Eswatini
Packing list for Eswatini, travel insurance for Eswatini and taking your belongings
What to take to Eswatini: brief
To pack and check:
- Documents and money: a passport that is valid for at least 3 months upon arrival (although most airlines require 6 months) and has at least two blank pages. Some citizens from certain countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. A visa is required for longer stays. Check what applies to your situation. Copies of your passport, travel insurance, and vaccination records are useful, both digitally and on paper. The currency is the lilangeni (SZL), but the South African rand is also widely used. You can generally withdraw cash in larger towns and at many accommodations, but if you're heading into the countryside, it's a good idea to bring some cash.
- Clothing: loose, breathable clothing for warm days and layers for winter in the higher-altitude areas (including a lightweight rain jacket for September to April). Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt in neutral colours are useful for walks, evenings and protection against insects. Bring swimwear when you plan to take a dip!
- Shoes: whether you're visiting cities, going on hikes, exploring nature reserves or tackling rougher terrain, sturdy shoes with good grip are the safest choice. Sandals are useful for accommodations and warm days.
- Toiletries and hygiene: high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and hand sanitiser.
- Packing and protecting your belongings: a good rain cover for your backpack and waterproof pouches or a dry bag for your phone, passport, medication and electronics, especially during the rainy season, which runs approximately from October to May.
- Insects and animals: a good insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET, and a tick remover, especially if you're planning to hike, camp or spend time in nature reserves.
- Sleeping: in areas where malaria occurs, an insecticide-treated mosquito net is useful for camping or staying in basic accommodation, although one is usually provided.
- Medication and travel first aid kit: sufficient supplies of your personal medication, including some extra in case your trip is delayed, ORS, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, hand sanitiser and a thermometer. Before departure, consult a travel doctor to find out whether antimalarial medication is necessary for your trip.
- Outdoor and useful items: sunglasses, a wide-brimmed sun hat, a reusable water bottle with a filter, a small daypack, a headlamp, and a lightweight buff or scarf.
- Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type M sockets and a power bank.
- Safety and theft: a money belt and/or another secure way to conceal valuables. Also, pay attention to the rules on photography.
To consider:
- Binoculars for wildlife watching.
- A good daypack for hikes and visits to nature reserves.
- Offline maps and accommodation details, especially if you're travelling to more remote areas.
- A water filter or water purification tablets if you're travelling independently or camping.
- Some extra (vegetarian or vegan) food or snacks for longer journeys.
Are there mosquitoes in Eswatini?
- Eswatini has seasonal mosquito problems. Mosquitoes are particularly common during the rainy season, with the highest numbers in January.
- Fortunately, Eswatini is working hard to combat malaria with a lot of successes, but it still occurs in the eastern and northern lowlands of the country. The malaria-carrying mosquitoes are particularly active between sunset and sunrise.
- It is therefore still wise to use good repellent, as they help protect against mosquitoes. Wearing long clothing and sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net can also help, especially if your room isn't properly sealed or fitted with mosquito screens.
- More about repellent containing picaridin, DEET, or more natural based products for protection against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sandflies in Eswatini?
- Sandflies can occur in Eswatini. They are mainly a nuisance because they can cause itchy bumps, but generally pose less of a problem than mosquitoes and ticks. They also do not transmit leishmaniasis.
- You don't need to take any special precautions to protect yourself from their irritating bites. The same measures used to protect yourself against mosquitoes are effective.
- Ticks are a risk when walking through grass or shrubs. Bringing a tick remover is, therefore, a good idea.
- More about sandflies and sand fleas.
Are DEET, or other insect repellents, available in Eswatini?
- In larger towns and shops catering to tourists, insect repellents are generally available, but you can't be sure of finding them outside the cities.
- It's therefore a good idea to bring at least a small supply of insect repellent with you, so you don't run out.
- More about DEET and the percentages.
Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Eswatini, or bring it with you to Eswatini?
- Drugs, including cannabis, are very much illegal in Eswatini. Possession, use, selling, etc. are all punished with heavy penalties.
- The same goes for bringing cannabis or other recreational drugs into the country. It's only worth it if you fancy discovering the hospitality of an Eswatini prison.
