SWAZILAND REGIONAL INFORMATION

FAST FACTS:

Area: 17 363 sq km
Population: 860 000 million
Capital: Mbabane
Official Language: SiSwati and English
Religion: Zionist Christian Church
Currency: Emalangeni (E)

VISAS:
Most nationalities do not require visas. Issued at the border. No charge.

GENERAL INFORMATION: 

GEOGRAPHY
Located in the south east of Africa, it is one of the smallest countries in the southern hemisphere. Swaziland is landlocked and shares borders with Mozambique in the east and South Africa to the north, south and west. The country is one of mountains and valleys with a populated middleveld in the centre of the country. 

CLIMATE
The warm months are from October through to April during which most rain falls in heavy thunderstorms. Temperatures are at their highest on the lowveld where they can reach 40 deg C. May to August are cooler with cold temperatures during the nights in June and July.

WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit Swaziland is all year round. 

ACCOMMODATION
Lodges, hotels, guest houses, backpacking lodges and camping parks are found in the cities and game parks. Hotels tend to be expensive and finding a room in the rural areas can be difficult. One could try the local school or if you have a tent enquire from the local landlord or chief for permission to camp. Sondzela Backpackers is located in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chillage Backpackers in in Mbabane and Swaziland Backpackers in Manzini.

FOOD
Many of the franchised restaurants in South Africa also exist in Swaziland. There is no Swazi beer but you will find all the South African made beers. The most popular of which are Castle, Black Lable, Amstel and Lion.

TIPPING
Tipping is a common practice. 10% is the norm.

HANDICRAFT
There are many craft markets which display a wide variety of hand crafted goods including wood carvings, jewellery, masks, pottery and traditional weapons. A Swazi speciality is woven grassware from which they make mats and even bottles to carry water. Prices are relatively cheap and the tourist can bargain with the vendor.

LANGUAGE
The official languages are SiSwati and English. English is widely spoken and is the official written Language.

CURRENCY
Emalangeni (E) is the currency in Swaziland. Its value is pegged to that of the South African Rand. You are able to use Rands everywhere, but expect to get change back in Emalangeni. When purchasing items with Rands try to use small notes so as not to be left with any Emalangeni on leaving the country. It is very difficult to change into other currencies outside Swaziland. You can change travellers Cheques at most banks. There are several branches of Barclays Bank in the main centres.


CREDIT CARDS
In general shops, lodges and restaurants do accept Credit Cards. Markets and smaller businesses will only accept cash.

TELEPHONE AND POSTAL SERVICES
There are coin and card operated public phones in most centres. A few areas do not have automated exchanges and it is necessary to book a trunk call which works on a call back system. (dial 90) Mobile phones can be used in the main centres and along the main roads. Internet and email services are available in Mbabane, Manzini and backpacker establishments. Post offices are open from 08h00 to 16h00 during the week and until 11am on Saturday.  

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is only supplied at 220V/230V AC 50 Hz in main towns and villages. Rural areas often use a fire to cook over and to heat their home in winter.

DRINKING WATER
All towns have treated drinking water. In rural areas it is advisable to drink bottled or boiled water. Some rivers and streams contain bilharzia which can be life threatening.

CUSTOMS
Each visitor is officially allowed to bring the following into Swaziland; 400 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine. There are restrictions when entering from South Africa.

MAIN BORDERS
By Road: -
Oshoek  (South Africa) 06h00-22h00 
Namaasha/Lamaasha  (Mozambique) 07h00-19h00 - 80kms from Maputo.
Golela  (South Africa) 06h00-22h00 
Josefsdal  (South Africa) 06h00-22h00 
Mananga  (South Africa) 06h00-22h00 

By air: -
The only internatinal airport is Matsapha airport located north of Manzini. Flights come in from the Major South African cities and Maputo in Mozambique. The departure tax is E20 (R20).

ROADS AND DRIVING
Roads in Swaziland are quite good and quite a lot of upgrading has been taking place in and around Mbabane. Be advised to look out for pot holes, stray animals and pedestrians on the open roads. Petrol is freely available and stations stay open 24hrs. AA members can rely on road side assistance. Beware of speed traps at the bottom of the long descent into Mbabane as this is one of their favorite spots.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Swaziland's economy is heavily reliant on agricultural products and forestry. Sugar cane is widely grown and the processed sugar exported as a major contributor to GDP. Subsistance farming is evident throughout the rural areas and Swaziland remains a poor country which is not self-sufficient in food.