Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended. Typhoid vaccine is advised if you’re planning to stay with locals or in smaller towns. Make sure you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP). Consider rabies vaccine if you’ll be outdoors a lot. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for certain areas. Consult a travel clinic for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Eswatini, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for EswatiniCulture & Customs
Respect is key in Eswatini. When greeting, a firm handshake with the right hand is common, often accompanied by a slight bow. Avoid pointing with your index finger; use your whole hand instead. Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or cultural sites. Women travelers should cover their shoulders and knees when attending traditional ceremonies.
LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware that homosexuality is not widely accepted and discretion is advised. Public displays of affection can be frowned upon regardless of sexual orientation.
Always seek permission before taking photos of individuals or cultural ceremonies. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or giving about 10% is standard.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Eswatini.
- Sishwala: This is a thick porridge made from cornmeal, often served with meat or vegetables. It’s a staple in eSwatini, providing sustenance and comfort, especially in rural areas.
- Emasi: Fermented milk that’s similar to yogurt, emasi is a common side or snack. It’s culturally significant as a symbol of hospitality and is often offered to guests.
- Sidvudvu: A rich pumpkin and peanut butter porridge. This dish is popular for its sweet and savory flavor and is typically enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings.
- Umgqushu: A mix of samp (crushed corn kernels) and beans, sometimes with added meat. It’s filling and nutritious, often cooked slow to let flavors meld, making it a key part of local meals.
- Inhloko: A cow’s head, slow-cooked and seasoned. While it might sound adventurous, it’s a delicacy and commonly featured at traditional ceremonies and events.
Tap water in Eswatini is generally not recommended for tourists, even though some locals drink it. To be safe, stick to bottled or filtered water. Always check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s unopened.
The main language in Eswatini is
Siswati. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Siswati skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Eswatini includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Eswatini (formerly Swaziland),
English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and among the younger population. As one of the official languages alongside siSwati, English is used in government, education, and business. Most signs, official documents, and public communications are available in English, making it accessible for travelers.
In cities like Mbabane and Manzini, you will find that many people, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, can communicate effectively in English. However, in more rural areas, proficiency may vary, and some locals might primarily speak siSwati. While basic English is commonly understood, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few words in siSwati, as it fosters goodwill and connection with the local culture.
Overall, English serves as a practical means of communication for travelers, allowing for smooth interactions throughout Eswatini.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Eswatini is SZL (E).
In eSwatini, it’s handy to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors and rural areas. The local currency is the Lilangeni (SZL), pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also widely accepted. ATMs are common in urban areas like Mbabane and Manzini, and most will accept international cards. Just avoid those super isolated ones for safety reasons.
While some places accept credit cards, especially in cities and tourist spots, it’s not universal. Carrying a Visa or Mastercard is your best bet, but always check for additional fees.
Exchanging cash? Euros and US dollars are your best options. You can exchange currencies at banks or authorized exchange bureaus, mostly found in major towns. Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels unless you like terrible rates. Also, try to avoid carrying too many large bills as they can be hard to break in smaller shops.
Tipping in Eswatini isn’t mandatory but appreciated, especially in restaurants and for services like tour guides or drivers. Leaving a 10% tip is a good practice if you’re satisfied with the service. In more casual settings, rounding up the bill is also a common gesture.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
