Eswatini - Big Game Parks
Eswatini (the Kingdom of Swaziland) is known for its rich culture, warm people and varied scenery. You ride across open plains, up into the scenic western mountains, and pass through rural Swazi communities.
The Mlilwane & KaMsholo ride is a seven night ride split in two regions of the country. On day six, you transfer by road from Mlilwane Rest Camp in the East to Tinsele Camp in the West. On some dates, it is possible to take part in a two night Sleep Out. This will include two nights at EmaSomini Fly Camp.
The Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail is a ten night itinerary highlighting the diversity of scenery Eswatini is famous for. After the riding trail you head to Hlane, where there is the opportunity to see lion and elephant from the safety of a safari vehicle. Then you go to the lowveld of Mkhaya Game Reserve, home to both black and white rhino. The reserves you visit have completely different habitats; Mlilwane is mountains and grassland whilst Mkhaya is typical lowveld thorn veld, so an amazing combination. This ride needs at least six people booked to confirm to run.
Due to the steep terrain much of the riding will be steady, but there are also plenty of opportunities for good canters. There are some steep ascents and descents and on which you may have to dismount and walk. You should be fit enough for up to six hours in the saddle and able to sit encounters with local livestock and dogs.
The horses are mainly Warmblood crosses with Boerperd and Arab, but also include Friesian, Clydesdale and Percheron crossbreeds. They range in height from 14.2hh to 16hh.
The saddles are Leon Liversage Enduro saddles, which are very comfortable for the long hours on the trail. All horses are ridden in snaffle bridles. The riding style is English.
There is a rider weight limit of 80kg.
Hard hats are mandatory.
On both itineraries, you start at the Mlilwane Rest Camp. The rooms are styled on traditional beehive Swazi huts with the added benefit of en-suite bathrooms.
If taking part in the Sleep Out, or on the Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail, some nights are spent in simple bush camps. The camping is in two man dome tents with bedrolls provided. There are warm water bush showers and eco-friendly long-drop toilets.
The efficient support crew prepare meals around the camp fire and transport your luggage between the overnight stops. Guests are welcome to help with camp chores and with looking after the horses.
On day six of the Mlilwane & KaMsholo ride, you transfer west to KaMsholo where you spend two nights at Tinsele Camp.
On the Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail, after the riding you stay at Ndlovu Camp in Hlane and at Stone Camp in Mkhaya . Accommodation at both is very comfortable with en suite flush loos and showers. Please note there is no electricity at either Ndlovu Camp or at Stone Camp.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo | 6 Apr 2023 - 13 Apr 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,323.89 |
|
Book | |
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo (Sleep Out) | 30 Apr 2023 - 7 May 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,353.15 |
|
Full | |
| Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail | 14 May 2023 - 24 May 2023 | 10 nights 10 ngts | $2,380.99 |
|
Full | |
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo | 6 Jun 2023 - 13 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,323.89 |
|
Book | |
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo (Sleep Out) | 20 Jun 2023 - 27 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,353.15 |
|
Book | |
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo | 28 Jun 2023 - 5 Jul 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,323.89 |
|
Book | |
| Mlilwane & KaMsholo | 1 Sep 2023 - 8 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,323.89 |
|
Book |
INCLUDES Meals; accommodation; riding; safari activities.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail: $200.81. This is charged until we find you a sharer. If you are willing to share a room (and we find you a sharer) but would like a single tent for the camping camping then the supplement is reduced to $113.48.
Mlilwane & KaMsholo: $96.46. With Sleep Out: $101.48
PAYABLE LOCALLY Tips; Inter-Park transfer on day six of the Mlilwane & KaMsholo ride (ZAR 5000).
NEAREST AIRPORT Johannesburg
TRANSFERS The transfer from Johannesburg to Mlilwane in Eswatini takes about four hours by road. Most people transfer from Johannesburg by shuttle bus which costs approximately $42.28 each way.
Your flight should arrive at Johannesburg airport by 08:00. This is so you will be in time to get the scheduled shuttle bus to eSwatini which departs from the airport at 09:00.
There is a later shuttle bus departing at 11:00, but this would mean that you would miss the afternoon ride and additional transfer costs may apply.
Return flights should depart Johannesburg after 20:00. The shuttle bus is expected to arrive back to Johannesburg airport by 16:00 but, since it is a four hour journey and includes a border crossing, delays are possible, hence us recommending your flight departs after 20:00.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Ezulwini Valley of central Eswatini, south of the city of Mbabane.
Along the western highlands Eswatini has a temperate climate. The eastern and southern lowveld areas of eSwatini are generally hot. Eswatini lies in a summer rainfall region.
The autumn months of March to May see the trees change to a beautiful colour, and towards the end of May it will get cooler. June to August is winter. Days are pleasantly warm, in the range 17 ºC to 25 ºC, ideal for riding.
Nights can be cold; in the mountains temperatures can drop sharply and frosts are not uncommon. Rain is unlikely in June and July, but possible in September.
September to November is spring. It’s a lovely time of year as the rains bring the first green grass and blossom on the trees.
The horses were in excellent condition and it was very evident that the welfare of the horses was paramount. The whole holiday far exceeded my expectations. I was perfectly teamed up with a horse that ensured I had the most wonderful 6 days of trail riding. Millpond was a perfect gentleman. All the information I required had been provided by email and in my holiday pack. Magical. A gem of a holiday, I will be returning.
Michelle ,Cheshire
Overall rating: 5/5
In The Saddle says
Eswatini has an amazing range of terrain and wildlife for such a small country. This is an ideal trip for anyone interested in an authentic safari with wilderness camping.