The Traveling Taylors

5 E-Swatini Rental Car Secrets You Need to Know

In fact, renting an Eswatini rental car is one of the best ways to experience the country, but the secrets to having a great experience aren’t found in guidebooks. If you plan to rent a car, hands-free phone mount like this one can make it easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving.

Secret #1: The Real Cost of Renting a Car in Eswatini

Most rental car websites quote you a rate, but that’s not the real cost of renting a car in Eswatini. When you factor in insurance, fuel, and tolls, the real cost becomes much higher.

• Insurance: Most companies charge extra for this, and it can add $10-$20 to your daily rate
• Fuel: Fuel in Eswatini is expensive. Expect to pay $1.50 USD+ per liter
• Tolls: Some main highways have tolls ($1-$3 each)
• Parking: Some hotels charge for parking

Budget accordingly. A 3-day rental that looks like it costs $120 might actually cost $200+ when all expenses are included. If you’re traveling between multiple regions with your rental car, packing cubes like these can help keep your suitcase organized so you can easily find what you need.

Secret #2: How to Navigate Roads You’ve Never Seen

Many of Eswatini’s best attractions are on roads you’ve likely never heard of. Google Maps isn’t always accurate in Eswatini, and some roads don’t appear on any map. Before you drive, download offline maps and know which roads you can and can’t drive on.

Many travelers like using a secure phone holder like this one so they can easily follow navigation directions while driving.

Secret #3: The Best Time of Day to Explore

The best time to explore Eswatini in a rental car is during daylight hours, preferably starting early in the morning. Morning light offers beautiful photo opportunities, and you’ll avoid driving at night when wildlife is more active on the roads. Roads can be dangerous at night, and visibility is poor. Getting ready to explore this place for yourself? Planning a trip here in the near future? For travelers who want high-quality photos and videos, a lightweight mirrorless camera like this one is a popular option for documenting trips.

Secret #4: Finding Hidden Gems That Can’t Be Googled

The best experiences in Eswatini are often found by talking to local people, not by Googling. Ask your hotel staff, tour guides, and locals about secret spots. Many hidden gems don’t have websites or social media pages, so you won’t find them online.

Secret #5: The Unwritten Rules of the Road

Eswatini has some unwritten rules about driving. For example, it’s common to flash your headlights to warn other drivers of police ahead. Drivers often honk when passing, and it’s considered polite to pull over and let faster traffic pass. Understanding these unwritten rules will make your experience much better.

Eswatini Rental Car Essentials

Make sure your rental car rental includes basic essentials like a spare tire, jack, and jumper cables. Some companies don’t include these, and you could be stuck if you need them. Always do a pre-trip inspection of your car and take pictures of any damage. Many travelers recommend using an instant camera like this one that lets you snap photos and print them right away. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you return the car.