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This beautiful landlocked kingdom is tucked into the mountains that separate South Africa from Mozambique. One of the smallest countries in the Southern Hemisphere, Swaziland is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world, ruled by King Mswati III. The country offers diverse vegetation, dramatic mountains, spectacular valleys, prolific game reserves with varied animal and bird life, famous arts and crafts, attractions like the annual reed dance at the Royal Kraal in Ludzidzini, the Marula festival and an excellent variety of good accommodation, travel services and many things to do. The climate is mostly temperate.
There are a number of excellent game reserves and national parks including Hlane, Mlilwane, Mkhaya, Malolotja, Mlawula, Mantenga and Hawane. These reserves are for the conservation of the natural flora and fauna of these areas as well as the cultural resources within them. Nature conservation in Swaziland, of paramount importance here, was mainly started some 40 years ago by the Reilly family whose legacy lives on in the Kingdom's Big Game Parks. Swaziland is a stable and safe country for tourists, right next to South Africa with all its modern infrastructure and attractions. |
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| Official languages are English and Siswati. |
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| Mbabane administrative capital, Lobamba the legislative capital. |
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| Subtropical climate with summer temperatures of 15-25oC, winter temperatures 15-19oC.
Summer from October to May, October being the hottest month with temperatures as high as 40°C.
Cool, dry winters and hot, rainy summers typical - thunderstorms December to February.
Coolest months are June and July with winter from June to September.
Climate is good for year round travel.
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| GMT/UTC + 2 hours. No Daylight Saving Time. |
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| Currency unit is Lilangeni (singular), or Emalangeni (plural), and cents (E1 - 100cents).
Currency of equal value to South African Rand with both in circulation.
Visitors are advised to change Emalangeni currency before leaving Swaziland.
Most Credit cards and travellers' cheques honoured.
Barclays Bank has the most branches throughout Swaziland. |
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| International dialling code: +268.
Good fixed line telecommunications network.
Good mobile phone communications infrastructure.
Internet Cafes and e-mail centres in major centres like Mbabane and Manzini.
Good internet accessibility.
Good internet cafes - most good hotels, lodges have internet connectivity and services.
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| State-owned Swazi Post offers all usual postal and courier services.
International courier services also available.
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| Electrical appliance use 220V AC, 50Hz and three-pin plugs are used with round terminals. |
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| All international airlines fly to nearby Johannesburg in South Africa.
Regional airlines fly from various centres to Matsapha International Airport near Manzini, Swaziland, including national carrier Airlink Swaziland.
New Sikhuphe International Airport due to open in 2010.
Will handle Boeing 747 aircraft, and service flights to any destination in the world.
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| 14% sales tax payable on goods and services.
Limited duty-free import of certain goods such for personal use only.
Airport embarkation tax payable on departing international flights.
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| All visitors must have a valid passport.
Visas are required by many, although nationals of many African, European and other countries are exempt – consult an embassy.
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| Vaccination against yellow fever required if arriving within 6 days from or via an infected area.
Precautions against Malaria, cholera, typhoid and polio recommended.
Bilharzia is a risk in rivers and dams.
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country but water from streams and rivers not.
HIV/Aids prevalence is one of the highest in the world.
Various government, missionary and private hospitals, clinics, health centres and rescue services.
Also close to the excellent medical services of South Africa.
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| Driving on left of road and international driving licence is required.
High accident rates on the roads.
Main roads are tarred, the rest are well-maintained gravel roads.
The speed limit in urban areas is 60 km/h and on 80 km/h outside urban areas.
Car hire is available and most petrol stations are open 24 hours.
300km of railway lines while buses and minibus taxis are available – all of varying standards.
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| Swaziland is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Southern Africa.
However, the usual range of petty crimes such as theft, pick pocketing etc, do occur and normal precautions should be maintained.
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