Overview
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is the second-smallest country in continental Africa and the smallest landlocked republic in the Southern Hemisphere, yet its vast array of activities and attractions more than make up for its diminutive size. Being the top eco-tourism destination in Eswatini, Big Game Parks is contributing significantly to national conservation efforts and eco-tourism offerings. Plan ahead for your own fully loaded 4×4 car, food, drink, wood, etc.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1 Arrive in Pretoria, meet your guide and drive in convoy to Mlilwane
- Day 2 Drive to the top of the mountain (weather permitting) and explore Mlilwane on your own
- Day 3 Drive to Hlane Royal National Park via the Top of World View and the world's biggest granite rock
- Day 4 Join a morning walk, later drive to a bird hide and be surprised by the animal and bird life
- Day 5 Join a sunrise drive and then explore Hlane on your own
- Day 6 Drive to the Bulembu Country Lodge
- Day 7 Drive to Pretoria via the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post
Itinerary
Through the Waverley/Lundzi Border Post, you can enter Eswatini. Using one of the smaller border checkpoints to enter Eswatini just makes for a more calm and individualized encounter. 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 the majestic Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven) as its background and the vast Usuthu Forest extending into the distance, Mlilwane provides a wide range of experiences and adventures.
The ideal vehicle for the road and trail conditions you will encounter on this excursion is a 4x4 or a vehicle with a high ground clearance. You may be confident that your guide is well-equipped to help you with any 4x4 difficulties you may come across.
Note: For an overview of the advantages of owning a car, see our company profile. A separate quote for the rental of your car will be given.
Accommodation: Budget camping
The first conservation area in Eswatini, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when passion, vision, and action come together. The term "Mlilwane" (meaning "Little Fire" in Swati) originated from the multiple lightning-started fires on Mlilwane Hill, but it is now remembered as the small fire that sparked the Eswatini conservation movement. A very long variety of species is supported by the different environments found in Mlilwane. The modest 4560 Ha sanctuary offers endless hours of guided or unguided exploring because there aren't many harmful creatures there.
If the weather permits, we will drive to the summit of the mountain after breakfast to enjoy breathtaking views. Explore Mlilwane on your own, or schedule an optional game drive or guided walk (not included in the rate), The Swazi Candles Center, or Mantenga Cultural Village.
Driving a 4x4 will be your responsibility.
There's a restaurant on the premises where you may treat yourself to delectable cuisine.
Accommodation: Budget camping
From Mlilwane, we travel along the tarmac road till we arrive at the world's largest granite pluton, which is roughly 16,500 hectares in size and 800 meters tall. We will then travel on little gravel roads that snake through the mountains. While traveling, we'll pause at the Top of the World View viewing point to brew coffee or tea.
On the orders of King Sobhuza ll, Hlane Royal NP was declared a National Park in 1967, after Mlilwane (1961). "Wilderness" is called "hlane" in siSwati language. Hlane preserves abundant natural resources, is home to the largest game herds in Eswatini, and has significant royal and cultural value. Rich wildlife, large animals, and stunning old hardwood ecosystems are among the fascinating species lists.
You will set up your own tent tonight while the guide builds a fire. There's a restaurant on the premises if you want to treat yourself to a fine supper.
Accommodation: Budget camping
Hlane is a typical lowveld site that offers a diverse range of intriguing animals, including big game, rich wildlife, and stunning ancient hardwood habitats. The largest game herds in the Kingdom can still be found in this 22,000-hectare park, which was formerly the rich hunting grounds for the area. Specialty species include lions, elephants, vultures, and marabou storks.
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.
There is a restaurant on the premises where you may treat yourself to delectable cuisine.
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.
Driving a 4x4 will be your responsibility.
There's a restaurant on the premises where you may treat yourself to delectable cuisine.
Accommodation: Budget camping
About 10,000 people lived in the prosperous asbestos mining town of Bulembu in the past. The mine was shut down and nearly everything in the town came to a halt because of the health dangers linked to asbestos. After the outdated infrastructure was renovated over time, it is now home to around 1,000 orphans and features a country lodge, an internationally acclaimed school, and honey cultivation, to mention a few.
The tallest peak in Swaziland, Mount Emlembe, is closest to Bulembu Country Lodge. The town's surroundings, which wonderfully accentuate the area's natural beauty, include eucalyptus woods and verdant hills.
Our first stop in Eswatini is the Bulembu Mining Museum.
The highlight of the drive is the pass between Barberton and the Josefsdal border station. 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.
Driving a 4x4 will be your responsibility.
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.
We return to Pretoria in convoy.
We bid our new pals farewell as our time together comes to an end and make our way back home. When you're ready to depart, you will proceed on your own 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.
