What are the common travel safety concerns in eSwatini (Swaziland)? Before you go, find out about crime, scams, local customs and transport.
Photo © Getty Images/mbrand85
The Kingdom of eSwatini (previously known in English as Swaziland) is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Mozambique to the northeast and South Africa to its north, west, and south.
1. Crime in eSwatini
Crime is rife in eSwatini, in particular Mbabane, the capital city, and Manzini, the industrial center. With limited police in the country, crime is rife in both urban and rural areas. Crime increases during holiday periods.
Busy urban areas are particularly dangerous at night, but daytime crime is not uncommon. Even if you are in a crowded area, do not take this as an indication you are safe. Many visitors have reported being robbed in daylight with witnesses surrounding them. Be discreet with any valuables, and try to limit carrying too much cash with you – conceal it in a place nobody will find it. Walking around at night, either alone or in a group, is strongly discouraged.
The bus rank in Manzini, which most inter-city transportation must pass through before traveling across the country, is not safe for visitors.
2. Is it safe to drive in eSwatini?
Traffic accidents are one of the greatest dangers in Swaziland.
Be aware of other drivers on the roads, who are known for reckless behavior. Watch out for, poorly lit streets, livestock as well as careless pedestrians, slow moving vehicles, large trucks with heavy cargo, drunk drivers, drivers texting, poorly maintained roads, and erratic stopping by other vehicles.
They drive on the left side of the road here. Major highways in Swaziland are generally well maintained, paved, and have good signage.
Major roads in cities are paved, but have a varying state of disrepair.
Try to avoid driving at night in rural areas if possible, due to livestock and poor lighting.
Never roll down your window if someone approaches the vehicle.
Do not stop your vehicle if you encounter rocks or logs in the middle of the road – this is a common technique used in Swaziland and South Africa for robbers to force vehicles to stop.
3. Politics and civil unrest
Civil unrest is usually not an issue in Swaziland, although public protests, demonstrations, and strikes are fairly common in response to ongoing labor and politically-related difficulties, as well as the continued ban on political parties and meetings of a political nature.
When a demonstration is pending, the Royal Swaziland Police Service (RSPS) is usually called out to monitor the protestors.
Stay away from any demonstrations, as the Swazi Police have used force and teargas. Police do not distinguish between innocent bystanders and protesters.
4. Natural hazards
During summer, torrential rain can cause severe damage to villages and bridges. Strong gusts of wind during thunderstorms can rip the roof off buildings.
5. Transport safety
Local transport is known as kombis, which are minibuses that transport passengers around the city and from town to town. There have been a number of serious and fatal accidents involving kombis. Seat belts and headlights may not be on all vehicles, and the drivers are often reckless, making frequent stops to pick up passengers, and driving at high speeds.
6. Drug laws
Drugs, especially dagga (marijuana), are present in Swaziland. Penalties for drug-related offenses are severe – never accept drugs from anyone or ask for drugs off anyone on the streets. If you wouldn't do it back home, why would you even try in a foreign country?
7. Medical help in eSwatini
Medical facilities in eSwatini can be found in most towns and cities, but they are often very crowded due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. If you require prescription medication, bring enough with you for the duration of your trip, and carry a letter from your doctor to confirm usage of the medications.
8. Safety tips for travelers
- Most of the crime is of opportunity, and criminals generally want your phone or cash
- Always keep your belongings in sight and secure when walking the streets
- Avoid walking alone, particularly after dark, and try to travel in groups.
- Never hail a taxi that has passengers already in the car
- If you take a taxi, ensure it is a reputable taxi – ask your accommodation staff to book this for you
- Restaurants have been robbed late at night when there are a small number of people inside
- Always wear your seatbelt, lock the doors, and keep the windows up while driving around the country
- Keep doors and windows to your room locked, particularly at night
9. Places to avoid
Try to avoid parks in Mbabane, in particular, avoid Coronation Park at night and only visited with a group of more than two people during daytime. Nightlife isn't safe in Mbabane, but ask your accommodation or hostel staff for their advice on safe places you can go.
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5 Comments
We are a group of 53 adults and 1 child from Port Elizabeth that will be visiting Swaziland in December 2022 what are the requirements to enter Swaziland at the border post,we have all been vaccinated and have valid pass ports.
Thank You
I live here in Eswatini - have for the past 30 years - when I read a travel advisory like this it just makes me scratch my head and wonder: how am I even alive, how did my kids grow up here safely? We walk everywhere, we travel everywhere, day and night, this country is one of the safest places to visit. We’ve cycled, hiked, canoed and camped in almost every 5sqm kilometer grid block in the country… and so do continually.
I have been mugged in Berlin, I have been mugged in London, both on short visits - I certainly have never been mugged here despite the many many years of being here . It’s a country with socio-economic challenges so walking into a poor peri-urban neighbourhood in the middle of the night is probably not wise, but you wouldn’t do that in your own country - there is poverty everywhere.
Ask a local for advice… and chill. Eswatini is safe, friendly and very affordable. Full stop.
hi Darron,
We haven't been in Swaziland for a long time. Before that we visited yearly and sometimes even twice a year. We want to come now in April.
Do you perhaps know if kids under the age of 12 also need PCR tests?
And maybe you know if we need PCR tests going out of Swaziland, back into South Africa?
thank you so much.
Giuliette
Thank you Darron for the corrections made
Why all the lies about crime and recklessness in the roads etc?
That whole section about crime in Swaziland is absolute nonsense.. I live in thr country, it's the safest place I've experienced in my whole life both day and night. I use public transport, we walk through the Manzini bus rank with phones on our hands, taking out cash for whatever reason and NOBODY evr bothers you.
It could even be the safest as kombi drivers and conductors will come to your aid in case you get attacked by whatever stupid person. I say stupid cause NOONE dares rob you.. Yes there are areas like everywhere in thr world but fat from town and its secluded areas at night even..
All else that's written there is nothing but lies..
What you described for me on Crime is what Joburg is. I'm typing from Joburg as we speak, I have to wear a jacket to hide my fanny pack with valuables, you get mugged anytime, anywhere and in full view of thr public. My experience was getti g robbed with a screwdriver held to my belly..
Don't lie about Swaziland please. Give people the correct reviews..