eSwatini Travel Guide

The best time to visit eSwatini depends on your purpose for visiting. If you are game viewing, the dry months from May to September are best as it is easier to see game when the bush is less dense. If you are hiking, white water rafting or coming for a quiet relaxing stay, the warm, wet summer months from October to March are best. September and April are spring and autumn respectively, and often some of your best months as there is less rain and it is slightly cooler.

For birders, the wet summer months are best as the number of bird species swell with the arrival of the migrants.

If you are coming for the clean mountain air and scenic beauty, you should include Piggs Peak, Hawane Nature Reserve or the Mhlabanyatsi area. If you are visiting to see wildlife you should include Mkaya Game Reserve, Hlane Royal National Park and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are interested in adventure and cultural activities, Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley will be your jump-off points.

As the game viewing in Swaziland is not of the same caliber as that of many reserves in South Africa, that are relatively close by, I would suggest that you spend a maximum of 2 nights for a game experience. If you are in Swaziland for culture, hiking, relaxing and adventure activities and 4-night stay will be sufficient.

Swaziland is once in a while in the path of a cyclone that comes from the Mozambican Channel

eSwatini has the normal four seasons, namely summer, autumn, winter and spring. October to March is considered summer, April & May, autumn, June to August, winter and September spring.

In the lowlands, temperatures can reach into the 30° C at the height of summer, but on the highlands, temperatures are moderate and even cold during winter nights.

eSwatini experiences quite a bit of rain, particularly in the highlands and mountain areas. Most of the rainfall is in summer in the form of thundershowers, however days of continuous are quite common.

eSwatini Highlands Climate Chart

eSwatini Lowveld Climate Chart

There is quite a large list of countries that do not require a visa to visit Swaziland. For those countries that do require visas, visas must be obtained before entering the country as no visas are issued at point of entry. These visas can be obtained at eSwatini High Commissions or Embassies. There are a handful of companies based in eSwatini that can also help with obtaining visas.

There is low to no malaria risk in most of the high-lying areas, but as you move lower down, the risk of malaria increases. Anti-malaria medication is recommended, and you should consult your doctor in this regard. To minimise the risk of contracting malaria, wear long trousers and cover your arms in the evening, and apply mosquito repellent.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from an endemic country. The following vaccinations are recommended, but not compulsory:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP)
• Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR)
• Poliomyelitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Pneumonia
• Influenza
• Rabies
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Cholera vaccinations

The best way to travel around eSwatini is by renting a car. Transfers from the airport and between places are interest is possible, but quite pricey as is renting a vehicle with a driver and/or guide. I would not recommend local transport unless you are ready for a real adventure.

White Rhino in Mkhaya

Mkhaya (meaning home) is found in the lowveld of Swaziland. Initially it was set up to preserve the indigenous Nguni cattle, but has since taken on the role of protecting endangered species that once frequented this area. It is one of the best places in the world to see Black Rhino. Mkhaya is divided into several encampments to facilitate the management of such special species as: sable, roan, Livingstone’s eland, tsessebe, buffalo, giraffe and white rhino.

All safaris in Mkhaya are offered on a guide basis only, no-self-driving is allowed. There is only one catered camp in the game reserve.

Reilly’s Rock in Mlilwane

Conservation came to Swaziland reasonably late with Mlilwane the first conservation initiative only being proclaimed in 1961. It is a very narrow piece of land and quite small is size, 4560 hectares, thus unable to support large herds of wildlife. With the possible exception of the leopard (very seldom seen), it has no dangerous game.

Mlilwane is found between Mbabane and Manzini.

Mlilwane can be explored with a guide or as self-guided, mainly on the grasslands in the southern part of the park. The northern part of the park can be explored on horse back or on an overnight trail.

Activities include: walking, hiking, horse riding, the cave trail, cultural experiences, birding, mountain biking, trip to the Rock of Execution, 2 night Klipspringer trail, game and sunset drives.

You have the option of staying in a luxury lodge, rest camps, beehive huts, self-catering rondavels/cottages or camping. The best of the accommodation offering is Reilly’s Rock.

Walking safari in Hlane Royal National Park

The 22 000 hectare Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed in 1967, on the land that used to be the royal hunting grounds. Today the park has the largest herds of antelope in Swaziland. There is a special enclosure that houses a pride of lions and these can only be viewed on guided game drives.

Certain areas of the park are open for self-drives, but other areas are only accessible on guided game drives.

Activities include: day and night game drives, rhino drives (white rhino), mountain biking, walking trails and birding.

Accommodation is available in the form of self-catering cottages.

Ziplining in the Malolotja Nature Reserve

The Pigg’s Peak area is one of savannah, mountains, valleys, waterfalls and nature reserves. The town was founded during the gold rush of the late 19^th century and also boasts the oldest iron ore mine, namely, Lion Cavern.

Places of interest in the area are: Phophanyane Falls, Hawane Dam, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Ngwenya Glass Factory, Nsangweni Bushman Paintings and the Komati River Gorge.

If you want to really want to experience part of the Swaziland culture, it is possible to became part of a tradition wedding ceremony.

White Water Rafting in the Ezulwini Valley

This 30km long valley is home to eSwatini’s capital, royal residence and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Of interest in the area: Ezulwini Handicrafts Centre, Swazi National Museum, walking, hiking, art galleries, caving, horse riding, birding, mountain biking, white water rafting, quad biking, and golf.

Colourful Swazi Candles

Swazi Candles export their products to over 20 countries. Here you have a chance to interact with the candle makers and buy some of these colourful candles.