The highland regions has a humid near
temperate climate with 40 to 90 inches of annual rainfall. The middleland is
sub-tropical and somewhat drier, with 30 to 45 inches of annual rainfall and
the lowland is almost tropical and definitely sub-humid, receiving 20 to 35
inches of rain annually. Rainfall tends to be concentrated in a few violent
storms. Temperatures range from about -3.4°C (26°F) in the winter to
over 29.4°C (85°F) in the summer.
Nationals of the
following countries do not require visas:- Australia, Bahamas, Barbados,
Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Eire, Finland, Gambia, Ghana,
Granada, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Nigeria, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles,
Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania,
Tonga, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia and
Zimbabwe.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Travellers cheques are best
taken in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling as other currencies incur a higher
exchange commission. South AFrican Rands are accepted as payment throughout the
country although many places won't accept coins.
Air:
Scan Air Charter based at Matsapha Airport offer air charter facilities to all
towns and villages throughout Swaziland and neighbouring territories.
Public Transport: A number of bus services, express and regular,
connecting the main towns. Minibus taxis run along the shorter routes although
the prices are slightly higher. Taxis are available in Mbabane and Manzini.
Hitching: Hitching here is fairly easy on main roads but you'll
have a lot of competition from the locals. Never hitch alone.
Road conditions are fairly good but speed is limited to
80km/h, (50mph)60km/h in built up areas. Driving is on the left hand side and
seatbelts must be worn. An International Driving Licence is required by all
except South Africans. Most petrol stations are open on a 24 hour basis and
Mastercard, Visacards and Barclays petrocards are accepted. There are several
car hire firms and cars can be collected and left at Matsapha Airport. Some car
hire firms require that the renter is 23 years of age or above
If you need medical care whilst in
Swaziland, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
