eSwatini: The Journey Begins

Many travelers include eSwatini in their South African safari plans. To embark on this journey, you would arrive in either Johannesburg or Durban and then set off on an exhilarating drive to eSwatini, following a visit to the breathtaking Kruger National Park or the stunning Isimangaliso National Park in KwaZulu-Natal. With a remarkable 13 border crossings to enter eSwatini, there are endless paths to explore for a self-drive journey. Remember that a R100 road tax is due at the border, and it is advisable to pay in cash to ensure a swift crossing.

Excitingly, regular flights to King Mswati III international airport are now available with the launch of eSwatini Air. The Kingdom of Eswatini has opened its doors wider, transforming into a more inviting fly-in destination. Eswatini Air now operates daily flights from Johannesburg, four flights a week from Harare, daily flights to and from Durban, and three flights a week from Cape Town. These new routes could transform eSwatini into an exciting complement to any southern African safari journey.

Regardless of your chosen path to eSwatini, a valid passport and the necessary supporting documents are essential.

Exploring the Transport Options in eSwatini

When exploring the Kingdom of eSwatini, a variety of travel options await, from walking to buses, kombis, and self-drive tours. The ideal approach to discover eSwatini during a brief visit is by taking the wheel yourself, or you might consider arranging a safari itinerary with a company such as African Budget Safaris.

Its compact nature makes it simple to reach various attractions from any central spot. It is a great idea to secure your car rental online ahead of time, and remember, you will be navigating on the left side of the road. The main town roads are in great shape, while the remote areas offer a rugged charm with their gravel and uneven surfaces. Stay alert while driving, as unexpected encounters are frequent, particularly when maneuvering through a mix of potholes, goats, cattle, and pedestrians. Whenever you can, steer clear of nighttime driving since cattle frequently rest on the road and can be hard to see. Fueling stations can be found in major towns, at border crossings, and at important road intersections, where friendly pump attendants are ready to help.

Upon reaching your chosen safari destination, many parks provide 4×4 guided safaris, enabling you to unwind and soak in the surrounding beauty, or you can choose to explore on your own with self-drive options.

eSwatini Journey Durations & Distances

eSwatini is a compact country, allowing for the exploration of various destinations in just one journey. I’ve utilized Mbabane and King Mswati III International Airport as key reference points, along with destinations in the north (Malolotja) and south (KaMasholo) to illustrate the scale. None of these times account for crossing borders.

King Mswati III International Airport to Manzini City: 49 km / 30 miles
The journey from KM III will whisk you away in about 40 minutes along a smooth road. Car hire awaits your arrival at the airport.

The journey from King Mswati III International Airport to Mbabane spans 87 km or 54 miles.
The 87 km road to Mbabane is in great condition, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable hour’s drive.

Journey from King Mswati III International Airport to Hlane Royal National Park 37 km / 23 miles
In a little over half an hour, you can find yourself at the Royal Hlane National Park, the largest game reserve in eSwatini.

From King Mswati III International Airport to Malolotja Nature Reserve 113 kilometers / 70 miles
Embarking on a journey northward, you will find that it takes approximately 1.5 hours to traverse the 113 km to Malolotja Nature Reserve.

King Mswati III International Airport to KaMasholo National Park is a journey of 95 km / 60 miles.
As you journey south from the airport, prepare for an exciting hour and 15-minute drive to KaMasholo Bushveld Safaris. The Lavumisa border crossing is just 40 km away, followed by a quick 30-minute drive to South Africa.

Journey from Johannesburg to Mbabane 361 kilometers / 224 miles
Just a stone’s throw east of Johannesburg, you will find the captivating eSwatini and its vibrant capital, Mbabane. The journey of 361 km will span approximately 5 hours on the road. The flight from Johannesburg to Mswati III International lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Kruger National Park, Malelane Gate to Mbabane 147 kilometers / 91 miles
The journey from Malelane Gate at Kruger National Park to Mbabane takes approximately 2.5 hours, spanning a distance of about 150 km.

Cape Town to Mbabane spans 1686 km / 1048 miles
The journey from Cape Town to Mbabane spans an exhilarating 19 hours by road, while flights, available three times a week, whisk you there in just about 2.5 hours.

Durban to Mbabane: 532 km / 330 miles
The journey from Durban to Mbabane spans about 7 hours, not including the time at the border post. Taking a direct flight to Mswati III International will whisk you away in just an hour.

Mbabane to Maputo: 217 km / 135 miles
The journey from Mbabane to Maputo in Mozambique is expected to take about 4 hours by car.

What to Pack for an Exciting Safari in eSwatini

When traveling to eSwatini, embrace a spirit of exploration and ease. In the low veld, eSwatini offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a refreshing swim during your visit. That being said, the nights can be quite refreshing, particularly when exploring the highlands near Malolotja and Piggs Peak. Having a light jacket or a sweater ready is a smart move.

The driving distances in eSwatini may be brief, yet comfort remains a priority. Imagine a day where you are behind the wheel, leaping out to capture stunning photos, exploring a vibrant cultural village, and embarking on an exhilarating safari—all in just one day. With a pair of comfy shoes, a sun hat, and a long-sleeved collared shirt in earthy tones, you will be all set for your journey.

In eSwatini, the atmosphere is typically relaxed, yet there are certain upscale restaurants, hotels, and casinos that call for a touch of elegance in your attire. To wrap things up, wear layers and bring along clothes that can easily transition from casual to smart-casual, and you will be all set for whatever comes your way.