Getting Around Eswatini
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses (kombis) for Mbabane and Manzini. Rural: Rent a car for Ezulwini Valley exploration. Wildlife Areas: Organized tours and shuttles. For convenience, book airport transfers from King Mswati III to your destination.
Bus Travel
Kombi Minibuses
Affordable and frequent minibus network connecting all major towns with flexible schedules.
Cost: Mbabane to Manzini SZL 20-40 (about $1-2), journeys under 1 hour between most towns.
Tickets: Pay cash to driver upon boarding, no advance booking needed, hail from roadside stops.
Peak Times: Avoid 6-8 AM and 4-6 PM for less crowding and faster rides.
Long-Distance Buses
TransMagnific and similar services offer scheduled buses for intercity travel, reliable for longer routes.
Best For: Trips to border towns or Ezulwini, savings on multiple stops with day passes around SZL 100.
Where to Buy: Bus ranks in Mbabane or Manzini, or directly from operators with cash payment.
Shared Taxis
Shared taxis (bakkies) connect remote areas and borders to major hubs like Piggs Peak or Nhlangano.
Booking: Wait until full (4-6 passengers) for departure, negotiate fares for groups up to 20% off.
Main Hubs: Matsapha rank for airport connections, Mbabane central for nationwide routes.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural reserves and valleys. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at King Mswati III Airport and Mbabane.
Requirements: Valid license (international permit recommended), credit card, minimum age 23.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to road conditions, includes gravel roads in reserves.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways (limited).
Tolls: Minimal, mainly on MR3 highway (SZL 10-20 per toll gate).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, animals have right of way in reserves.
Parking: Free in most areas, paid in Mbabane centers SZL 10-20/hour, secure lots recommended.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at SZL 18-22/liter for petrol, SZL 16-20 for diesel (about $1-1.20).
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for rural areas.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for livestock, potholes, and heavy trucks on main roads.
Urban Transport
Mbabane Minibuses & Taxis
Local kombi network in capital, single ride SZL 5-10, day pass SZL 30, frequent on main routes.
Validation: Pay driver on entry, no tickets issued, routes marked on vehicle signs.
Apps: Limited, use local advice or WhatsApp for taxi bookings in urban areas.
Walking & Bike Options
Walkable in compact towns like Lobamba, bike rentals SZL 50-100/day near Ezulwini Valley.
Routes: Paved paths in urban centers, mountain biking trails in reserves with guided options.
Tours: Eco-bike tours available in Hlane reserve, combining nature with light exercise.
Taxis & Local Shuttles
Private taxis and hotel shuttles operate in Mbabane and Manzini, SZL 20-50 per short ride.
Tickets: Negotiate fares upfront, fixed rates from ranks or apps like local taxi services.
Border Shuttles: Daily services to South Africa borders SZL 100-200, book via hotels.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus ranks in towns for easy access, Ezulwini Valley for cultural sites.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (May-Sep) and events like Umhlanga Reed Dance.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for wildlife viewing plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, secure parking, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in urban areas, 3G in rural Eswatini including most reserves.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN Eswatini and Insimbi offer prepaid SIMs from SZL 50-100 ($3-6) with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 2GB for SZL 50, 5GB for SZL 100, unlimited for SZL 200/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, lodges, and some cafes in Mbabane.
Public Hotspots: Limited to urban centers and tourist sites with free access.
Speed: Generally moderate (5-50 Mbps) in towns, slower in remote areas for basic use.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: South African Standard Time (SAST), UTC+2 year-round, no daylight saving.
- Airport Transfers: King Mswati III Airport (SHO) 25km from Mbabane, taxi SZL 300 ($16, 30 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus ranks (SZL 20-50/day) and hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Buses and taxis have limited access, reserves offer some wheelchair paths.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed in private vehicles, check lodge policies, not on public transport.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on kombis for extra fee SZL 20, rentals include transport.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Eswatini
King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
King Mswati III (SHO): Primary international hub, 25km from Mbabane with taxi connections.
Manzini (MTS): Small domestic airstrip, used for charters 10km from city, bus access SZL 50.
Nearby Options: Fly into Johannesburg (JNB) and bus/train to border, convenient for southern routes.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (May-Sep) to save 20-40% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Durban or Johannesburg and taking bus to Eswatini for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Airlink and FlySafair serve SHO with regional connections from South Africa.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and border crossing time when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in recommended 24 hours before, limited facilities at small airports.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in towns, withdrawal fee SZL 20-50, use bank machines to avoid extras.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, less in markets; ZAR cash widely used.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, growing in urban areas with Apple Pay in some spots.
- Cash: Essential for transport and rural areas, keep SZL 200-500 in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but SZL 10-20 for good service in lodges and taxis.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid borders with high fees; ZAR 1:1 with SZL.