The Traveling Taylors

1. Driving at Night

• The Mistake: Renting a car and driving after dark. If you plan to rent a car, a hands-free phone mount like this one can make it much easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving, however, you need to be extra careful while driving at night.
• The Risk: Roads are poorly lit, livestock often wander across highways, and potholes can appear unexpectedly.
• The Fix: Plan your driving for daylight hours or hire a trusted transfer service.

2. Using Unofficial Taxis or Minibuses

• The Mistake: Jumping into any taxi or kombi (shared minibus).
• The Risk: Overcharging, overcrowding, or poor safety standards.
• The Fix: Ask your hotel to arrange a vetted driver or use recommended shuttle services.

3. Ignoring Malaria Risk in the Lowveld

• The Mistake: Assuming malaria isn’t an issue.
• The Risk: Eastern lowveld areas, especially near Mozambique, carry seasonal risk.
• The Fix: Pack repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and consider antimalarial medication. Many travelers like carrying insect repellent towelettes like these to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away to reduce the risk of contracting malaria.

4. Drinking Tap Water in Rural Areas

• The Mistake: Assuming water is safe everywhere.
• The Risk: Tap water may not meet international standards outside cities.
• The Fix: Stick to bottled or filtered water, especially in villages and game parks. Many travelers carry a collapsible water bottle like this one filled with filtered water.

5. Getting Too Close to Wildlife

• The Mistake: Walking up to animals for photos.
• The Risk: Even zebras or baboons can be aggressive, and larger animals are dangerous.
• The Fix: Always stay in your vehicle or follow your guide’s lead in reserves.

6. Disregarding Cultural Etiquette

• The Mistake: Wearing revealing clothes or interrupting ceremonies.
• The Risk: Eswatini is deeply traditional, and disrespecting customs can offend locals.
• The Fix: Dress modestly, ask before photos, and observe quietly at cultural events. If granted permission to take photos, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage of the cultural events without being intrusive.

7. Carrying Large Amounts of Cash

• The Mistake: Flashing big bills at markets or carrying all your USD at once.
• The Risk: Petty theft or scams, especially in busy areas.
• The Fix: Carry small notes, split cash between bags, and use ATMs in bigger towns. Many travelers prefer using a slim RFID-blocking wallet like this one because it keeps cards and cash secure while taking up very little space.

Travel Smart in Eswatini

By avoiding these 7 mistakes, your trip to Eswatini can be as smooth as it is memorable. This is a safe and friendly country—but smart habits make all the difference. Respect local culture, take care on the roads, and let the kingdom’s beauty shine without distractions.