will encounter living royal traditions in public festivals and cultural presentations.
Notable Figures
- King Mswati III - The current monarch (since 1986) who presides over national ceremonies and state functions.
- King Sobhuza II - Long-reigning mid-20th-century monarch (r. 1921-1982) who led the country through the transition to independence and reshaped governance in 1973.
- Queen Mother (Ndlovukati) Ntfombi - A central royal figure who has served as the Queen Mother and sometimes as regent, playing a key role in ceremonial life.
Key Dates
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c. 1820s-1860sMswati II consolidates Swazi chiefdoms into a cohesive polity that shapes the modern kingdom.
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1903Swaziland becomes a British protectorate after regional conflicts and colonial agreements.
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1968Swaziland gains full independence from Britain on 6 September.
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1973King Sobhuza II suspends the constitution and assumes greater powers, reshaping governance.
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1986Mswati III becomes king, continuing the central role of the monarchy in national life.
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2018The country's name is changed from Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini by the king.
Eswatini’s cuisine centers on maize porridge (sishwala), seasonal greens, stews and dairy; meals are straightforward and tied to agricultural rhythms. Communal eating and traditional beer feature in ceremonies and family events.
Language
Eswatini has two official languages: English (administration and tourism) and siSwati (siSwati is widely spoken in daily life). Learning a few siSwati greetings is welcomed, especially in rural areas and at cultural events.
Useful Phrases
- Hello (singular) - Sawubona sah-woo-BOH-nah
- Hello (plural / formal) - Sanibonani sah-nee-boh-NAH-nee
- Where is... ? - Kuphi... ? koo-PHEE
- Please show me the bus stop - Ngicela indlela yebhasi ngee-CHEH-lah een-DLEH-lah yeh-BAH-see
- Please - Ngiyacela ngee-ya-CHEH-lah
- Thank you - Ngiyabonga ngee-ya-BON-ga
- I need help - Ngicela usizo ngee-CHEH-lah oo-SEE-zoh
- Call the police - Shayela amaphoyisa shah-YEH-lah ah-mah-POY-ee-sah
Responsible Travel in Eswatini #
Responsible travel in Eswatini helps protect important cultural traditions and diverse parks while directing visitor income to rural communities such as those around Mantenga and the major wildlife reserves.
- Respecting Local Culture: Eswatini is a kingdom with strong cultural traditions; ask before photographing people and follow instructions when visiting places like the Mantenga Cultural Village and local chiefdom ceremonies.
- Protected Areas & Low-impact Visits: Visit reserves such as Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Hlane Royal National Park with licensed guides, stick to trails, and carry out all litter to protect fragile grassland and river habitats.
- Supporting Local Communities: Buy crafts and goods from verified local businesses-examples include Swazi candle cooperatives and market artisans-so income stays in rural communities rather than with intermediaries.
- Wildlife & Animal Tourism: Avoid approaches that stress animals: do not attempt rhino or elephant selfies, do not feed wildlife, and choose lodges and operators that follow anti-poaching measures and humane viewing distances.
- Reduce Water & Energy Use: Eswatini has limited water resources in parts of the country-use water sparingly in hotels and guesthouses, take short showers, and support accommodations that use solar or water-saving practices.
Travel Resources for Eswatini #
News & Media
- BBC News (Africa coverage) English
- Al Jazeera (Eswatini coverage) English
- Reuters (Eswatini coverage) English
Useful Links
Useful Apps for Eswatini
- WhatsApp Messenger - Ubiquitous messaging for coordinating with local contacts and businesses.
- Google Maps - Navigation, offline maps, and points of interest across Eswatini.
- Google Translate - Quick translations for interactions in local languages.
- Airbnb - Find guesthouses and homestays in remote Eswatini locations.