How Much Does an Eswatini Safari Cost?

As with all budget safari destinations, there are a few factors that could influence your Eswatini adventure. Trip duration, level of comfort and accommodation, transportation, group size, and time of year can all have an impact on your Eswatini safari budget. In this guide, we will explore the key elements that influence the cost of your trip, taking you one step closer to booking your African safari getaway.

Getting there: Eswatini Flights

Most people add Eswatini to a South African safari itinerary. As such, you would fly into either Johannesburg, or Durban, and drive to Eswatini after visiting the Kruger National Park or Isimangaliso National Park in KwaZulu-Natal. Alternatively, Airlink flies to King Mswati III International Airport a few times a week.

Little Flower Church Manzini

Well, that was until recently. With the launch of Eswatini Air, the Kingdom of Eswatini has become a lot more accessible, making it an easier fly-in destination. Eswatini Air now runs flights daily from Johannesburg, four flights a week from Harare, daily flights to and from Durban, and 3 times a week from Cape Town. These new routes have the potential to make Eswatini an accessible add-on to any southern African safari adventure.

Flight costs at the time of writing*:

• Cape Town to Eswatini: Between R2200 (US$ 112) and R2500 (US$ 127) one way.
• Johannesburg to Eswatini: Between R1540 (US$ 78) and R1400 (US$ 70) one way.
• Durban to Eswatini: Between R1475 (US$ 75) and R1230 (US$ 62) one way.

*I used the Eswatini Air website on the 31st of May 2023, and searched for flights a week in advance, staying for 5 days. Prices do fluctuate and change, so do check for up-to-date prices.

Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in Africa. When travelling in Eswatini, many conversations begin with “The King…”. Anything containing the word ‘royal’ is affiliated with, funded by, or owned by the monarchy. The King changed the name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, and it was the King who had the impressive US$ 150 million King Mswati III International Airport built, which has been operating since 2014.

Lion, Hlane Royal National Park

Eswatini Safari Destinations

The great thing about Eswatini is its small size. For a small, compact country, the Kingdom of Eswatini offers a wealth of parks and experiences that are easily accessible. You can drive from the north, Pigs Peak for example, to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve in the south in just over three hours, and this is pretty much the longest road trip you can do without doubling back on yourself.

The top Eswatini safari destination is Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary where guests can walk, cycle, horse ride, or do guided or self-guided game drives in the 4560 Ha reserve. In addition to Mlilwane, the Big Game Parks group also manages Hlane Royal National Park, KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, and Mkhaya Game Reserve. While these parks do not offer Big 5 safaris or the raw wilderness of parks like Kruger National Park or Hluhluwe Imfalozi in South Africa, they do offer some fantastic safari opportunities and activities. Highlights include the freedom to explore Mlilwane on foot without worrying about dangerous animals like lions, getting up close with rhinos at Hlane, and walking with knowledgeable guides at KaMsholo.

Entrance to most game parks in Eswatini is between R 70 / US$ 3.5 and R 80 / US$ 4*

Other notable Eswatini safari destinations include Malalotja Nature Reserve, Mbuluzi Game Reserve, and the Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve.

*Check with your travel agent or tour operator for up-to-date rates.

Rhino camp, Hlane Royal National Park

Find out more in 5 Eswatini Travel Treasures: The Best of the Kingdom

Eswatini Visas & Park Fees

A full passport valid for at least three months is required for entry into Eswatini. For tourist visits, visas are NOT required by citizens of most Commonwealth countries, the USA, Japan, as well as most European Union countries. Travellers are allowed to visit Eswatini for up to 30 days. Check visa requirements with your local travel agent or safari consultant.

When driving to Eswatini there is an R100 small vehicle tax that must be paid at the border. It is a good idea to have this available in cash as paying by card, while possible, takes a little longer.

Elephant safari, Hlane Royal National Park

Eswatini Safari Accommodation

Eswatini has a lot of accommodation to offer and generally is extremely good value for money. From excellent high-end hotels to safari lodges, and wild camping, there is accommodation for every budget (and even room to squeeze in some budget luxury). The below rates are samples, and are aimed as a rough guide, and may change.

The Big Game Parks rates make these parks accessible and budget-friendly:

Rest camp accommodations range from traditional beehive huts for R 515 / US$ 26 to self-catering rondavels for R 615 / US$ 32.

• Camping will cost around R 150 / US$ 8 per person per night

eSwatini safari cost - nyala

The more upmarket accommodation in Eswatini ranges from R 1050 / US$ 53 to over R 10 500 / US$ 530 and includes Royal Villas, palatial style homes, secluded bungalows in lush gardens, unique bush retreats with swimming pools set along river banks, quaint boutique hotels or mountain side escapes. The sample prices below are given per person sharing per night.

• Mbaluzi Private Lodge R920 / US$ 46 to R1030 / US$ 52
• Royal Villas R 2100 / US$ 105 to R10 500 / US$ 530
• Phophonyane Lodge R 955 / US$ 49 to R 1564 / US$ 79

As with most destinations, the most budget-friendly option will always be camping. Eswatini is no exception, and for the outdoorsy types, camping will cost around R 150 / US$ 7.5 per night.

The rates given are meant as guidelines and are subject to change. If you are planning a trip to Eswatini, check for up-to-date prices and accommodation options or chat with one of our travel experts.

Hiking Malolotja Nature Reserve

Eswatini & the Time of Year

The Kingdom of Eswatini has a warm subtropical climate with no clearly defined seasons. While availability may be affected at busy times of the year like over the December holidays and during big festivals like Bushfire, this will not affect your Eswatini budget.

Types of Eswatini Safari & Group Size

Because of its small size, most Eswatini trips are used as add-ons and stop-overs. There are various packages available from overland camping safaris to overland lodge safaris, to private, and small group tours. These tours follow any number of routes between Johannesburg, Kruger, Isimangaliso, Hluhluwe, Durban, Drakensberg, Lesotho, Mozambique, Addo, and the Western Cape.

• 9-day self-drive from Johannesburg to Durban will cost US$ 606

Hlane Royal National Park costs

The type of safari that you choose to take will depend on your budget, your comfort with large groups and strangers, and the duration of your travels. Self-drives are great as you can move at your own pace, and visit some of the more out-of-the-way destinations. Large group overland tours are often the most cost-effective as they spread the cost between the 20-odd people with whom you will share your adventure.

• 8 days from Johannesburg to Durban including Kruger, Panorama Route, Hluhluwe, iSimangaliso, and Mlilwane: US$ 1601, 20 travellers, lodge overland
• 8 days from Johannesburg to Durban including Kruger, Panorama Route, Hluhluwe, iSimangaliso, and Mlilwane: US$ 1006, 20 travellers, camping overland

It goes without saying that private tours, smaller more intimate group tours, like couples or small family or friend groups, can be more expensive. Overland trips, on the other hand, with larger tour groups, will spread the cost and so be much more affordable. That said, African Budget Safaris specializes in private bespoke safaris that can be surprisingly affordable.

Hlane chalet accommodation

Eswatini Safari Extras

It is always nice to do a few extra activities, and Eswatini has a lot to offer from visiting the world-renowned Ngwenya Glass to white water rafting, caving, and safari walks, drives, and guided tours. Each destination has its own special treat, and it is worth budgeting for these excursions.

Big Game Parks’ Hlane Royal, Mlilwane, and KaMsholo all offer an array of activities at reasonable prices. The game drive in the Hlane Royal Game Reserve may not have the appeal of raw wilderness, but it is a rare opportunity to get up close to endangered white rhinos.

• Game drives R455 / US$ 23 pp
• Game walk R270 / US$ 14
• Rhino drive at Hlane Royal R325 / US$ 16
• A 2-hour bird walk is R270 / US$ 14
• Horse riding R390 / US$ 20
• Malaloja Canopy Tour R 750 / US$ 38
• Mbaluzi 4x4 rental R 850 / US$ 43

Futhi Mhlanga selling eSwatini crafts at Manzini market

Looking for curios, keepsakes, and gifts for folks who had to stay home is another sometimes overlooked expense. Ngwenya Glass, Swazi Candles, Mantenga Craft Centre, and House On Fire are a few examples of excellent places to find something really special. What you want to spend depends on you and your budget, but keepsakes can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It really does depend on you.

Ngwenya Glass, Eswatini safari cost

Book Eswatini with African Budget Safaris

African Budget Safari offers 19 tours that include Eswatini, with prices ranging from US$606 to US$ 4202 per person. Most arrive in Johannesburg (South Africa), and drive the Panorama Route to the Kruger National Park before passing through Eswatini, and returning to Johannesburg, or going on to KwaZulu-Natal. Others include Lesotho or Mozambique and can wander as far afield as Cape Town.

You can browse our Eswatini Safari packages here, or talk to one of our experienced African Budget Safari travel consultants today to make your Eswatini dream a reality.

For more information about the cost of African safaris see our African Safari Cost guide. This comprehensive guide covers general safari prices, compares safari costs in different countries, and is updated regularly.