Swaziland

Swaziland is surrounded by South Africa to the north and west and by Mozambique to the east.

Although very small, Swaziland is an exciting tourist destination with its art and craft outlets and traditional markets and wildlife reserves.

The lush Ezulwini Valley is one of Swaziland’s major tourist attractions and include the country’s famous casino, the magnificent Royal Swazi golf course and the hot mineral spring.

Swaziland has a number of protected nature reserves and game parks. Mlilwane is the oldest established game sanctuary in Swaziland where tame birds and animals are free to come and go and wander through the camp grounds. Mkhaya Game Reserve offers visitors the opportunity of game viewing by open Landrover with guides.

The industrial centre of Manzini lies east across the Ezulwini valley. There are some Western-style nightclubs in the main tourist centers of Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley.

Throughout the year, a number of traditional festivals, dances and rituals are celebrated.

Language
English and siSwati.

Population
980,722 (1997)

Capital
Mbabane

Time
GMT + 2

Electricity
220/30 volts AC, 50Hz; 15-amp round pin plugs are in use.

Money
Currency is the Lilangeni (E) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is Emalangeni. Notes are in denominations of E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.
The South African Rand is also accepted as legal tender (E1 = 1 Rand) although coins are not accepted.

Visitors are advised to exchange Emalangeni back into their own currency before leaving Swaziland.

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Travelers cheques are widely accepted. Several banks will exchange travelers cheques, but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take them in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Communications
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 268. Outgoing international calls must go through the international operator. Public telephones are available.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network.

Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 60 days:
(a) nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, Other EU, Japan
(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka who do require a visa);
(c) nationals of Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland, San Marino and Taiwan.

Please verify information with the relevant authorities as it is subject to change without notification.

Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from infected areas.

A cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Swaziland. However, cholera is a risk in the country and precautions are essential.

Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year (particularly in the rainy season, from November to February) in all Lowveld areas, particularly Big Bend, Mhlume, Simunye and Tshaneni. The predominant falciparum strain is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine.

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Hepatitis A is present; hepatitis B is highly endemic and precautions should be taken.

Although medical facilities are generally limited in Swaziland, Mbabame Clinic is well-equipped to deal with minor problems.
Most international visitors will use private services, frequently attached to the larger hotels. In emergency cases, where specialised treatment is required, the patient may be transported to a South African hospital. Health insurance is recommended.