Swaziland Transportation

  A primary road in northern Swaziland
by mikelisaanna
 
  • A primary road in northern Swaziland
      A primary road in northern Swaziland
    by mikelisaanna
  •   Transportation
    by georeiser
  •   Transportation
    by georeiser
  •   Transportation
    by georeiser
  •   Transportation
    by georeiser
 
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Driving through Swaziland

by mikelisaanna

We found it easy to drive around Swaziland. The roads aren't as good as those in South Africa, they were still good enough. The main roads are paved two-lane roads with good signage. There were a few stretches of rough pavement, but these were the exception. As in South Africa, Swaziland drives on the left.The main thing to be aware of is that Swaziland is a very rural country. Gas stations are available, but the distances between them can be significant. Get gas while you can. Don't wait until the last minute or you could get stranded in the countryside. The same goes for food and drinks. There are grocery stores in the towns, but you can easily go 50 km between stores. If you are taking a rental car from South Africa into Swaziland, make sure that your rental car company permits the border crossing and notes it on your paperwork. Also make sure that their insurance covers you in...

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Long distance with minibus

by georeiser

It's easy to move around in Swasiland. The bus stations has a lot of small private buses. Almost all of the minibuses are Toyota Hiace, packed with locals (and a few tourists). Like the rest of Africa.

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Driving through

by John195123

We entered Swaziland via South Africa's R570, through Shongwe and Jeppe's Reef in South Africa (previously, from Tzaneen and Nelspruit) to Hhohho and Ngonini in Swaziland. We cruised south through Piggs Peak, Encaba and Forbes Reef, taking a right (west) to Motshane, getting back into South Africa on N17 through Oshoek, Hartbeeskop, and so on, to Ermelo. It was a short but scenic drive through a beautifully mountainous area, with tree farms lining the roads. Beautiful. The clouds were low, we drove above them.

Buses from the border

by WaRPer

There're handful of minibuses (chapas) readily available at almost all the borders. And some of the borders also offer VIP buses, air-con 60-seater, a much more convenient way to travel. Like I crossed from Mozambique, the bus leaves every 1 or 2 hour -- travel time: 1.5 hours to Manzini at 100E (equal to ZAR) per person.I don't recommend riding Chapas, it's overloaded and seems pretty dangerous. If you're coming in a group of 3-4, sharing a taxi cab will be the best way to do.

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Matsapha Int'l Airport

by WaRPer

Swaziland's only airport, and it's very small. Just off Manzini, the gate only open between 7am-7 pm or so. The national airline, Swazi Express, as co-operation flights with South African Airlines. Though most travellers coming to Swaziland on roads, there's a daily flight between Jo'burg and Manzini which is quite expensive.Swazi Visa is readily available at the airport and most of the land borders. It's fast, easy and hassle-free.

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Driving in Swaziland

by WaRPer

The best way to see around the country is by self-drive. 'Imperials Car Rental', there's an outlet at Matsapha Int'l Airport. Or see more details/alternatives at the Swazi Trails, the one and only official tour agency in the Kingdom.But if you're not feeling like driving yourself, I've got someone to recommend.He's a cab driver based in Mbabane who can take you everywhere within the country. Why this guy? Because most of the cabbies tend to take advantages on tourists, overcharging. Mr. Lucky is a modest, honest guy you can trust. Call him if you need a ride: 6330506

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Josefdal/Bulembu border crossing

by ldc_stl

We entered Swaziland through the Josefdal/Bulembu border crossing south of Barberton. We had to drive 44 km on a terrible dirt road to the border and then 25km more to the next paved road in Swaziland. Unless you have a FWD I would not attempt this route in the rainy season. Needless to say this border crossing is very slow and quiet so they take their time searching every car.

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Take the Car

by Bwana_Brown

The rental car was fine for travelling through the country. The roads were nowhere nearly as good as those in SA, but they did the trick. The border crossings with SA were the usual confused affairs that I remember from my travels in Africa from 20 years before. You are never quite sure what pieces of paper are required in what order and which line you need to be in to get through without too much delay. However, by watching what others are doing you should be able to figure it out! No real problems. The drive up the mountains from the Barberton area of SA is via a regular 2-lane highway, so you spend a lot of time chugging along behind lorries as they struggle up the slopes! On our outward bound trip toward the Indian Ocean coast the next day, the travelling was easier going - we left Mbabane at about 9 AM and, including a stop at the Swazi Candle Factory, were into SA by about 2 PM. We...

The local bus to the boarder

by Bumble-Bee

The best way to meet the locals is to take the local buses. It´s a fun way to travel. As in th erest of africa you shouldn´t be in a hurry since the buses go when they are full. It´s not expensive to take the buses so I really think it´s the best thing. But remember that they don´t have lots of space on this buses so you might have to sit with your backpack in you knee....

In the parks

by wadekorzan

To actually get around Swaziland, we actually had a renta car. We rented a car in Cape Town and were returning it in Johannesburg, and to enter into Swaziland and Lesotho, we had to get special permits when we rented the car. If you rent in South Africa and plan on going to either of these 2 countries, make sure you get the special permits when you rent the car!In Mlilwane Game Reserve, you're allowed to drive your own car in to the reserve, but at Mkhaya Game Reserve you'll have to park your car outside the main entrance where they will come an pick you up. All of your wildlife viewing in Mkhaya Game Reserve will be done in vehicles like the one you see in the photo, so you'll want to bring something to protect yourself from the sun as well.

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Getting Around Swaziland

Top 3 Hotels in Swaziland

Royal Swazisun Hotel  Mbabane

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Lugogo Sun  Manzini

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Royal Swazi Sun (Main Road.)  Ezulwini

 1 Review and 27 Opinions  This hotel is part of a resort: tenniscourts, bowling greens and a golf course. There are three... 

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14 Hotels in Swaziland
 
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Transportation: Cities in Swaziland
  1. Manzini Transportation

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Manzini District Transportation 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hello All Is there sombody who can tel mee the exact date of the Reed dance. Tanks a lot. Greetings Richard 

CatherineReichardt profile photo

A: Hi Richard The Reed Dance is tentatively scheduled for Monday 3 September 2012, but is still subject to confirmation. I suggest that you check this website regularly... 

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