Swaziland

The tiny mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique, has been dubbed the 'Switzerland of Africa'. African culture and traditions flourish here alongside some modern luxury hotels and excellent wildlife reserves.

Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, but it has a big heart despite its depressed economy. The capital, Mbabane, lies at the northern end of the lush Ezulwini Valley: a small, unpretentious town that caters well for tourists. Among the country's main attractions are Mlilwane, a well-established game sanctuary; the magnificent Mantenga Falls; the casino resort of Piggs Peak; and the annual ceremony of the reed dances at the Royal Kraal in Lebombo on the country's eastern border.

Swaziland's monarchy is one of only three remaining in Africa. The country is ruled by King Mswati III and his family, who preside over traditional ceremonies like the Reed Dance and First Fruits Ceremony. Swazi life is focused on tradition and centres on the homestead, many of which are polygamous and continue to observe traditional rites and customs.

Swaziland is also known for its exquisite arts and crafts and its breathtaking scenery, especially in the western highlands, which rise to more than 6,000 feet (1,829m), riven with abundant rivers, waterfalls and forested gorges.

Climate

Conditions in Swaziland vary according to altitude, with the higher areas being generally cloudy, misty and several degrees cooler than the rest of the country. The mountainous region in the west, where most tourists spend their time, is humid and wet, the rain falling in occasional violent storms. In the middle and lowland regions conditions are drier, the climate ranging from sub-tropical to tropical as one moves east. The rainy season is generally between October and May and is warm and wet, while cooler and drier conditions prevail from June to September.

Money

The official currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), plural Emalangeni, which is equal to 100 cents. The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (notes only) and is pegged to the Lilangeni (L1=R1). Visitors should exchange any Emalangeni they have left back into their own currency before leaving the country. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and are best taken in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling, to avoid high commission. American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, and some banks are open on Saturdays. Visa ATM machines are available in the main towns.

Passport Visa

All visitors require a passport, tickets and documents for return or onward travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. Travellers wishing to stay longer than two months may obtain a Temporary Residence Permit from the Chief Immigration Officer at Mbabane prior to expiration of visa-free travel. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of 90 days. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• A visa is required by British citizens, but can be obtained free of charge on arrival. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Canadian citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of 90 days. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of 90 days. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• South African nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of 90 days. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Irish nationals require a visa, which can be obtained free of charge on arrival. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
• Nationals of New Zealand do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible up to a maximum of 90 days. A valid passport is required. All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Health

For health purposes, travellers arriving in Swaziland within six days of having been in a yellow fever infected area require a vaccination certificate. Hepatitis A, rabies, polio and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as are malaria prevention measures for those visiting the lowland areas. Bilharzia exists in some rivers, and cholera outbreaks occur. There is an extremely high HIV/AIDS infection rate and all precautions should be taken. Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink and food, including dairy products, presents no risk. Medical facilities are poor in the country, but the tourist hotels offer private services for minor problems. Serious cases can be transported to South Africa for treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• Kingdom of Swaziland Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 234 5002.
• Kingdom of Swaziland High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7630 6611.
• Kingdom of Swaziland High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 344 1910.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Mbabane: +268 404 6441.
• British High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Swaziland): +27 (0)12 421 7500.
• Canadian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Swaziland): +27 (0)12 422 3000.
• South African High Commission, Mbabane: +268 404 4651.
• New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Swaziland): + 27 (0)12 435 9100.