I wonder that so far no one has described his travel itinerary in this delicious nation... I can only be happy since I can personally do it!
With regard to health precautions recommended antimalaric prophylaxis (meflokina, Lariam) and antitiphic and hepatitis A vaccinations (the latter two are always recommended for all tropical and subtropical goals - for more information check the website of the WHO or CDC - ).
We started in 4 direct from Paris to Johannesburgh (South Africa) but clearly we'll proceed travel in South Africa and tell everything instead of engaging
Swaziland!
With regard to practical information consider that not all border posts are open 24 hours on 24, which do not need visas for Italian citizens and that if you intend to cross the border with a car rented in South Africa there must facades issue a letter of authorisation (free) ... of course bring the international driving licence! At the border you pay 5 "emalangeni" for the passage of car (also accept the "rand", the exchange is 1:1).
...... Start with the minutes of travel ........
After customs operations at the border (we are joined by Jeff Reff, near the Kruger park) we crossed the town of Piggs Peack and we point direct to Ngwenya to the "glass factory" where local people produce delicious animals using recycled glass ( we recommend you buy the "kit" with the "five big five" to make a gift to a friend !!!).
We visited the capital Mbabane and then we went to "Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary" where we slept in comfortable huts built - Zulu style undoubtedly treated in all details !!!.... not fear the cold, the cover available will be sufficient!! The field is particularly different compared to South African parks since there are no timetables for opening and closing of the park (24h/24 access) and you can make trips by bicycle or in small Land Rover discoveries (not crowded buses! !). Many animals "walking" freely in the park (warthogs, impalas and ostriches). Within the reserve there is a small restaurant where eating well ..... the nice thing is that it overlooks a small lake where lives a family of hippos !!!!!.... seeing the moon mirroring in the lake in this unspoiled scenery! The day after we went to Malkerns to visit the "Swazi Candles." Here artisans produce excellent shaped delicious wax animals, fruits, eggs and more (still an excellent gift idea!!!!). At Malkerns you can not miss to visit the "Baobab Batik" ... You risk literally to empting out the store (batik products are exceptional and you can ask to observe as they are processed). After Malkerns you should visit the typical market Manzini (open Thursday and Friday) where there is a considerable number of stalls run by local people. Leaving the delicious stands behind us we direct at the border of Lavumisa to return to South Africa.
You must remain fascinated by the landscape and local people, always ready to dispense smiles for you!