Although this small kingdom is still commonly known as Swaziland, in 2018 it was officially renamed Eswatini. This is the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere; you can drive through it in one day!

Even though it’s so small, the climate and topography are diverse, ranging from a cool and mountainous highveld to a hot and dry lowveld. The scenic highveld is forested with gum and pine tree plantations whilst the extent of agriculture amongst the dry bushveld thorn is quite surprising. You will pass lush green sugar cane fields, framed by colourful bougainvillea, large citrus orchards and banana plantations.

Swaziland is a developing country with a small economy, yet the Swazi people have an entrepreneurial spirit. There are numerous road stalls selling consumables like firewood, construction wood, fruit and vegetables.

Because this country isn’t on a major travel route, most travellers don’t make the effort to cross its borders. However, Swaziland offers interesting cultural experiences, indigenous arts and crafts, friendly people, diverse landscapes and wildlife reserves home to the Big Five. Those who venture off the beaten track will be very pleased that they traversed this little kingdom.

DRIVING IN SWAZILAND:
Drive on the left-hand side of the road and adhere to British driving rules. Driving in Swaziland is relatively easy and roads away from the capital are generally quiet. In general the condition of the tarred main roads is good but your travel time will be slow. Some of the roads are potholed but the biggest hazards come from wandering animals as a large part of the country is unfenced cattle grazing ground. Fog can also be very dangerous, especially in high-lying areas.

The speed limit is 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on all other roads apart from the highway which has a speed limit of 120 km/h. Ferocious speed humps are used in urban areas to slow traffic.

You can expect many police road blocks but most police officers are very friendly. The police have radar speed traps, particularly on the highway, and fines for foreign-registered vehicles are payable on the spot.

Wearing of seat belts is compulsory for all occupants of a vehicle and the use of hand-held phones while driving is against the law.

Driving after dark is dangerous as cattle often lie on the roads enjoying the last warmth of the tar. Also, many vehicles don’t dip their lights for oncoming traffic or have only one working headlight, which is kept on bright.

Car thieves operate in Swaziland, particularly at night. They more commonly steal the whole vehicle rather than bits of it, so for security sake, always try to park near a night watchman or secured area.

VISAS:
Nationals of the following countries can visit Swaziland for up to 30 days without requiring a visa: Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guyana, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Island, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Islands, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Wallis and Futuna Island, Western Samoa, Yugoslavia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

All other nationals must apply for visas at their nearest diplomatic mission (or in South Africa) before arriving in Swaziland.

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