Social ConventionsTraditional ways of life are still strong and Swazi culture in the form of religious music, dance, poetry and craftsmanship plays an important part in daily life. Casual wear is normal although more formal wear is customary at the casino and sophisticated hotels. Visitors wishing to camp near villages should first inform the headman. He can normally help with customs.
Photography: Permission to photograph individuals should always be sought. In some cases, a gratuity may be asked for (especially if the subject has gone to some effort to make a show – for
example, by wearing traditional regalia). It is prohibited to photograph the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, uniformed police, army personnel, army vehicles or aircraft and bank buildings. Visitors wishing to photograph traditional ceremonies should first contact the Government Information Service, PO Box 451, Mbabane (tel: (40) 42761
or 43251; fax: (40) 43953).
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Royal Swazi National Airways Corporation (ZC).
Departure TaxSZL20; children under three years or age and direct transit passengers are exempt.
Main AirportsManzini (MTS) (Matsapha) is 5km (3 miles) northwest of the city.
To/from the airport: Taxi service to the city center is available on all arrivals (journey time – 15 minutes).
Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, car hire and snack bar.
Getting There by RailA train service between Durban and Maputo travels through Swaziland stopping at Mpaka, 35km (22 miles) east of Manzini (journey time – 16 hours).
Getting There by RoadThere are good roads from Johannesburg, Durban and northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as tourist buses running from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. On crossing the border you will be required to show your passport and visa (if required). There is also a token road tax of E5 to be paid.
Bus: There is a service from Mbabane and Manzini to Johannesburg (journey time – 8 hours), and a connection from Mbabane to Maputo.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Swaziland without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco;
1 bottle (max 750ml) of alcoholic beverage;
284ml of perfume per person;
free export of souvenirs and presents.
Married couples traveling together are allowed free import for one person only.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by RoadThe road system is largely well developed, although there is little street lighting. Some roads are winding and roads can be rough in the bush. Small toll charges are set to be introduced on the new highway between Mbabane and Manzini. The maximum speed limit on all roads is 80kph (50mph). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.15 per cent. Traffic drives on the left.
Bus: There are numerous (not always entirely safe) buses connecting the different parts of the country, including non-stop buses. Minibus taxis run shorter routes at slightly higher prices than the buses.
Car hire: There are a number of international car hire companies in Swaziland.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Mbabane to other major towns in Swaziland.
| | Road |
| Manzini | 0.45 |
| Nhlangano | 2.00 |
| Piggs Peak | 1.00 |
| Siteki | 1.30 |
Next Page »
.jpg "Beehive Village, Mlilwane, Swaziland")
