Swaziland

Drink

Marula (made of fruits from the tree with the same name) is locally brewed during the marula season, fruits ripen between December and March. It may be difficult to find; ask locals as it is home-brewed.

There is a vibrant nightlife in Eswatini ranging from traditional dances to bars and nightclubs. If you're staying in Ezulwini, there are four bars at the Royal Swazi hotel. If you're in the Malkerns area, the House on Fire is extremely popular: local art, local and national DJs, an open-air setting and live acts.

Sleep

Eswatini is a small country and it is easy to get anywhere in the country during one day.

If you're watching the pennies, head to Veki's Guesthouse or Grifter's Backpackers in Mbabane, which costs around E120 per night for a bunk. It is unclear whether the latter one still exists. If you want to push the boat out, book a room at the Mountain Inn which has outstanding accommodation, facilities and leisure opportunities.

The most sought-after hotels in Eswatini tend to be located in Ezulwini Valley between the two major cities, Mbabane and Manzini. With four bars, a restaurant, a casino, golf, swimming, tennis and 411 rooms and suites, the Royal Sun Swazi epitomises luxury. The Royal Villas, also found in Ezulwini, spread 56 rooms across 14 villas and are extremely luxurious, offering excellent food, atmosphere and leisure facilities. The Ezulwini sun offers excellent facilities, also, at mid-range prices. A budget option is Sundowners Backpackers, private rooms from around E200, dorms from E120 and camping from E70/night.

And, if you're going towards the Mozambique border, you'll find comfortable, well-appointed country clubs at Manananga, Mhlume and Simunye.

Stay safe

thumb|Nhlangano Historically, Eswatini has enjoyed a very low rate of violent crime compared to its neighbors. Indeed, South Africans and Mozambicans love to vacation here because they need not worry about being crime victims while on vacation.

Be cautious in the presence of police. Officers have been known to aggressively apprehend and abuse foreigners for minor offences such as jaywalking or speeding.

Hippopotamuses are found (rarely) in the country's rivers, and are one of the more dangerous animals you are likely to come across. They are actually quite fast animals, as well as being extremely strong and with large, powerful jaws. They often stay submerged in shallow water during the day, but come out at night to graze. They can be unpredictable, territorial and very protective of their young. Do not stand between a hippo and the water.

Crocodiles are a more common danger when swimming in rivers.

Eswatini also has one of the highest numbers of people struck by lightning per capita in the whole world, and it is common to know (or know of) somebody who has been struck by lightning.

Be careful when crossing any of Eswatini's nineteen border gates. It is forbidden to take meat into certain areas, and the soldiers have the right to search both you and your vehicle extensively. It is extremely inadvisable to stray into 'No-Man's Land', a 5 km stretch of territory between Mozambique and Eswatini; several locals have been shot by soldiers guarding the edges of the respective…

Stay healthy

Excellent medical care is entirely non-existent in Eswatini; the country has one of the lowest average life expectancies in the world and the healthcare system is poorly funded and maintained. If you fall sick during your stay, it is recommended that you go to neighbouring South Africa, where medical care is generally better.

Eswatini has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world ― 25-26% of Swazi adults aged between 15-49 have HIV/AIDS ― and it appears that the issue has been getting worse and worse since 2002. Take the necessary precautions and don't even think about having unprotected sex! If you happen to find romance here, which is highly unlikely, you and your partner should consider getting an HIV test before taking things further.

There are risks for bilharzia if you frequent infected streams, as well as seasonal risks for malaria in the North-East parts of Eswatini near Mozambique. Be sure to use mosquito nets and repellent where necessary.

Tap water is potable in major cities but may not be in rural areas.

Respect

Swazis are very loyal to the king and the royalty; be smart about what is said openly.

Eswatini is also predominantly Christian, and modesty in dress is encouraged. Both Western and traditional clothing is worn. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are usually acceptable. The traditional clothing depends upon the person's gender and age. Adults may wear an outfit called emahiya, which is two large pieces of fabric, one tied to cover one shoulder and hang loosely down over the torso, and the other tied around the waist to form a skirt that reaches below the knees. Various accessories indicate the person's marital and social status. Newborns do not wear clothes, and young children wear only a small skirt.

Swazis adhere strongly to their historical traditions, which are widely practised today. Many who are suffering from an illness will consult a sangoma (traditional healer/diviner) to determine its cause and an inyanga (herbalist) to prescribe a treatment. It is the height of disrespect to be disparaging towards these individuals or to refer to them as witch doctors.

Male homosexuality is criminalized in Eswatini, although in practice the law is not enforced. The law does not explicitly discuss female homosexuality. Even still, LGBTQ+ Swazis face common societal discrimination and even violence. LGBTQ+ travellers should be aware that public acknowledgement of their sexuality may put them in legal or extralegal danger.