Swaziland Travel Guide

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Social Conventions

Traditional ways of life are still strong and Swazi culture in the form of music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is normal although more formal wear is customary at the casino and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the headman.

Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show - for example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Swaziland Airlink (website: www.saairlink.co.za) is the national airline.

Departure Tax

US$7; children under three years or age and direct transit passengers are exempt.

Main Airports

Manzini (MTS) (Matsapha) is 5km (3 miles) northwest of the city. To/from the airport: Taxi service to the city center is available on all arrivals (journey time - 15 minutes). Facilities: Banks/bureau de change, restaurants, car hire and snack bar.

Getting There By Road

There are good roads from Johannesburg, Durban and northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as tourist buses running from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. On crossing the border you are required to show your passport and visa (if required). There is also a token road tax of E5 to be paid.

Bus: There is a service from Mbabane and Manzini to Johannesburg (journey time - 8 hours), and a connection from Mbabane to Maputo. A TransMagnific mini-bus travels to and from Swaziland and Johannesburg every day; contact them on (40) 49977 or email info@goswaziland.co.sz.

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into Swaziland without incurring customs duty:

• 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• One bottle (max 750ml) of alcoholic beverage.
• 284mL of perfume per person.
• Free export of souvenirs and presents.

Note: Married couples traveling together are allowed free import for one person only.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Road

The road system is largely well developed, although there is little street lighting. The main road from east to west is the MR3. Some roads are winding and roads can be rough in the bush. Traffic drives on the left.

Bus: There are numerous (not always entirely safe) buses connecting the different parts of the country, including non-stop buses. Minibuses run shorter routes at slightly higher prices than the buses.

Car hire: There are a number of international car hire companies in Swaziland.

Regulations: The maximum speed limit is 80kph (50mph) on the open road, and 60kph (37mph) in areas that are built-up.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required; or domestic license (with photo ID).

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Mbabane to other major towns in Swaziland.