Travel Essentials › Eswatini
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type M (large three-pin, South African style), 230 V. Emergency: Police 999, Ambulance 977, Fire 933. Tipping: Tip about 10% in restaurants and a small amount to guides, porters and petrol attendants. Tap water: Drink bottled or treated water outside major hotels..
Type M (large three-pin, South African style), 230 V
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 977 |
| Fire | 933 |
Tip about 10% in restaurants and a small amount to guides, porters and petrol attendants.
Greetings. Greetings are respectful and unhurried; say "Sawubona" with a handshake, use titles and show deference to elders and traditional leaders.
Respect royal and cultural events. Ceremonies like Umhlanga and Incwala carry deep cultural significance; ask permission before photographing participants.
Dress modestly in rural areas. Modest dress is appreciated in villages and at cultural events, even though beachwear (at pools) and casual dress are fine at lodges.
Eswatini is generally safe during the day, with 93% of residents and visitors reporting feeling safe, though petty crime is common in Mbabane and Manzini and carjacking has been reported on routes from South Africa and Mozambique, especially at night.
Taxi/kombi overcharging. Agree on fares for kombis and taxis before departure, especially as a first-time visitor.
Informal safari/tour deals. Book wildlife and cultural tours through established lodges or operators rather than informal street offers.
Women travelers. Women travelers generally feel safe during the day; standard precautions apply at night and on inter-city roads.
Criminalized
Male same-sex activity remains a criminal offense under old Roman-Dutch common law (rarely enforced) while female same-sex activity is not explicitly criminalized; LGBT people face significant social stigma and discrimination, with many choosing discretion or relocating to South Africa, so travelers should avoid public displays of affection.
| Coffee (café) | SZL 35 | $1.90 |
| Local bus or metro ride | SZL 15 | $0.80 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | SZL 180 | $9.70 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | SZL 400 | $22 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | SZL 1,300 | $70 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | SZL 2,000 | $108 |
2026-09
The dry winter season, April to October (especially May-September), is best for wildlife viewing with cooler, predictable weather; the October-April wet summer turns the landscape green but is hotter and more humid.