Discover the beauty and unique atmosphere of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) on this amazing holiday of a lifetime. There are 3 main elements that make this trip to eSwatini so special – the animals, the walking and the people.

eSwatini is one of the few places where walking safaris are encouraged and the close-up nature of this makes for an incredible experience. We will see zebra, hippo, impala and other wildlife in their natural habitat. For the bigger beasts, we will use the more traditional jeep method of transport hoping to spot elephant, rhino, giraffe, lion and more. The area is also host to a huge variety of birds. Away from the safari, we will walk in the highveld through the most stunning flora and fauna.

This holiday allows us the opportunity to meet local people who welcome us in to their places of work and villages. It is a truly important part of our stay to take this chance to see how the people of eSwatini live. It is a welcoming and friendly country and a great place to visit especially if this is your first trip to Africa.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Wed 7 Sept: Overnight flight to Johannesburg

Thurs 8 Sept: Arrival and private transfer to eSwatini. Short orientation walk depending on arrival time.

Fri 9 Sept: Visit Mantenga village to find out about life in an eSwatini community. Afternoon walking safari in Milwane to see many species of wildlife and birds.

Sat 10 Sept: A morning walking safari in a different area of the reserve to see zebra. Free afternoon with optional mountain biking or horse-riding tour. Or simply relax at our base and enjoy watching the wild world go by.

Sun 11 Sept: Drive to Mkhaya Game Reserve. En-route we will visit Gone Rural to find about women’s lives here in eSwatini and then on to see candles being made – time for shopping too. Once at Mkhaya there will be an afternoon game drive to see, among others, elephant and rhino.

Mon 12 Sept: An early morning and a late afternoon game drive in search of more wildlife. In between there is the opportunity to learn how to track wildlife and to visit a local hide to observe animals making use of a nearby watering hole.

Tues 13 Sept: On our way to Hlane, we stop at a local school supported by Sense Africa. There will be time to chat or play with the children before heading off for a sundowner safari to see elephant, rhino and lion.

Wed 14 Sept: Early morning rhino drive by jeep and, if possible, on foot. On to Mbuluzi Game Reserve for a full day’s walking in pristine bush-veld where it is possible to walk with giraffe among other things!

Thurs 15 Sept: Walk in Shewula, the first community eco-tourism project in eSwatini. Be guided by the local people as we explore life in this unique place.

Fri 16 Sept: Travel to Forrester’s Arms with afternoon walk throught the plantations.

Sat 17 Sept: Walk in the Malolotja Nature Reserve, a prime highveld conservation area.

Sun 18 Sept: Visit visit Ngwenya mine, the oldest mine in the world and then on to the local glass factory.

Mon 19 Sept: Return journey to Johannesburgh for flight home

Tues 20 Sept: Arrive home after overnight flight.

If you are interested in this holiday, there is a fuller itinerary available on request. Please email us for details.

• Price
• Grade
• Accommodation
• Guide
• Travel

£2,500 in a shared twin room Single room supplement £280 For this trip, the non-refundable deposit is 10% within 7 days of booking. The remainder of the cost is due 16 weeks in advance. If you would like to pay the balance in 2 instalments then this is also an option. Please ask for details. Included in the price Full board accommodation. Airport transfer at set times. All internal transport by private vehicle. Safaris by jeep and on foot. Local guides and activities as described. National Park fees. Not included Flight and airport taxes. ATOL protected flights can be booked via a recommended agent. Tips. Insurance. Any increase in National Park fees. Personal shopping and additional activities.

The walks are around 5 miles on some days. They are taken at a leisurely pace especially in the wildlife areas where there is much to see.  There are opportunities to extend the walks on some days if required.

3 nights hotel. 8 nights safari hut /stone camp accommodation. All accommodation is chosen for its unique character and comfort.

Jenny Bowen of Sense Africa. Jenny is the UK expert on Eswatini having spent 20 years working and travelling there. She has supported many local projects and is a highly respected authority on the country. She is also a lovely, funny, genuine person who will make this the trip of a lifetime. Clare Kelly will be joining Jenny not strictly as a guide but because she really wants to visit Eswatini.

Flights are not included in the holiday price. We fly to Johannesburg in South Africa and from there is it a 4.5 hour drive by private bus to our accommodation in Eswatini. You will be met at the airport by your guide. Flights for our travel dates have not yet been released. If you would prefer ATOL protected flights then we will send details of an agent. Please note that we require minimum numbers to run our holidays and we ask you not to book your flight until we inform you that the holiday is due to go ahead as planned.