Seventy Two

Swaziland Travel FAQs

Specific questions about our trip will be answered below, but you can see general information about traveling in Swaziland at this website:

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Swaziland/Overview

What is the process to travel to Swaziland?

What documents will I need to travel to Swaziland?
  • You will need a valid passport.  Passport application processing times vary, but will typically require up to 2 months to be processed.  Expedited passport services, which take about 3 weeks, are also available.  U.S. citizens can apply for a passport by following the instructions from the U.S. State Department website:

    http://travel.state.gov/passport

  • Proof of Citizenship:  Starting in January 2008, the Department of Homeland Security requires proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, for re-entry into the United States.
Note:  No visa is required for travel to Swaziland.

How much will the trip cost?

The costs vary, depending on the time of year and the travel schedule.  Typical costs include:
  • Airfare to Manzini, Swaziland generally costs between $2000-2400.
  • A stay at the guest house, breakfast and dinner included, is about $25 per night.
  • We will need to also hire taxis and pay for the fuel they use.
  • We will purchase lunch items to fix while working each day in the village.
  • Other incidentals such as bottled water, hand sanitizer, etc., in addition to any other purchases you may make while traveling.
Will I need to receive vaccinations to travel to Swaziland?

Yes, you will need to complete your vaccinations at least 6 weeks prior to travel.  Some vaccinations require multiple injections before you are fully immune.
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus - diptheria
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Chicken pox, if you have not had it
You will also want to bring the following medicines with you on this trip:
  • Cipro (antibiotic)
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine
How can I purchase travel insurance?

You can purchase travel insurance, which will also cover you in the event of a medical emergency, from CSA Travel Protection.  You can get a quote and purchase the insurance online at their website by visiting http://www.csatravelprotection.com.

What will the weather be like?

You can see average weather information at this website:  http://www.southtravels.com/africa/swaziland/weather.html

How should I pack for this trip?

A suggested packing list is available at http://www.seventytwo.org/travel/swaziland/packing

Is there hot and cold running water in the place we are staying? 

Yes.

Will we have American style plumbing and toilets in our hotel?

Yes.

Will there be toilets where we will be working?

No. There may be pit-latrines, but you shouldn't plan on this. We can purchase toilet paper in Swaziland and you will need to bring it and hand sanitizer with you to the village.

What are the rooms like? 

Dormitory-style or hotel rooms. Beds with western mattresses. Small spaces without much room.

Are there electrical outlets in the rooms?

Yes, but we will need adapters to use them.

Are bedding and towels provided? 

Yes.

Is there heat in the rooms?

Yes, electric wall heaters.

What sort of clothing is acceptable?

No shorts or tank tops. Long pants/jeans and t-shirts are acceptable.  Women should wear long skirts for church.  Long-sleeve shirts are recommended to prevent sun-burn and exposure to scabies or other diseases when holding children.

Where/how will the food be prepared?

The guest house will prepare breakfast and supper for us.  We will purchase and prepare our own lunches, taking them with us to the village during the day.

Will we have a place to secure our belongings during the day?

Rooms have locks, but you shouldn't leave anything valuable in your room during the day.

Will bottled water be available?

Yes. We will purchase our own at the supermarket before going out to the village.

Will we need to be concerned for our safety?

No, but to make sure you are safe, you shouldn't go out at night alone.

Will we go on safari?

This is an option that we will consider for each trip.  It depends on the amount of time available, the work to be done, and the progress that we have made.  It will take the full day to drive to the park, have lunch, see the animals, and drive back.

Will we be sightseeing?

Most of the time will be spent in the village.  The only sightseeing opportunities that we may have will be before going out to the guest home as we may get to visit the local markets and possibly a safari trip.

Will we have a chance to go shopping?

The major shopping centers are several hours away, so we will not be able to spend much time shopping.

What kinds of supplies should we bring? 

Basic first aid kit will be carried by the team leader on a daily basis.  Purchase and bring hand-sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes for the trip.  You will need these often, so pack plenty.

Will there be laundry facilities?

We can pay to have our laundry done, if needed.

Should we bring American money?

Yes, although we will be able to use the NedBank ATM in Manzini to get Swazi money. You must call your bank ahead of time to let them know you will be traveling to Swaziland, Africa and will be using your ATM card. Also call your bank to make sure you will be able to use your credit cards.  We will exchange a small amount money to pay tips to the porters at the airport. 



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