Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Eswatini
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $21-72 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Eswatini
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Backpacker hostels, budget guesthouses, shared dormitories, basic private rooms with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food, local markets, traditional Swazi meals, self-catering from supermarkets, roadside vendors
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public minibus taxis (kombis), shared transport, walking, occasional local buses
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free cultural sites, hiking trails, local markets, community visits, occasional nature reserves
Currency: SZL Swazi Lilangeni (pegged 1:1 with South African Rand, USD widely accepted)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Eswatini
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Travel during low season (April-September) for accommodation savings of typically 30-50%
Use public minibus taxis instead of private transport for 70-80% savings on transportation
Eat at local markets and street vendors rather than tourist restaurants for 60-75% food cost reduction
Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking platform fees of 10-20%
Join group tours instead of private guides to reduce activity costs by 40-60%
Self-cater some meals by shopping at local supermarkets to cut food expenses by 50-70%
Visit free cultural sites and hiking trails instead of paid attractions to minimize activity costs
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on private taxis and transfers instead of public transport, increasing costs by 200-400%
Eating exclusively at hotel restaurants and tourist areas, typically costing 100-200% more than local options
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season, often resulting in 50-100% higher rates
Not budgeting for park entry fees and activity costs, which can add $20-50 per day unexpectedly