- Eswatini is by-and-large, a safe country in which to travel
- Eswatini, more than makes up for its lack of size with a diverse range of attractions
Mbabane – Africa is, to put it simply, massive and a desired destiny for vacations. Eswatini continues to feature prominently among countries to visit on this beautiful continent. African Budget Safaris (ABS), an experienced team of African travel fanatics based in Cape Town, South Africa, ranked Eswatini eighth in the safest countries to visit in Africa in their recent annual rankings.
According to ABS, Eswatini is, by-and-large, a safe country in which to travel as it does not have its neighbouring country’s alarming crime rate, and tourists are seldom targeted.
Equally, it does not have its neighbouring country’s history of racial tension, which means that visitors are unlikely to encounter any antagonism on that basis.
“Indeed, hospitality is a cornerstone of Eswatini culture and the average visitor’s experience is overwhelmingly a friendly and relaxed one. The most serious hazards for the independent traveller are on the roads,” reads the report in part. In general, the basic guidelines for safe travel are the same in Eswatini as anywhere else. Be alert, avoid obviously compromising situations, and don’t play the tourist too conspicuously.
For tourists who might be considering coming to Eswatini due for its safety, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to maximise the security. One would be to avoid travelling into or out of Eswatini by road after dark, as carjacking has occurred on major routes from South Africa and Mozambique.
Avoid walking in downtown Mbabane and Manzini after dark and be wary of picknicking in remote areas unless in a large group. Keep valuables in a safe place and avoid carrying large amounts of money or wearing conspicuous jewellery.
Drivers who break down or need to change a tyre should be wary of anyone who offers help and do not stop to assist apparently distressed motorists, as this is a technique sometimes used by hijackers. Instead, report the incident to the police.
Always park in well-lit areas of town and keep car doors locked and valuables such as mobile phones, cameras and handbags out of sight.
Eswatini is generally a safe country to visit although it has, particularly in 2021, been rocked by civil unrest activities. To avoid protests, demonstrations, or marches tourists coming to the Kingdom of Eswatini are warned to be vigilant and to be on the alert for protests, demonstrations or marches that might hinder their travel within the country.
Much of the country lies at high enough altitudes to enjoy a temperate climate and none of it is tropical (Eswatini lies south of the Tropic of Capricorn), so many ailments associated with tropical Africa are either rare or absent entirely.
Those that do occur are generally confined to the lowveld. A much greater risk than any disease to the average traveller is road accidents, which can be minimised by a few sensible precautions.
Although Eswatini is one of the safest countries in the region, petty crime (theft and pickpocketing) is widespread, especially in the capital, Mbabane, and Manzini.
Currently there is no curfew in the Kingdom of Eswatini and most of the businesses are not affected by COVID-19 regulations as it has been previously when most businesses were closed due to the severity of the virus.
Most of the borders, including the busiest at Ngwenya, are open and tourist are only requested to produce proof or confirmation that they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the form of a clinical certificate confirming that.
The standard instruction of quarantining for at least two weeks or isolating is only applicable to persons that are showing evident signs of the virus upon arrival in the country.
Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities. As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe.
Add to that, the stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to the Big Five; and a fascinating mix of modern and traditional festivals, ceremonies and events, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country.
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