Eswatini: history, politics, population and geography of the country

Eswatini is a compact landlocked country in Southern Africa, covering an area of 17,364 km², bordered by South Africa to the north, west, and south, and Mozambique to the east. For tourists, its location is ideal for combined trips: it's easily accessible from Johannesburg by car in 4-5 hours, paving the way to safaris in parks like Hlane. The country stretches 200 km from north to south and 130 km from east to west, making it one of the smallest in Africa, but with a variety of landscapes from mountains to plains, suitable for short but intense journeys.

Geography is divided into four zones: Highveld with cool mountains in the west (up to 1800 m), Middleveld with fertile hills, Lowveld with dry shrubs in the east, and the Lubombo plateau. Tourists can enjoy hiking in Malagwane, where trails lead to waterfalls and panoramas, or explore the Lowveld by bike, watching for antelope. These zones offer different activities: from rafting in the mountains to photo hunting in the savannah, with a focus on ecotourism and minimal impact on nature.

The location in the Southern Hemisphere determines the climate: from temperate in the Highveld (700-1550 mm of precipitation) to arid in the Lowveld (200-550 mm). For travelers, this means planning by season - winter (May-September) is comfortable for trekking, while summer (October-March) is for bird watching in the green forests. Biodiversity includes 820 vertebrate species and 2400 plants, with protected areas covering 5% of the territory, where tourists can participate in rhino conservation programs.

Climate change exacerbates vulnerability, with droughts affecting agriculture, but for tourists, it's a chance to support sustainable tourism by visiting parks like Mlilwane, where revenues go towards conservation. The country is struggling with soil degradation, but initiatives such as the National Biodiversity Strategy 2001 offer eco-tours that combine adventure with education about conservation.

The population of Eswatini is predominantly made up of ethnic Swazis (84%), with minorities of Zulus (10%) and other groups (6%), creating a mosaic of cultures that is interesting for tourists. In rural areas, where the majority resides, travelers can visit traditional homesteads with beehive huts, participating in daily rituals such as cooking or crafts. This offers an authentic experience that emphasizes hospitality, where locals share stories about clans and kinship, making the trip memorable.

Society is built on traditional values, with a focus on family and community, where polygamous marriages and cattle breeding symbolize status. For tourists, this is manifested in festivals like Umhlanga (reed dance in August-September), where thousands of girls gather in honor of the queen mother, demonstrating cultural pride. Attending such events allows seeing how the youth combines tradition with modernity, with dances and songs available for photos and participation under the guidance of guides.

Religion is dominated by Christianity (89.3%), with a predominance of Protestants (84.2%), but there are also traditional beliefs (2.5%), including shamans. Travelers can explore this through visits to sangomas (diviners) or churches, where the mixing of African and European elements creates unique ceremonies. This adds a spiritual layer to tours, especially in rural communities, where tourists can join local services for a deep cultural immersion.

Mbabane - administrative capital of Eswatini with a population of about 95,000, located in the cool Highveld, ideal for tourists as a base for excursions. Here you can stroll through the markets with crafts, visit the Swazi museum or enjoy views of the Ezulwini Valley, combining city life with nature. Lobamba serves as the legislative and royal capital, where the parliament and monarch's residences are located, offering travelers a glimpse of royal rituals without the hustle of a big city.

The state structure is an absolute monarchy with a diarchy, where King Mswati III and ndlovu kati share power according to the constitution of 2005. For tourists, this means that visits to Lobamba may coincide with parliamentary sessions or ceremonies, but political parties are banned, so the focus is on cultural aspects. The king appoints the prime minister and judges, creating a stable environment for travel, with an emphasis on tradition instead of debates.

The parliament is bicameral: the Senate (30 seats, mostly appointed) and the House of Assembly (65 seats, partially elected without parties). The last elections in 2023 underscored monarchical control, but for tourists, this adds charm: visiting the royal palaces in Lobamba allows one to see how power is integrated into everyday life. Such tours often include explanations of the role of tinkhundla - local councils, enriching understanding.

Foreign policy includes membership in the UN, Commonwealth, African Union, and SACU, with ties to Taiwan. Tourists might notice this in the diplomatic districts of Mbabane, but for travels, it means easy access across borders with South Africa.

The flag of Eswatini, adopted on October 6, 1968, consists of horizontal stripes: blue, yellow, red (triple width), yellow, and blue, with a shield and weapons in the center. Blue symbolizes peace and stability, yellow - resources, red - past battles. 

The central element is a black and white Nguni shield with two spears and a staff with feathers, representing protection from enemies and racial harmony. The shield made from bull's hide, traditional for warriors, adds authenticity; travelers may see similar ones in museums or at ceremonies such as Incwala, where symbols come alive in dances. This makes the flag not just a fabric, but a portal into Swazi warrior heritage.

The national anthem "O Lord, Our God of the Swazi" emphasizes the nation's blessing, performed at official events. Tourists may hear it on Independence Day, September 6, combined with fireworks and parades, for an immersive experience. The anthem, with lyrics in siSwati and English, reflects the dualism of culture, inviting visitors to sing along.

Other symbols include the lion (for the king) and the elephant (for the queen mother), visible in heraldry and art. For travelers, this means searching for souvenirs with these motifs at craft centers like Mantenga, where craftsmen explain the significance. Such interactions deepen understanding, turning symbols into personal stories about unity and tradition.

The economy of Eswatini is gradually developing. The basis consists of agriculture, manufacturing, and services, while tourists can see this through local products — sugar, textiles, and crafts. In the Lowveld areas, it is convenient to visit cane farms and understand how exports affect the life and landscape of the country. Every year, there are improvements in infrastructure, making travel more convenient.

The country's industry strives to be diverse: there are factories for processing sugar and timber. In some areas, such as Matsapha, tourists can visit factories and see how jobs are created. Meanwhile, the country is heavily dependent on neighboring South Africa, from which a large part of goods comes, and exports go there as well. Regional agreements help Eswatini develop trade and improve roads.

State enterprises play a major role, but reforms are currently being carried out to make them work more efficiently. With investments in development, new opportunities for ecotourism arise — safari parks, craft workshops, local projects. Tourists can support local business, which helps sustainable development and gives a sense of real participation in the life of the country.

The future of the economy looks promising, with growth in industry and services. New hotels and tourist routes are emerging, for example, in the Lubombo area, where development is combined with nature conservation. This makes Eswatini attractive for travelers who want to combine relaxation with the study of economy and culture, and purchasing local goods helps support the local community.

In Eswatini, they use lilangeni (SZL), which is pegged to the South African rand. For tourists from South Africa, this is convenient — you can pay with both currencies right away, and exchange is almost unnecessary. In cities, cards work in hotels and large stores, but in rural areas it's better to have cash for markets, taxis, and tips.

ATMs are available in Mbabane and Manzini, but a fee might be charged for withdrawing from a foreign card, so it is better to withdraw more at once. Small bills are handy for tips and trading in markets, where bargaining is common. Currency exchange can be done in banks and airports, it's best to avoid street exchangers.

Prices in the country are stable: food is inexpensive, safaris are moderately priced. Eswatini is in a common monetary zone with South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia, making it easy to travel around the region without needing to exchange currency.

It is important for tourists to carry both lilangeni and a few rands, as well as to use insurance for money and cards in case of loss. Cash is especially needed in national parks and small villages where cards are not accepted.

The climate of Eswatini is subtropical: summer is warm and humid, with rains and temperatures around 20–30°C, while winter is dry and cool, with clear days and nights around 10–20°C. Summer is beautiful and green, with many birds, and rainy weather is suitable for rafting. Winter offers perfect conditions for hiking, but nights are cool — layers of clothing are needed.

The best time to travel is the dry season from May to September. During this period, animals gather at water bodies in parks like Hlane, making safaris particularly interesting. Days are warm, with little precipitation, convenient for trekking and cycling.

In different regions of the country, the climate varies: in Highveld it is cool and often foggy, and in Lowveld it is hot and dry. For visiting cultural events — Umhlanga is better in August-September, Incwala in December, when it is warm and comfortable.

Tourists are advised to plan their trip for May–July for the best wildlife viewing conditions: warm days and cool nights. Summer (December–February) is beautiful but humid, and June–August can be cold in the mornings. Always check the weather forecast before active routes.

For a trip to Eswatini, it is better to take light, breathable clothing made of cotton or special fabrics with sun protection. In the summer (October–March), shorts, T-shirts, and sandals are great, but add long sleeves for protection against the sun and mosquitoes. Hats and sunglasses are not only comfortable but also look good in photos in parks.

In winter (April–September), it is worth wearing layers: jeans, sweaters, and light jackets for cool evenings, and T-shirts and light tops are suitable during the day. For walks in the mountains, you need trekking shoes and windbreakers, especially in the foggy areas of the Highveld. Versatile clothing, such as convertible pants, helps quickly adapt to weather changes.

In villages and at festivals, it is better to wear modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Women can wear light dresses or skirts, but without revealing outfits. At the markets, you can buy local fabrics and make authentic outfits that add cultural color.

For active recreation, swimsuits for pools (modest), raincoats for the summer, and sturdy footwear for rural areas are useful. Take fewer items, choose versatile and comfortable items that can be used for safari, trekking, and getting to know the local culture.

Safety in Eswatini is relatively high for Africa. However, tourists should avoid solitary walks at night, keep valuables in safes, and use registered taxis. Political demonstrations are rare, but avoid them by focusing on parks and festivals for a peaceful rest.

Road conditions vary: main roads are good, but secondary roads are narrow, with potholes, especially in rural areas. Driving is on the left, with speed limits, but be cautious of pedestrians, livestock, and poor lighting at night. Tourists recommend daytime driving, using 4x4 for parks, and always wearing seat belts to reduce the risk of accidents.

For tourists, renting a car is convenient, but choose verified companies with insurance. Roads are slippery in the rain, so check the weather.

General rules: carry copies of documents, avoid isolated areas, keep track of the weather. Tourists note the friendliness of the locals, but caution is key to a pleasant journey, with a focus on group tours for added safety.

Public transport in Eswatini includes minibuses (combis) that travel between cities like Mbabane and Manzini, inexpensive, but often overcrowded. For tourists, they offer an authentic experience, with the opportunity to interact with locals, but be prepared for irregular schedules and stops on demand. Recommended for short trips, with cash for payment.

Taxis are available in cities, with verified options through hotels, safer than street ones. Apps like Uber are absent, so agree on the price in advance. Tourists use taxis for airport transfers or night trips, avoiding overcrowding and checking the condition of the car.

Buses connect to South Africa, such as daily from Johannesburg, convenient for combo tours. In parks, bicycles or horses are an eco-friendly option for safaris. For tourists, a combination of transport is optimal: minibuses for local flavor, rentals for flexibility.

Official languages are siSwati and English, with siSwati as the national language (2.5 million speakers), used in everyday life. For tourists, English is convenient in cities and tourism, but basic siSwati phrases, such as "Sawubona" (hello), improve interactions in villages, showing respect and opening doors to local stories.

Communication is warm and welcoming, with an emphasis on politeness and kinship ties. Tourists can use gestures and smiles in rural areas where Zulu (76,000 speakers) or Tsonga (19,000) are spoken. Guides often translate at festivals, making cultural events accessible, with the advice to learn "Ngiyabonga" (thank you) for gratitude.

Phones are reliable, with mobile networks MTN and Eswatini Mobile offering SIM cards for tourists. Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes, but slow in rural areas. Travelers use messengers for coordination, but in traditional communities, face-to-face communication is preferred, enriching the experience with authentic conversations.

To overcome barriers: carry a phrasebook, respect elders in conversations.

Healthcare in Eswatini is limited, with basic services in cities and a shortage in rural areas, where clinics are rare. For tourists, this means relying on private clinics in Mbabane, such as Good Shepherd Hospital, for minor issues, but serious cases require evacuation to South Africa. The high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis underscores caution, but vaccinations cover the risks.

The public system is free at the primary level, but with a shortage of medicine and staff. Tourists should have a first aid kit with basic necessities, avoiding tap water in rural areas. Private options are better, with clinics in Manzini offering English-speaking services for travelers.

Emergency services: call 999, but outpatient clinics are unreliable outside the cities. For tourists, taxis or private transport are faster to hospitals. Medical universities, like Eswatini Christian University, prepare personnel, but the system is still developing, with a focus on prevention.

Tips: check vaccinations (hepatitis, typhoid), use malaria repellents in Lowveld. Tourists appreciate improvements, but plan with insurance for peace of mind, focusing on prevention for enjoyment of the trip.

Insurance for travel to Eswatini is not mandatory, but very useful. Medical services in the country are limited, and accidents and illnesses can be costly. A good policy covers treatment, evacuation to South Africa and helps with trip cancellation or lost luggage.

Insurance also protects during active vacations—safaris, hiking, minor injuries or bites. It's important for tourists to check what is included and what is excluded, such as extreme sports. International insurances are usually more reliable than local ones, such as ESRIC.

In emergencies, the insurance company organizes treatment and transport, reducing costs. It's better to choose a policy with 24-hour support, especially if trips to rural areas are planned.

When choosing insurance, consider your budget and type of activities, make sure there is coverage for health and unforeseen events. This will allow you to peacefully enjoy the culture and nature of Eswatini.

Food in Eswatini is based on maize and sorghum, with pap (porridge) as a staple, often with meat or vegetables. For tourists, try emasi (sour porridge) or sishwala (thick with nuts), in local cafes for authenticity. Goat meat is common, with braai (barbecue) in parks, offering a taste of exotic such as antelope with vegetables.

Drinks include South African wines and beer, available in bars, with local cider from marula. Tourists enjoy them on terraces with views, but water is safe in cities; in rural areas - bottled. Fresh fruit juices, with mango or citrus, are perfect for hot days.

The cuisine is diverse: western in hotels, African in markets. For tourists, festivals offer buffets with traditions such as pumpkin porridge. Avoid street food without hygiene, but try in verified places for a taste adventure.

Tips: 10% tips, try vegetarian options like beans. Tourists praise the mix of flavors, from sweet sugar to spicy spices.

Accommodation in Eswatini varies from budget guesthouses to luxury lodges in parks, with options in Ezulwini for convenience. Tourists choose Mantenga Lodge for the views and food, combining comfort with nature. Prices are affordable, with self-service to save money.

In parks like Mlilwane, camping or cabins offer immersion, with campfires and safaris. For tourists, book in advance in peak (July-August), choosing eco-lodges for sustainability. Cities have hotels with Wi-Fi, but rural ones are basic, with authenticity.

Tips: read reviews, choose with pools. very relevant in the heat. For families - lodges with activities, for couples - romantic views. Support local, avoiding chains, for cultural experience.

Budget: camping cheap, average - guesthouses, premium - resorts. Tourists recommend a combo: city for convenience, park for adventure, ensuring a diverse vacation.