Essence of Swaziland

Experience the sights and sounds of Swaziland!

Connect with the Swazi people and experience the amazing spirit and rich cultural heritage that this small landlocked country has to offer. Whether wrapped in history in the mountain village of Bulembu, staying in an old farmhouse in the Ezulwini River Valley or living with a local community, this tour promises to bring you the real Swaziland. It And it can be combined with other destinations such as the Kruger National Park and Kwazulu Natal!

NB: This tour is just a guideline. You can extend or shorten it, upgrade or downgrade accommodation and change it to suit your budget and needs. Contact us to plan your tailormade trip!

• Explore the world's only remaining absolute monarchy
  
• Visit traditional villages and stay with local communities
  
• See Ezulwini River Valley - Swaziland's Valley of Heaven
  
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Shewula Mountain Camp
  
• Go hiking in majestic mountains and buy arts and crafts

Day 1: Johannesburg to Bulembu Lodge

You will be picked up from Johannesburg Airport or your hotel in the early morning and transferred via Nelspruit and Barberton and into Swaziland through the Golela border post. The drive is scenic and quite spectacular in parts - note the rolling hills and craggy mountain peaks as you pass through the kingdom of the Swazi people.

You will arrive at Bulembu Lodge by midday, just in time for a sumptuous lunch on the lawn, and maybe even a siesta in the sun afterwards! Set in the malaria free mountain village of Bulembu, the lodge was once a residence for miners but has since been converted into a comfortable and secluded lodge. Stay in one of 12 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms and appreciate the peace and quiet of this rustic retreat. The lodge is involved in many community projects that you can visit and the quaint and historic town is well worth exploring. And finish off your first day in Swaziland with an African barbeque under the stars!

Accommodation: Bulembu Lodge
Meals: Full board basis

Day 2: Bulembu Lodge to Ezulwini River Valley

Wake up well-rested and enjoy a hearty breakfast in preparation for the day ahead. Spend the morning at leisure relaxing on the lawn, or go on a hike among the grasslands, rocky outcrops, flowing streams and waterfalls. The more adventurous can summit Emlembe, Swaziland’s highest mountain at 1863m.

Depart Bulembu Lodge aroud midday, stopping for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the impressive Maguga Dam with wonderful views. Visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory, Swaziland’s premier artwork attraction, before heading to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautifully secluded conservation area situated in the Ezulwini Valley - Swaziland’s “Valley of Heaven”.

Check into Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, formerly the home of Mickey Reilly, one of Swaziland’s earliest white settlers. The house has remained in the family and has been transformed into a unique hilltop lodge and still stands as it was built almost a century ago. Enjoy an open landrover scenic drive onto the striking Nyonyane Mountain with its exposed granite peak - the “Rock of Execution” - before returning to camp for a well-deserved dinner.

Accommodation: Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
Meals: Full board basis

Day 3: Ezulwini River Valley to Shewula Village

After breakfast, you hit the road again, visiting many of Swaziland's famous craft markets. You can see how these masterpieces are created and purchase them at factory prices, while supporting the local community. Enjoy an excellent lunch at the charming Sambane Coffee Shop next door to the Swazi Candle Factory and spot your bargain at the bustling Manzini Market.

You continue on to your destination, Shewula Mountain Camp, an eco-tourism initiative fully owned and run by the Shweula community. It is the first of its kind in Swaziland and by staying here you are making a real difference to the lives of these people. All buildings are made of local stone and thatch and you can sample local traditional and organic food. Enjoy a tour through the village, meet the locals and get to grips with their culture and lifestyle.

Accommodation: Shewula Mountain Camp
Meals: Full board basis

Day 4: Durban and departure

After a heartwarming breakfast and a morning nature walk, you will be transferred to Durban or to Johannesburg or Nelspruit if you wish.

NB: This tour is just a guideline. You can extend or shorten it, upgrade or downgrade accommodation and change it to suit your budget and needs. Contact us to plan your tailormade trip!

Includes:

All meals and accommodation as indicated
All transport in an airconditioned 4x4 vehicle
Services of an English-speaking guide (or other on request)

Excludes:

Meals other than those indicated in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature and tips
International Flights and visas

NB: This tour explores Swaziland but it can be combined with other destinations such as the Kruger National Park and Kwazulu Natal!