“Plan your budget with ease – discover the average cost of accommodation, meals, and activities in Eswatini.”

Budgeting for Eswatini: Average Costs for Accommodation, Meals, and Activities

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife. If you are planning a trip to Eswatini, it is important to budget accordingly to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In this article, we will discuss the average costs for accommodation, meals, and activities in Eswatini to help you plan your trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses when traveling, and Eswatini offers a range of options to suit different budgets. The average cost of a budget hotel or guesthouse in Eswatini is around $30-$50 per night. These accommodations are usually clean and comfortable, with basic amenities such as a bed, bathroom, and sometimes a small kitchenette. Mid-range hotels and lodges cost between $50-$100 per night and offer more amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Luxury accommodations such as game lodges and resorts can cost upwards of $200 per night.

If you are traveling on a tight budget, there are also options for camping and backpacking. Campsites in Eswatini cost around $10-$20 per night and offer basic facilities such as a shower and toilet. Backpacker hostels are also available in major cities such as Mbabane and Manzini, with prices ranging from $10-$20 per night.

Meals

Food is an essential part of any travel experience, and Eswatini offers a range of delicious and affordable options. The average cost of a meal in a local restaurant is around $5-$10 per person. These restaurants serve traditional Swazi cuisine such as pap and stew, grilled meat, and vegetables. Fast food chains such as KFC and McDonald’s are also available in major cities, with prices ranging from $5-$10 per meal.

If you prefer to cook your meals, there are supermarkets and grocery stores in major cities such as Mbabane and Manzini. The cost of groceries in Eswatini is relatively affordable, with prices similar to those in Western countries. A week’s worth of groceries for two people can cost around $50-$100, depending on your preferences.

Activities

Eswatini offers a range of activities for travelers, from cultural experiences to wildlife safaris. The cost of activities in Eswatini varies depending on the type of experience you are looking for. Cultural experiences such as visiting a traditional Swazi village or attending a cultural festival can cost around $10-$20 per person. These experiences offer a unique insight into Swazi culture and traditions.

Wildlife safaris are also popular in Eswatini, with several national parks and game reserves to choose from. The cost of a wildlife safari varies depending on the park and the type of experience you are looking for. A day trip to Hlane Royal National Park, for example, costs around $30-$50 per person, while a multi-day safari at Mkhaya Game Reserve can cost upwards of $500 per person.

Other popular activities in Eswatini include hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. The cost of these activities varies depending on the location and the type of experience you are looking for. A guided hike in the Malolotja Nature Reserve, for example, costs around $20-$30 per person, while a horse riding excursion in the Ezulwini Valley can cost around $50-$100 per person.

Conclusion

In conclusion, budgeting for a trip to Eswatini requires careful planning and consideration of the costs of accommodation, meals, and activities. The average cost of a budget hotel or guesthouse is around $30-$50 per night, while the cost of a meal in a local restaurant is around $5-$10 per person. Activities such as cultural experiences and wildlife safaris vary in cost, with prices ranging from $10-$20 per person for cultural experiences and upwards of $500 per person for multi-day safaris. By budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Eswatini.