Swaziland

Getting there & away

Land

Bus & minibus taxi

Generally speaking, Manzini has the main international transport rank for transport to Jo’burg, Durban and Mozambique. Less frequent departures are in Mbabane for the northern destinations of Gauteng and Mpumalanga (South Africa).

Mozambique

The main border crossing between Swaziland and Mozambique is at Lomahasha–Namaacha (open 7am to 8pm). The border crossing between Mhlumeni and Gobahas is open 7am to 6pm.Inquire at the tourist office in Mbabane about bus services from Mbabane to Maputo (Mozambique). Minibuses depart Maputo daily in the morning for the Namaacha–L­omahasha border (US$2, 1½ hours) with some continuing on to Manzini (US$4.50, 3½ hours). Minibus taxis operate daily from Manzini to Maputo (US$10, 2½ hours).

South africa

The main border crossings with South Africa are: Josefsdal–Bulembu (open 8am to 4pm); Oshoek–Ngwenya (open 7am to 10pm); Emahlathini–Sicunusa (open 8am to 6pm); Mahamba (open 7am to 10pm); and Golela–Lavumisa (open 7am to 10pm).

The Baz Bus (South Africa 021-439 2323; www.bazbus.com) runs from Jo’burg/Pretoria to Durban via Mbabane and Manzini three times a week, returning direct to Jo’burg/Pretoria on alternate days.

Minibus taxis run daily between Jo’burg (Park Station), Mbabane and Manzini (US$20, five to six hours) and Manzini and Durban (US$21, six hours). On many routes, you’ll change minibuses at the border. Most long-distance taxis leave early in the morning.

^ Back to top

Air

Swaziland’s main airport is Matsapha International Airport, southwest of Manzini. (Schedules and tickets often refer to the airport as Manzini.) Swaziland Airlink (518 6155/92; www.saairlink.co.za) flies daily between Swaziland and Johannesburg (US$127 one way). Swazi Express Airways (518 6840; www.swaziexpress.com) flies four times a week to Durban (US$63 to US$175) and twice a week to Maputo (US$21 to US$63) and Vilanculos (US$21 to US$197) in Mozambique.

^ Back to top