Swaziland🇸🇿
Swaziland, also known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, is located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the west and Mozambique to the east and northeast. Its relations with these neighbors are generally peaceful and cooperative, with several bilateral agreements, especially with South Africa. Known for its beautiful landscapes, ranging from mountains and savannahs to rainforests, it is rich in biodiversity and is home to several game reserves. Swaziland is known for preserving its cultural heritage, specifically its traditional music, dance, and the annual Reed Dance ceremony. The Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Ngwenya Mine are among the key attractions. Apart from these, it has quality handcrafts.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled or boiled water.
- Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads and possible drunk drivers.
- Avoid visiting game reserves without a guide due to risks of encountering wild animals.
- Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
- Avoid offending local customs and traditions. Respect the local culture.
- Avoid risky sexual behavior due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
- Avoid displaying expensive items in public as it can attract thieves.
- Avoid travel during the rainy season (November to March) when roads get muddy and slippery.
- Avoid illegal drug use and possession. The penalties are severe.
- Avoid travelling to remote rural areas alone. It is better to travel in groups.
Overall
5
Crime 🔫
5
Crime rate in Swaziland is moderately high with most crimes centered around theft, burglary, and assault. Incidents of violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, are reported but less common. Mbabane and Manzini, the principal urban areas, have higher crime rates compared to rural regions due to population density.
Terrorism 💣
9
Swaziland has a relatively low risk of terrorism incidents. The country has been largely free of terrorist activities, with no major incidents reported in the past few years. Its stable political environment contributes significantly to its low terrorism risk.
War ⚔️
9
Swaziland maintains good relations with its neighbors and has no major past incidents of interstate conflicts or civil wars. It has a stable political condition, attributed to its monarchy system. However, small-scale political protests and demonstrations occasionally take place.
Natural Disasters 🌊
5
Swaziland is prone to several natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and storms. Droughts have been the most frequent, leading to food shortages and water scarcity. Swaziland often experiences heavy rainfall leading to floods, the most recent one being in 2020 that affected several people.
Medical Care 🏥
4
While there are public and private hospitals in Swaziland, they often lack adequate supplies and have limited services. For severe or complex conditions, medical evacuation to South Africa might be necessary. Malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases are prevalent and access to healthcare could be challenging especially in rural areas.
Tap Water Quality 💧
4
Tap water in Swaziland is not generally considered safe for drinking since water treatment facilities are not well maintained. Bottled water is recommended for drinking. Water shortages are often reported, especially in rural areas and during drought seasons.
Disease Burden 🤒
3
Swaziland has high rates of HIV/AIDS, with one of the world's most severe HIV epidemics. Tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases are also common. Malaria is present in some regions, especially during the rainy season. Hence, appropriate prevention measures are important.
Corruption 💸
3
Corruption is a significant problem in Swaziland. Instances of bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement are prevalent, especially in the public sector. Regulatory enforcement is weak, and legal frameworks to combat corruption are not well implemented.
Safety for Women ♀️
5
While women generally have the same rights as men in Swaziland, gender-based violence, especially domestic violence, is a significant issue. Women traveling alone should exercise precaution especially during evenings and in isolated areas.
Safety for Queer People 👬
4
While homosexuality is not considered illegal in Swaziland, there is societal discrimination against the LGBT+ community. Hate crimes are generally not reported, but visibility is limited and gatherings are confined to private spaces.
Censorship 📺
3
Censorship in Swaziland is noticeable, with news outlets practicing self-censorship due to government regulatory pressures. The government is known to restrict freedom of speech and media, and has persecuted journalists and political oppositions.
Public Transportation 🚌
5
Public transportation in Swaziland generally consists of minibuses and taxis. While they are widely available, they tend to be overcrowded and have poor safety records. There have been several accidents reported in recent years, attributed to poor vehicle maintenance and reckless driving.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Swaziland has its safety issues, particularly regarding health and crime, it's relatively safe for travelers who take necessary precautions. Beware of petty thefts and avoid risky behaviors, especially those related to health. Avoid driving at night, and always respect local customs and traditions.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several countries have embassies or consulates in Swaziland, including the United States, South Africa, and Taiwan. The majority of these are located in the capital, Mbabane.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (only for travelers from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission), Rabies and Routine vaccines are recommended before traveling to Swaziland.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
In Swaziland, you could encounter dangerous animals like lions, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, particularly in game reserves. Mosquitoes carrying malaria are also prevalent in specific regions.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visitors to Swaziland must obtain a visa from one of the Swazi diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
💲 Currency
The currency of Swaziland is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL). Money can be exchanged at banks and currency exchange offices. ATMs are widely available in cities.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger stores in urban areas, but it is recommended to have cash while visiting rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Swaziland is not a common destination for work and travel due to fewer job opportunities for foreigners and a high unemployment rate. However, there are opportunities in volunteering, particularly in health and education sectors.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Swaziland is relatively low compared to Western standards. Accommodation, food, and transportation are reasonably priced.