The Kingdom of Eswatini
Eswatini Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Despite being the smallest country in the Southern hemisphere, Eswatini more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities. As one of the few remaining executive monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. You will find Eswatini is a welcoming Kingdom with wonderfully stunning landscapes, friendly people and up close and personal wildlife sightings. Walk within the reserves, learning to track animals, and truly immerse yourself into the African bush where your senses will come alive. Eswatini is bound tightly with its culture and there will be opportunities to see traditional dancing and to hear beautifully harmonised singing.
Tour Highlights
• Walk amongst small game at Milwane Sanctuary and take a sunset drive
• Take a Lion Safari at Royal Hlane National Park
• Enjoy a Rhino safari at Mkhaya Conservation Area
• Meet the Shewula community, a friendly agricultural people, with traditional thatch and stone houses
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
2/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
3/5
Wildlife
5/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Eswatini – Approximate driving time today is 4.5 hours
You will be met on arrival at 10:00 am OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg and transfer by road to Eswatini and Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival there is the chance to stretch your legs and walk in the reserve and see wildlife on foot. The walk can be as long or as short as you want as there are a number of trails in different aspects of the reserve. This is dependent on your arrival time. This evening we have a group evening meal and welcome as you start your amazing holiday in Eswatini. Overnight at Mlilwane Rest Camp where you will be staying in traditional beehive accommodation. (D)
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane is Eswatini’s pioneer conservation area, a beautiful, secluded sanctuary situated in Eswatini’s “Valley of Heaven”, the Ezulwini Valley. Look out for the abundant bird life and animals such as crocodile, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala and warthog. It is a photographer’s paradise. Mlilwane is Eswatini's oldest protected area and gave birth to the concept of nature conservation in the Kingdom. Ted Reilly, having witnessed the disappearance of wildlife, turned his 450 ha family farm, Mlilwane, into the Sanctuary as it is today. There is a network of trails through Mlilwane, ranging from a leisurely stroll along the plains where a variety of game are often found to the harder trails leading up to the infamous Rock of Execution. The trailing philosophy is to promote an affinity with nature and if you are quiet, you should see a wide variety of animals along the different trails such as wildebeest, zebra and many antelope.
Day 2: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Umphakatsi
This morning there is a gentle walk through the reserve on the Crocodile Trail. This is a trail around the main pool and the central plains. Be prepared to see wildlife on foot including wildebeest, impala and zebra. This is a gentle stroll with lots of options to cut short or lengthen. It will be a slow walk as we will be stopping to see wildlife all the time. There is also time to learn about the reserve and visit the education boards dotted around the camp. Later we travel a short distance to a traditional Swazi village and learn about local culture and traditions through the medium of song and dance. Overnight at Mlilwane Rest Camp. (BLD)
Note – if the group is 2 travellers or less, a Lobamba Walking Tour will be done instead of Umphakatsi.
Day 3: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary at leisure
Today is at leisure to enjoy Milwane Sanctuary. Optional activities paid locally include horse-riding, mountain biking, or the 3 – 4 hour hike to execution rock. Or you can choose just to wander in the reserve close to the camp. Overnight at Mlilwane Rest Camp. (BLD)
Day 4: Malolotja Nature Reserve – Gone Rural – Swazi Candles
Drive to Malandela's and have a quick tour of eSwatini’ s number 1 performance venue. Continue to Gone Rural for a community development tour run by an NGO empowering local women through weaving. Here, learn about Swazi handicrafts in the workshop and the women behind these striking products that are loved all over the world. At lunchtime drive to Swazi Candles Complex where you will have lunch and later see other items produced by local artisans. Later this afternoon we return to Malolotja Nature Reserve in time for the sunset over the mountains. Overnight Malolotja Nature Reserve Cabins. (BLD)
Day 5: Malolotja Nature Reserve and Ngwenya Glass Factory
After an early breakfast at Malolotja, meet the hiking guide at 8am. Transfer to Logwaja view point to start the hike. Hike to the highest waterfalls in Eswatini (100m). The hike is about 4 hours in duration. On our return, there will be time to freshen up before a visit to Ngwenya Glass Complex where you will enjoy a light lunch. Spend time visiting the Ngwenya Glass Factory and observe the amazing glass blowing process as well as exploring the beautiful products produced by Eswatini's artisans from bags,chocolate to gin! Return to Malolotja in time for sunset and dinner. Overnight Malolotja Nature Reserve Cabins. (BLD)
Note – If you prefer to stay at the nature reserve instead of embarking on the hike then please let us know.
Day 6: Malolotja Nature Reserve - Mbabane – Ezulwini
Enjoy the morning skies before breakfast at Malolotja where you will see beautiful views over the mountains. Drive to Maguga Dam – eSwatini’s largest reservoir where you will be able to take pictures and enjoy the views whilst learning about the history and impact of the dam. Pass by imposing Sibebe Rock, the second largest exposed granite rock in the World and on to Ezulwini to Mantenga Lodge for lunch with impressive views. After lunch head to the cultural village and visit the water fall before visiting the cultural village, observing male and female dances key to Swazi culture and a walk around the homestead to learn about local traditions. Overnight Malandela’s Guest House. (BLD)
Day 7: Mbabane - Mkhaya Game Reserve
We start early today at 8am. Today we travel to Mkhaya Game Reserve, named after the Acacia nigrescens tree. The reserve comprises of acacia dominated thornveld in the south and broadleaf sandveld in the north. Unique, intimate encounters with Mkhaya’s wildlife are exceptional and all travel within the reserve is by open Land Rovers or on foot. The reserve is criss-crossed with dry riverbeds, dotted with waterholes and has a network of intertwined game-viewing roads. Mkhaya currently supports three of the Big Five; with leopard, buffalo and rhino being present on the reserve – there are no lions or elephants at Mkhaya, but it is most famous for its rhino conservation. You should be able to see rhino up close and personal. A host of other game such as giraffe, hippo, crocodile, roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, eland, kudu, ostrich and vervet monkey are also seen regularly.
The birdlife is also abundant and the rare Narina Trogan can sometimes be seen in camp along with the more common species such as the crested guinea fowl. Mkhaya was set up as a breeding program for endangered species such as the black rhino, roan and sable - a sighting of the elusive black rhino is normally very high up most visitors list, so keep your eyes peeled on those game drives. We will be at the gate of the this reserve by 10am and then on arrival you will have some time at leisure to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the camp before embarking on an afternoon sundowner drive. Overnight at Stone Camp. (BLD)
Stone Camp
Laid out along the banks of a dry river bed, is Stone Camp where the vegetation comprises of tall fig, leadwood, sausage and knob thorn trees, with a lush under-canopy giving it a year round subtropical appearance. The camp is known as 'Stone Camp' due to the dolerite rocks used in the construction of the semi-open stone and thatch cottages. The whole living area is comfortable, quiet and relaxing and a welcome retreat after a day out in the African sun. Following the sandy path to your accommodation, which winds its way through the bush, you realise what an exceptional experience you're going to have at Mkhaya. Stone Camp is unique in style and offers visitors the opportunity of really getting back to nature. Each unit is laid out discretely in the riverine forest overlooking the dry riverbed, linked by pathways which are lit at night by paraffin lanterns. The entire internal structure of these cottages, although veiled for privacy, is open to the external bush, which gives visitors a totally unique and true bush experience. There is no electricity in the camp which adds to the charm and tranquillity of the camp.
Day 8: Mkhaya Game Reserve
A full day to enjoy the Mkhaya Game Reserve. There will be an early morning sunrise safari before breakfast and also another sundowner safari. In between there will be an option to do a walking safari late morning and also you can sit and patiently wait and watch for animals and birds at the hide. Mkhaya is staffed and patrolled entirely by Swazis from neighbouring communities and has what is arguably Africa's most effective anti-poaching unit. The reserve is totally self-financing through visitor revenues. Overnight at Stone Camp. (BLD)
Day 9: Mkhaya Game Reserve - Hlane Royal National Park
We depart the park at around 10am and head to Hlane. Check in at Hlane and then enjoy some time at leisure before later this afternoon we will go on a sun downer safari in the park to hopefully obtain sightings of, rhino and lion amongst others, so have your cameras ready. Overnight Hlane Royal National Park. (BLD)
Ndlovu Camp
At Ndlovu Camp, there is an open-air restaurant and a game-viewing deck where you can sit back and enjoy the view of the waterhole – a perfect place for sundowners, tasty meals and relaxation. The food in the evenings is diverse and often game meat is available. The camp is open, has no electricity and is reminiscent of the old Kruger. Ndlovu Camp has delightful en suite twin rondavels near to Ndlovu waterhole. These twin rooms are beautifully designed and set in the bush away from the main part of the camp. There are often impala wandering through the area and each rondavel has its own veranda. There is no electricity in the camp and paraffin lights are provided giving a wonderful atmosphere to your room. Be lulled to sleep by the distant roar of lion.
Hlane Royal National Park
In the vast bushveld expanse of eastern Eswatini where the hot, still sun of Africa beats on the dry but life-giving soils lays Eswatini’s largest protected area, Hlane Royal National Park. Hlane is home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom and at night you go to sleep listening to the rumbling roars of lion. The first thing you should do is to walk down to the water hole as you never know what is there – often there are white rhino and maybe hippo, crocs and a host of antelope too.
It is one of the best places in Eswatini to see wildlife on a regular basis. Hlane offers fantastic sightings of white rhino, and Eswatini claims to be the best place to see rhino in the world. There are also elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, hyena, as well as large populations of zebra, wildebeest and impala. Hlane covers 30 000 hectares of Swazi bushveld, dominated by ancient hardwood vegetation. The park is home to the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa. Game drives in Hlane's open Land Rover's take you to the bush and experience the sights and sounds of Hlane against the roar of Hlane’s magnificent lions – the symbol of royalty and the pride of Eswatini.
Day 10: Hlane Royal National Park - Mbuluzi Game Reserve
After breakfast we take a rhino drive to see these wonderful animals up close and maybe even on foot. After lunch we travel the short distance to Mbuluzi Game Reserve which encompasses some of Eswatini's most pristine bush-veld with a variety of landscapes and excellent biodiversity. Here there are many kilometres of well-marked and maintained trails offering short strolls to explore the area at your own time and pace. Common species include zebra, kudu, impala and warthog although the main attraction is the giraffe as it is possible to walk within these herds without disturbing them, a unique way to see giraffe. We will spend the rest of the day here exploring the bush before later returning to Hlane and the watering hole for sundowners. Overnight Hlane Royal National Park. (BLD)
Day 11: Hlane Royal National Park - Shewula Mountain Camp
At around 9am after a leisurely breakfast we take a short but slow journey to Shewula Mountain Camp (the roads are fairly bumpy but it is worth the tri), which is the first community eco-tourism project in Eswatini and one of the most successful in the whole of southern Africa. The camp is fully owned and run by the community, meaning that all profits are shared by the community in an effort to continually develop and improve this traditionally impoverished area. Arrive in time for an educational walk amongst the community where you will learn about life in Shewula and be shown into people’s homes. The Shewula community is a friendly agricultural people, with traditional thatch and stone houses dotted neatly among fields of maize cotton and vegetables. They encourage visitors to their area to enjoy the incredible view, gain an insight into traditional Swazi lifestyles. Have lunch on the escarpment looking over the Lubumbo Conservancy and the view here is incredible. This is a traditional lunch cooked by the ladies of the camp and you can taste delicious, genuine Swazi food. After lunch there will be the chance for an optional hike but if you prefer just relax at camp and enjoy the stunning views. Overnight at Shewula Mountain Camp. (BLD)
Day 12: Depart Eswatini for Johannesburg (Approximate driving time is 4.5 hours)
Depart at around 8am for the journey back to South Africa for your onward journey or perhaps you may wish to extend your trip with some tailored arrangements in South Africa. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Essential Info
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Eswatini that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals can enter Eswatini for a tourist visit without a visa. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
You must ensure that you have no Israeli stamps in your passport.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
