Eswatini - Eswatini

Eswatini, Long form Kingdom of Eswatiniuntil 2018 Swaziland (engl. Swaziland), is in the southern Africa. The land becomes about two thirds of South Africa and a third of Mozambique limited. On the occasion of 50 years of independence, King decreed Mswati IIIthat the country will be officially "Eswatini" (Eswatin spelling eSwatini) should be called. The new name has already become international, e.g. from ISO 3166^[1], the UN^[2], the foreign ministries of the German-speaking countries^[3] etc. adapted.

Regions

Eswatini lies inland between its neighbors in southern Africa South Africa and Mozambique. The country measures around 180 km from north to south, and only 120 km from east to west. Politically, it is divided into four regions

• Hhohho in the northwest with the capital Mbabane
• Manzini in the west and the center
• Shiselweni in the southwest with the capital Nhlangano
• Lubombo in the East

Geographically, the country can be divided into four zones, which run in a north-south direction:

• the Highveld with heights over 1000 m. The mountainous landscape is used for forestry with eucalyptus and pine forests.
• the Middleveld, a fertile hilly landscape around the center Manzini.
• the Lowveld is an African savannah landscape. Although there is no particularly high rainfall, the Lowveld is crossed by some rivers and offers good cultivation opportunities for sugar cane, citrus fruits and pineapple plantations.
• the Lubombo plateau is a narrow ridge along the border with Mozambique, it is used as arable land and pasture land.

Cities

• Mbabane - Administrative and economic capital
• Manzini
• Lobamba - Royal and Regency capital
• Piggs Peak
• Nhlangano
• Big bend

Other goals

• Hlane Royal National Park
• Mkhaya Game Reserve
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
• Malolotja Nature Reserve
• Phophonyane Falls
• Cuddle Puddle - Hot Springs
• Mantenga Nature Reserve

background

history

Around 1750, Nguni came from Central Africa under the leadership of the Dlamini clans in the area of ​​today's Eswatini. After disputes with the neighboring Zulu, the then King Mswati II succeeded in consolidating his territory around 1850. On this Ngwenyama (= Lion) the name of the Swazi people goes back. The Boers, and subsequently the British, simply named their settlement area Swaziland. His successors sold mining concessions and land use rights to Europeans, Boers and British. This gave rise to repeated disputes about ownership, since the Swazi believed that the land remained the property of the king.

Around 1880 the country came under the influence of the British, and in 1894 it finally became a British protectorate. Swaziland only became independent on September 6, 1968, when King Sobhuza II of the still ruling Dlamini clan ruled. After his death, the reign went first to his widow Dzeliwe; then his widow took over Ntombithe office of Ndlovukazi (= Elephant) until her son, who was then a minor Makhosetive newer Ngwenyama under the name of Mswati III has been. He has ruled as absolute ruler since 1986, he currently (as of 2020) 14 women and a penchant for a luxurious life. At the end of 2019, he is said to have bought 19 Rolls-Royce and 120 BMWs for his royal fleet.

country and people

About 1.1 million people live in Eswatini (2017 census), over 90% are Swazi, there are also other Bantu such as Zulu, Tsonga and Sotho as well as a few white and colored people (Indians, Pakistani). About 70% live on less than $ 1 a day. Agriculture only goes beyond the status of a subsistence economy in exceptional cases, so that many Swazi literally live from hand to mouth. However, this is also a problem of training. Schooling is not officially compulsory, but the majority of the children attend the school regularly Primary school. The majority of the Swazi profess Christianity, with belief often mixed with natural religions. In medicine, fortune tellers and natural healers play (Inyanga) play a big role, as well as in society. In families, the roles of men and women are still very much rooted in tradition. Paying bridal money (usually in the form of several cattle) is still common practice.

economy

The country's close ties with South Africa, the currency, is economically significant Lilangeni (Plural: Emalangeni With E. abbreviated) is equated with the South African rand. The most important economic factor is agriculture with sugar, pineapple and citrus fruits. In addition, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, millet and peanuts are grown to a significant extent. The majority of the population only farms for their own use and not for sale on the market or for export. Forestry and simple industrial products made of wood also play a role, in mining it is coal mining. Tourism has also gained in importance in recent years.

getting there

A visa is not required for most Europeans.

By plane

There is only one international airport in Eswatini. This is the one that was completed in 2014 with a long delay King Mswati International Airport It is located about 70 km east of the capital Mbabane and 45 km from the economic center Manzini away. It is connected to the main road MR3 by a 17 kilometer long access road and can therefore be reached without exception on paved roads up to the capital. Flights here are from Eswatini Airlink (a subsidiary of South African Airlink) Johannesburg offered. There is also a rental car at the airport. When leaving the country by plane, a tax of E 20 per person is levied. The former international airport Matsapha Airport, which is about 1 km west of Manzini is only used for flights by the royal family, members of the government, aid transports and the air force.

By train

On the rudimentary rail network (around 300 km) of the Eswatini Railways only goods are transported.

By bus

There are bus connections to neighboring countries, including to Johannesburg, Durban and Maputo.

In the street

Attention: Left-hand traffic! The speed limit outside of built-up areas is generally 80 km / h, on some roads a speed of 120 km / h is permitted according to the signs. You can practically travel the whole country in a normal car, i.e. without all-wheel drive (4x4). Unpaved roads ("gravel roads") away from the larger stretches can usually be used without all-wheel drive. You should be careful with potholes ("pottholes") as well as pedestrians and animals. Many older cars and trucks travel slowly and are sometimes poorly lit. You should therefore absolutely keep to the speed limit, especially at night! In villages (and if there are only a few huts) and schools, a maximum speed of 60 km / h generally applies. Any fines are due immediately.

When crossing the border, it should be noted that most border stations close in the evening. Car license plates are recorded together with the personal details on entry and checked on departure. Before entering with rental car from South Africa, you should inquire whether crossing the border is permitted.

Opening times of the border crossings

Jeppes Reef	Matsamo	7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Josefdal	Bulembu	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Oshoek	Ngwenya	7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Waverly	Lundzi	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sand lane	Nerston	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Houtkop	Sicunusa	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Bothashoop	Gege	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Mahamba	Mahamba	7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Onverwacht	Nsalitie	8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Golela	Lavumisa	7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Goba	Mhlumeni	7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Namaacha	Lomahasha	7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

mobility

language

English, the official official and business language, is spoken and understood practically everywhere. All of the country's official websites, as well as the country's two largest newspapers, are also in English. Knowledge of Siswati, the second official language, is not absolutely necessary, but it certainly helps to gain sympathy with the locals.

to buy

You can pay with the South African rand or the local currency Lilangeni. In practice there is usually more than one involved Lilangeni, which has the consequence that almost exclusively the with E. abbreviated plural Emalangeni Is used. You should be careful with the change that you can continue to use in South Africa, which is not given with the Lilangeni.

There are few industrial products of tourist interest in Eswatin. The handicrafts include glass figurines, carvings, jewelry, fabrics and batik cloths as well as artfully designed candles. Individual artists have specialized in making original objects from wire and other civilization waste. The prices on the markets are moderate, otherwise they can be equated with those of neighboring South Africa.

The normal shops are usually open Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bank opening times: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sat 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Paying with common cards such as Maestro-Card is widespread and also common in smaller shops.

Post: open Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

kitchen

nightlife

accommodation

Eswatini is very small, but due to its many attractions it offers a relatively large number of hotels, lodges and other accommodations.

• Phophonyane Falls Lodge. The Phophonyane Falls Lodge is a real highlight. Located away from the Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve and not far from the eponymous waterfalls, this small complex is a jewel for those looking for peace and quiet or who want to explore the breathtaking landscape of Eswatini. You can choose from well-equipped thatched double-decker huts, traditional round huts or romantic tents by the river (this is where the "African feeling" à la Hemingway comes up), but without a private bathroom. There is a good, own restaurant, the natural pool of the waterfalls and also several lonely hiking routes. The town Piggs Peak (including shops, etc.) is about 14 km away and there are also ancient rock drawings to be seen nearby. Accommodation costs are around R480-R750 per person. You can book by phone at 268 437 1429, by fax at 268 437 1319 or online. In urgent cases you can also call the mobile number 268 604 2802.last change: not specified

• Mantenga Lodge, Ezulwini. Tel.: 268 4161049, 268 4162681, Fax: 268 4162618. Centrally located near many attractions such as handicraft markets, nature reserves, golf course, spa and hiking trails, this hotel is an excellent starting point for discovering Eswatini. At the foot of the Sheaba’s Breasts Mountains, there are 30 rooms and 8 huts to choose from, all of which are offered with breakfast from around R470-R600 per person. You can of course take this on the terrace or you can refresh yourself at the in-house bar. A swimming pool is just as much a part of the hotel's standard as the televisions in the rooms.last change: not specified

Learn

Work

public holidays

• January 1st New Year
• April 19th Birthday of King Mswati III
• April 25 National Flag Day
• 1st of May Labor Day
• 22nd of July Birthday of the former King Sobhuza
• September 6th national holiday Somhlolo. Independence day. Swaziland was a British protectorate from 1903 and became independent on September 6, 1968.
• Ncwala festival or Incwala ceremony, is this Festival of the first fruits. It is not based on our calendar, the three-week ceremonies take place in December / January, they are harvest festivals and serve to consolidate the monarchy.
• Umhlanga or Reed dance. Thousands of young girls gather annually for the eight-day ceremony at the palace of the Ndlovukati, the king's mother. They cut reeds, use them to repair the windbreak of the residence, sing and dance. During the ceremony, the king has the opportunity to choose another wife. Spectators are allowed to watch this colorful spectacle, but photography is only allowed with the permission of the Tourist Office.

Other holidays: Easter, Ascension Day, Christmas

security

health

The main problem of the country is called AIDS. Officially around 40% of the population are HIV positive, it is estimated that the actual number is significantly higher. Eswatini is the only state in Africa where there is hardly any population growth despite the relatively high birth rate.

The risk of malaria is low, but it is at least present in the rainy season.

Proof of vaccination is required when entering from a country with yellow fever infection areas.

climate

The diagram opposite relates to the weather station in Mbabane, the capital is located in the Highveld at an altitude of about 1150 m. The climate has a pronounced rainy season in the summer from November to March, the winters are dry. You have to distinguish between four climatic zones:

• the highveld in the west of the country has frequent precipitation (incline rain), high humidity
• the Middelveld with a subtropical climate, moderate rainfall
• the lowveld is subtropical - tropical warm, only little rain
• the Lebombo Plateau has climatic conditions similar to the Middelveld

Practical advice

• Photographing members of the royal family and the royal palace is prohibited. The police and the military are also not allowed to be photographed.
• Traditional ceremonies like that Umhlanga may only be photographed with the permission of Government Information Service, P.O. Box 372, Mbabane.
• In restaurants, tips are usually not shown on bills, around 10% is common.

Post and Telecommunications

literature

Web links

• Eswatini: Travel and Safety Advice, Foreign Office, Germany
• Travel information Eswatini, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Austria
• Information for people traveling to Eswatini, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland
• The Kingdom of Eswatini - a royal experience, official Eswatini tourism website (richly illustrated, English)
• Eswatini National Trust Commission - Conserving Eswatini's Natural and Cultural Heritage, (very extensive descriptions of history, culture and nature, English)
• The Kingdom of Eswatini's Big Game Parks (Page to the three big game parks, English)

Individual evidence