Mbabane travel guide

Bus

The South African Baz Bus, T021-439 2323, http://www.bazbus.com, includes Swaziland on its route 3 times a week. The bus overnights in Swaziland at Swaziland Backpackers and arrives in the Ezulwini Valley from Durban at about 1830, then departs to Johannesburg next morning at 0730. In the other direction it arrives from Johannesburg/Tshwane (Pretoria) about 1730, and departs towards Durbanat 0730 the next day. To see anything of Swaziland, and because the bus runs 3 times a week, this means you’ll have to spend 3 nights in Swaziland to hook up with the next bus.

Car hire

Avis and Europcar have desks at Matsapha Airport near Manzini . Europcar, T404 0459, http://www.europcar.co.za, also has a branch at the Engen petrol station on By Pass Rd. However, in reality and given its size, most visitors to Swaziland arrive in cars hired in South Africa. Ensure you have a covering letter from the company you hired the car from, remember to mention this when you hire it.

Embassies and consulates

Most countries deal with consular services for Swaziland through their embassies or high commissions in Tshwane (Pretoria) . Mozambique, Highland View Princess Drive Rd, T404 3700, issues visas for Mozambique but it’s far easier to get them at the border. South Africa, 2nd floor, New Mall, Dr Sishayi Rd, T404 4651. US, 2350 Mbabane Pl, T404 2445, http://www.swaziland.usembassy.gov.

Emergencies

T999.

Medical services

Mbabane Clinic (private), St Michael St, T404 2423; Mbabane Government Hospital, Usutu Rd, T404 2111.