We visit the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere

We visit Eswatini. Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.

As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply ingrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit. As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe. Add to that stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains, plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five

Highlights

Hlane Royal National Park

Big 5

Fauna and Flora

Culture

Scenery

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mountains

Bulembu

Map

South Africa

Start Point: Pretoria

Eswatini

Day 1 - 2

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Budget Camping

Day 3 - 4

Hlane Royal NP Ndlovu Budget Camp

Day 5

Bulembu Bulembu Country Lodge

South Africa

Day 6

Barberton Diggers Retreat Hotel

Day 7

Barberton (No accommodation)

End Point: Barberton

Day 1 & 2

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Get ready for the safari of a lifetime as you begin your time with us and your tour begins. We'll introduce you to your guide, give you a taste of what lies ahead, and, without further delay, set out on our amazing journey together.

Everybody enjoys the informal atmosphere of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the oldest protected area in Eswatini, having been converted from farmland by the Reilly family in 1961. This isn't Big Five territory, but you're likely to see hippo, zebra and giraffe, along with antelope such as nyala, blesbok, wildebeest and roan. Best of all, because there are so few dangerous animals around, you have the freedom to explore this hilly reserve on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, as well as on game drives.

Activities Day 1

Early Morning

Meet your guide. The meeting place in Pretoria will be communicated before the start of the tour., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Morning

Drive behind your guide to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Eswatini., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Around Lunchtime

Border crossing, South Africa to Eswatini

Afternoon

Follow dirt roads winding through the local villages to Mlilwane., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Evening

You have the choice of preparing your own food or eat at the local restaurant., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Discuss the planning for the days ahead of us over dinner., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Night

Enjoy your first night in the African bush., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities Day 2

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit the Nsangwini Rock Art Site, an atmospheric site that preserves Swaziland’s best Bushman paintings. The paintings, which lie beneath a rock overhang down a rocky trail, are the work of the hunter-gatherer San people and could be up to 4,000 years old.
Stop at viewpoints overlooking the Maguga Dam, an impressive expanse of blue water. The dam is Eswatini’s largest reservoir, and its wall, which stands 115m high, is the fourth largest in Southern Africa.

Afternoon

Visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory. The reason why Ngwenya Glass is so special is that only recycled glass is used – mainly old cool drink bottles- and that every piece is totally handmade and mouth-blown. People from all over Swaziland/Eswatini collect bottles and are paid a certain amount per kilogram for clean glass. Ngwenya must be the cleanest area because any bottle that catches the children‘s attention finds its way into the factory!

Evening

Prepare your own meal or eat at the local restaurant., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Discuss the day's adventures over dinner., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation Day 1 & 2

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Budget Camping

Stay at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Budget Camping with us. It's an excellent place to stay as you enjoy this leg of your trip.

Mlilwane Budget Camp Facilities

Information at Reception - Yes
Electricity - Yes
Communal Ablution Facilities – Yes
Communal Kitchen – Yes
Running Water – Yes
Drinkable Water - Yes (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – Yes
Toilet – Yes
Dishwashing Facilities – Yes
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No
Swimming Pool - No
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - Yes
Shop – No
Restaurant – Yes
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 3 & 4

Hlane Royal National Park

Hlane Royal National Park was proclaimed as a National Park in 1967, following Mlilwane Game Sanctuary (1961), under the instruction of King Sobhuza ll. "Hlane" is the siSwati name for 'wilderness'.

Hlane is an affordable lowveld destination with exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. This 22,000 ha park, once the region’s rich hunting grounds, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom, with speciality species being lion, elephant, vultures and marabou stork.

Activities Day 3

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Stop at the largest granite pluton in the world. Sibebe Rock, just north of Mbabane, is one of southern Africa’s most impressive geological features. This immense, three-billion-year-old volcanic slab, which rises to 1,488 meters and covers an area of approximately 16,500 hectares, is the world’s largest granite dome. Only Australia’s Uluru pips it to the title of ‘world’s largest rock’.

All Day

Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of the World view., Hlane Royal National Park

Evening

Prepare your own meal or eat at the local restaurant., Hlane Royal National Park
Discuss the day's adventures over dinner., Ndlovu Camp

Night

Maybe the roar of lion will keep you awayk tonight., Ndlovu Camp

Activities Day 4

Early Morning

Join an early morning drive on an open game-view vehicle. Rise with the wildlife to see in the day, camera in hand for the golden photography hour. Tea/coffee and a snack are included. The drive’s duration is 2.5 hours, and you will be able to watch the sunrise over unspoilt bush. On your morning drive, you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the sunrise. An experienced guide will interpret the natural bush as well as offer further insight into the ways of the national park or nature reserve.

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Ndlovu Budget Camping
Join a guided visit to a real Chief’s village. The Hlane Umphakatsi (Chief Village) is an intriguing group outing which embraces the rural Swazi way of life and shares the benefits of tourism. The experience includes a tour of the authentic living homestead, an explanation of and adherence to traditional culture, trying your hand at day-to-day activities and engaging with residents. The Swazi people are proud of their rich cultural heritage, which is transmitted by word of mouth from one generation to the next.

The Umphakatsi Experience is a 2,5 hour external self-drive activity, for which a guide is provided. The duration includes a 25-minute drive either way from Hlane’s Ndlovu Camp.

Rest of Day

Explore Hlane Royal National Park on you own., Hlane Royal National Park

Afternoon

Watch the animals visiting the waterhole opposite the restaurant., Hlane Royal National Park

Evening

Prepare your own meal or eat at the local restaurant., Ndlovu Budget Camping
Discuss the day's adventures over dinner in the restaurant., Ndlovu Budget Camping

Accommodation Day 3 & 4

Ndlovu Budget Camp

Stay at Hlane Ndlovu Budget Camping with us. It's an excellent place to stay as you enjoy this leg of your trip.

Facilities

Information at Reception – Yes
Electricity - No
Communal Ablution Facilities – Yes
Communal Kitchen – Yes
Running Water – Yes
Drinkable Water - Yes (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – Yes
Toilet – Yes
Dishwashing Facilities – Yes
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No
Swimming Pool - No
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - Yes
Shop – No
Restaurant – Yes
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 5

Bulembu

Located in the malaria-free, northern Hhohho region, Bulembu Country Lodge stands at the foot of Mount Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest mountain. The town of Bulembu is surrounded by the natural beauty of lush green hills and eucalyptus forests. Bulembu Country Lodge presents a charming blend of history, nature, beauty and comfort. Bulembu was once a thriving asbestos mining community of about 10,000 people. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the mine was closed. In later years the old infrastructure was upgraded and today it is home to about 1,000 orphans, a country lodge and honey farming to name a few.

Activities Day 5

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Ndlovu Camp

Rest of Day

Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge., Bulembu Country Lodge

Afternoon

Visit the Bulembu Museum. It serves as a cultural beacon in Eswatini, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of local history and heritage. Situated in a scenic area, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the stories of the Bulembu community, providing a fascinating insight into their traditions, struggles, and triumphs. As you walk through the museum, you will encounter a variety of exhibits that include historical photographs, artefacts, and informative displays that tell the story of this vibrant region. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated to offer a glimpse into the daily lives and cultural expressions of the people of Bulembu, making it an educational experience for tourists of all ages.

Evening

Prepare your own meal or eat the local restaurant., Bulembu Country Lodge
Discuss the day's adventures over dinner in the restaurant., Bulembu Country Lodge

Accommodation Day 5

Bulembu Country Lodge

Lodge

When you stay at Bulembu Country Lodge, you're in a good location to enjoy this leg of your trip.

Facilities

Information at Reception – Yes
Electricity - Yes
Communal Ablution Facilities – Yes
Communal Kitchen – Yes
Running Water – Yes
Drinkable Water - Yes (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – Yes
Toilet – Yes
Dishwashing Facilities – Yes
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No
Swimming Pool - No
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - Yes
Shop – No
Restaurant – Yes
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 6

Barberton

Barberton is a town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, which has its origin in the 1880s gold rush in the region. It is situated in the De Kaap Valley and is fringed by the Makhonjwa Mountains.

The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are amongst the oldest in the world, dating back 3.5 billion years. The mountains have some of the oldest exposed rocks on the planet. The volcanic rocks make up 40% of what scientists call the Barberton Greenstone Belt, and have provided direct evidence of the conditions of life on the surface of the very early Earth.

Activities Day 6

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Bulembu Country Lodge
Border crossing, Eswatini to South Africa

Rest of Day

The pass between Barberton and the Josefsdal border post is the drive's highlight. The incredibly scenic mountain pass is regarded as, arguably, one of the most spectacularly scenic drives in southern Africa. People describe it as 'jaw-droppingly beautiful'. It twists and turns its way through one of Mpumalanga's most beautiful valleys and over some of the oldest mountains on earth.

Evening

Prepare your own meal or eat at the local restaurant., Diggers Retreat Hotel
Discuss the day's adventures over dinner., Diggers Retreat Hotel

Accommodation Day 6

Diggers Retreat Hotel

Rondavel

Welcome to Digger's Retreat Hotel, a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organisation. Even though we may not get to know you very well, we hope that you will feel comfortable and happy, as if you were in your own home. May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, and helpful for those you meet. peace and rest while under our roof. When you leave, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey, and we look forward to hosting you on your next visit.

Facilities

Information at Reception – Yes
Electricity - Yes
Communal Ablution Facilities – Yes
Communal Kitchen – Yes
Running Water – Yes
Drinkable Water - Yes (To be on the safe side, boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water)
Hot and Cold Water – Yes
Toilet – Yes
Dishwashing Facilities – Yes
Air conditioner – No
Laundromat – No
Swimming Pool - Yes
Wi-Fi - No
Cell Phone Reception - Yes
Shop – No
Restaurant – Yes
Fuel Station – No
Public Telephones; Post Box – No
Limited DSTV – No
Basic First Aid Assistance – No (Johan and Elna do, however, have basic first aid qualifications)
Emergency road service – No
Bank/ATM – No
Carwash – No

Day 7

Your last day with us

As our time together draws to a close, we say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own, whenever you feel ready to leave. We hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with us and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.

Activity Day 7

Morning

Prepare your own breakfast or have breakfast at the local restaurant., Diggers Retreat Hotel
You depart for your next destination when you are ready., Diggers Retreat Hotel

Ready to Share

7-Day Eswatini Legend Budget Camping Tour

We visit the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere

Highlights

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities Day 1

Early Morning

Morning

Around Lunchtime

Afternoon

Evening

Night

Activities Day 2

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Budget Camping

Hlane Royal National Park

Activities Day 3

Morning

All Day

Evening

Night

Activities Day 4

Early Morning

Morning

Rest of Day

Afternoon

Evening

Ndlovu Budget Camp

Bulembu

Activities Day 5

Morning

Rest of Day

Afternoon

Evening

Bulembu Country Lodge

Barberton

Activities Day 6

Morning

Rest of Day

Evening

Diggers Retreat Hotel

Your last day with us

Activity Day 7

Morning

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

7 Days / 6 Nights

7-Day Eswatini Legend Budget Camping Tour

From Price

Included

Excluded