16-Day Eswatini, Kruger Guided Self-Drive Budget Camping

At OR Tambo International Airport, you arrive. You will be met by our shuttle service and taken to a Centurion (Pretoria) hotel. Your guide will meet you when you have settled in and go with you to pick up your rental car.

Unwind after your lengthy travel; tomorrow is the start of your adventure.
Accommodation: InnJoy Boutique Hotel

Before the tour begins, you will be informed of the location and time of your guide's meeting.
As directed by your guide, enter Eswatini through the Waverley/Lundzi Border Post. Your experience entering Eswatini through one of the smaller border checkpoints is more customized and laid back. The convoy travels down narrow gravel roads that meander past a few of Eswatini's rural settlements. You have never experienced a rural Swazi lifestyle before.

With a stunning mountain backdrop, Mlilwane's Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) provides a plethora of opportunities for adventures and pastimes.

Over dinner in the restaurant, your guide will talk about the adventures that lie ahead.

The ideal vehicle for the road and trail conditions of this excursion is a 4x4 vehicle.

Note: For an overview of the advantages of owning a car, see our company profile.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

If the weather permits, we will drive to the summit of the mountain after breakfast to enjoy breathtaking views. We never know what wildlife we could come upon on our drive to the summit of the mountain.

You will see how a small group of Swazi artisans creates captivating representations of African animals and birds when you visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory. From a balcony above, you will be able to observe the enchanted craft of glassblowing firsthand.

The Mantenga Cultural Village will be your destination. A guided tour will disclose much more about this copy of a mid-19th century Swazi village, including the functions of each hut and how they are constructed, as well as the duty of the sangoma, or traditional healer.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

Following breakfast, go along the tarmac road from Mlilwane to the world's largest granite pluton, which is 16,500 hectares in size and 800 meters tall. You will then go on narrow gravel roads that snake across the highlands. You will pause to prepare coffee or tea at the Top of the World View overlook. You'll keep going along the meandering gravel roads.

On the orders of King Sobhuza ll, Hlane Royal National Park was established as a national park in 1967, succeeding Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (1961). "Wilderness" is called "hlane" in siSwati language. Hlane preserves abundant natural resources, is deeply royal and culturally significant, and is home to the largest game herds in Eswatini. Rich wildlife, huge animals, and spectacular ancient hardwood woodlands are among the exciting species lists.

Principal Location: Eswatini's Hlane Royal National Park
Accommodation: Budget Camping

You participate in a four-hour guided morning stroll this morning (included). Your objective is to witness African wildlife in its natural environment and have a sense of being in the bush throughout the guided walk. During the cooler hours of the day, when the majority of animals are active, it is ideal to see wildlife. You may anticipate seeing a variety of animal species. Your guide will share fascinating animal facts with you as you watch the animals so you can understand more about their behavior.

After that, we take a drive to a bird hide, where we never know what kind of wildlife or birds we might spot. At the waterhole close to the restaurant, you can unwind while observing the animals as they drink, or you can explore Hlane on your own.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

Begin the day with a sunrise drive that includes a stop at the lion camp and is included in the price. The size of the lion camp permits the lions to hunt in their natural habitat. After that, you can unwind and observe the wildlife at the nearby watering hole or continue your independent exploration of Hlane.

Visit the village of a real Chief and become a part of the Umphakatsi Experience. Observe the camp's avian inhabitants.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

Situated at the base of Mount Emlembe, Swaziland's tallest mountain, Bulembu Country Lodge is situated in the malaria-free northern Hhohho region. The settlement of Bulembu is encircled by eucalyptus woods and verdant hills that are abundant with life. The Bulembu Country Lodge offers a delightful fusion of luxury, beauty, history, and environment.

About 10,000 people lived in the prosperous asbestos mining town of Bulembu in the past. The mine was shut down because asbestos poses health dangers. Subsequently, the outdated infrastructure was renovated, and now it serves as a home for over 1,000 orphans, a country resort, and a beehive, among other activities.

The Bulembu Mining Museum is what you'll see. Witnessing the rich history of Bulembu is a breathtaking visual experience.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

The highlight of the drive is the pass between Barberton and the Josefsdal Border Post. Many people consider the breathtakingly beautiful mountain pass to be among the most breathtaking drives in southern Africa. It's been called "jaw-droppingly beautiful" by some.

Situated on the Matjulu Spruit's bank, Berg-en-Dal offers views of gently sloping hills to the east. The camp is surrounded by a dam and dry riverbeds on both the north and south faces. Large trees line the dry riverbeds and streams. The camp's native vegetation has been preserved with extra care. The only other camp situated in a rough alpine setting is Berg en Dal.

Take a morning walk with a guide. Natural wonders are explained by knowledgeable (and armed) guides who impart their knowledge of the flora and fauna. There won't be overexhaustion because the hikes are leisurely and only take a few hours.

To guarantee your protection, two armed field guides will accompany you on the walk and will concentrate on the areas that are typically hidden from view from a moving vehicle. You can cover ground more quickly and fully engage all of your senses when you explore a place on foot. It's highly possible that you will come across any huge wildlife in the region, and it's an exciting experience to approach them on foot.

In the late afternoon, you go on a game drive in an open vehicle with a qualified field guide as the sun sets. It's the ideal moment to watch a game. All of the nocturnal animals come out as dusk draws near, and you can witness an incredible African sunset.

It's a bit of a drive to the Satara Rest Camp today, taking several roads that offer wildlife viewing opportunities. There is a good reason why Satara is a busy camp. It is located in a great place for game viewing, where the bush is quite open and the animals are many and varied.

The majority of the lodging is arranged in rings within the camp, which offers a charming rustic feel. Satara has a lot of trees, and there are lots of birds there. The chirping of cicadas and crickets blends with the clink of fruit bats at night. The cry of hyenas, the screech of jackals, and the roars of lions intersperse with the symphony created by the sounds of owls and nightjars.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

A morning walk with a guide will be yours. Natural wonders are explained by knowledgeable (and armed) guides who impart their knowledge of the flora and fauna. There won't be overexhaustion because the hikes are leisurely and only take a few hours.

On the walk, you are accompanied by two armed field guides. They will concentrate on the areas that are typically hidden from view from a moving vehicle. You can cover ground more quickly and fully engage all of your senses when you explore a place on foot.

After that, you're free to go on your own exploration of the Satara region. Today is a leisurely day to perhaps do some laundry if needed.

Take part in an open game viewing vehicle night game drive with an expert field guide. It is the ideal time of year to see the nighttime wildlife and birds. Hopefully, your final night in the Big 5 area will be unforgettable.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

Situated halfway between the southern and northern borders of the Kruger National Park, on a gently curved bend of the Letaba River, is the picturesque Letaba Rest Camp.

Take a stroll in the Letaba afternoon. These fascinating locations are thrilling ways to kill time, since knowledgeable (and armed) guides share their insights about the local flora and wildlife, explaining the beauties of nature. There won't be overexhaustion because the hikes are leisurely and only take a few hours.

To guarantee your safety, two armed field guides go with you on the stroll; they will point out the objects that are typically hidden from view from a moving vehicle. You can cover ground more quickly and fully engage all of your senses when you explore a place on foot. It's highly possible that you will come across any huge wildlife in the region, and it's an exciting experience to approach them on foot.
Accommodation: Budget Camping

At the Phalaborwa gate, we leave the Kruger National Park. Lekgalameetse means "Place of Water," and these picturesque mountains are the source of several significant Limpopo rivers. This area has plenty of rivers, streams, waterfalls, and rock pools throughout the year. Kranzles, green mountain slopes, lofty summits, and dense native woods are features of Lekgalameetse. There are Outeniqua Trees, Lemonwoods, Yellowwoods, Cape Beech, and Wild Peaches in the forests.

Since Lekgalameetse has no stores, we make a stop in Phalaborwa so you can get food, firewood, and supplies for our stay there.

We stop at South Africa's tiniest city en route and discover its past. The way that nature has reclaimed our metropolis is astounding. We go to the nearby Baobab tree, which is over 2,000 years old.

At the base of the Drakensberg, deep in the wilderness, lies your overnight log house. The cabins are situated beside the Makutsi River. The self-catering cabin is furnished with cutlery and linens.
Accommodation: Makutsi Main Camp

Following your self-made breakfast, you will tour Lekgalameetse's northern region. The Orrie Baragwanath Pass, which climbs the eastern side of the Drakensberg, begins at the main entrance gate. It will lead us to the summit of Drakensberg Mountain, and throughout the 12-kilometer drive, you will ascend 600 meters. It will take you to beautiful views, historical places (such the Pioneer Graves), and educational opportunities about the local past.

You will be shocked to hear that these mountains are the source of the names of a hospital and a well-known soccer team. The trails are not challenging, and you may not always need to engage low range. You will travel to the highest peak that is reachable by car. At this location, sea level is 1,520 meters.
Accommodation: Makutsi Main Camp

On the western side of the mountain, we drive up to the beginning of the difficult 4x4 portion of Orrie Baragwanath Pass. We drive down this beautiful but difficult 4x4 trail through the Drakensberg. Following a hugs-along with the mountainside, the 7km track descends 500m (330m in the final 4km).

We primarily use tarred roads to get from the pass's end to Pretoria.
Accommodation: InnJoy Boutique Hotel

You give your rental automobile back to the car rental provider. For your subsequent travel, our shuttle service will pick you up and transport you to OR Tambo International Airport.

We bid our new pals farewell as our time together comes to an end and make our way back home. On your own, you will proceed to your next destination. It is our hope that you will treasure the priceless moments you have spent with us and that you will have an abundance of lovely pictures to show your family and friends.