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TravelComments.com country guide Eswatini (Swaziland)

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Eswatini (Swaziland) is the smallest country in Southern Africa as well as in the southern hemisphere. The last remaining absolute kingdom of Africa is surrounded by the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique.
In tourist point of view Eswatini (Swaziland) offers rather cheap holidays, the country has great National Parks with a great variety of wildlife and is well-known for handicrafts.

Eswatini (Swaziland) is probably one of the most relaxed place travellers can experience. Don't rush through it on your way from South Africa to Mozambique or vice versa. Spend some time in Swaziland and you won't regret it!
Just always keep in mind that Swaziland has the hightest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world. Don't do things you will regret one day!

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How to get around?

By Car - by far the easiest way of getting around in Eswatini (Swaziland). Rental cars are available in Eswatini (Swaziland), but as most travellers are only spending a couple of days in the country on their way back to South Africa or Mozambique it makes more sense to rent the car in South Africa. If you’re in a group, renting a car is also often the most economical way of exploring the country. Most major roads are in rather good condition. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Check the opening times of the border post before hitting the road to Eswatini (Swaziland). The main border crossings with South Africa are: Josefsdal–Bulembu; Oshoek–Ngwenya; Emahlathini–Sicunusa; Mahamba; Golela–Lavumisa.

By BazBus - the South African bus company Baz Bus is going trough Swaziland on the Johannesburg - Kruger National Park - Swaziland - Durban route. The bus is making a mandatory stop overnight in Swaziland. If you don't have a car, BazBus is actually is easiest way of getting to Swaziland from the Kruger Park area (Nelspruit).
Update: BazBus stopped servicing the Johannesburg - Nelspruit - Eswatini (Swaziland) - Durban route effective from 01 April 2011. [more]
Update: New shuttle services between Johannesburg and Eswatini (Swaziland) (13 Apr 2012) [more]

By minibus - There are a few infrequent domestic (mini)buses (cheap!), most of which begin and terminate at the main stop in Mbabane' city centre. If you want to travel around in Eswatini (Swaziland), the minibuses are actually the easiest way of getting around. Ask for advise at your accommodation in Eswatini (Swaziland) for more info.
Minibus taxis run daily between Johannesburg (Park Station), Mbabane and Manzini, between Manzini and Durban as well as between Maputo (Mozambique) Mbabane and Manzini. On many routes, you’ll change minibuses at the border. Most buses will leave early in the morning and take several hours.

Swaziland at a glance

Weather
Most rainfalls are occuring in summer in Swaziland (mainly in the western mountains). Summers on the lowfeld are very hot (upto more than 40°C). The temperatures in the high country are lower and in winter it can get cool. The rainfalls normally begin around early December and last untill April. May to August are the coldest month (with some frost in June/July).
Malaria in Eswatini (Swaziland):
prophylaxis is recommended for travel to low veld areas, including Big Bend, Mhlume, Simunye, and Tshaneni. Shop-Apotheke.com
Area: 17,364km²
Capital: Mbabane
Currency: Emalangeni
Population: 1,337,186
Ethnic groups: African 97%, European 3%
Languages: English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Climate: varies from tropical to near temperate
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m | highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 26.1%
Electricity: 230V - 50hz
plugs: "South African" plugs - click here
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Internet country code: .sz