Trip Info
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Open-sided 4x4 vehicle, Minivan
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Suitable for single travelers and groups
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Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
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Can start any day
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This tour starts in Mbabane and ends in Manzini, Eswatini
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Midrange, shared tour
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English
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all part of your plan.
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10
Overview
Going on a visit to eSwatini is simple thanks to the logistics handled in this tour. All your visits to Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld is Malolotja Nature Reserve., Mkhaya Game Reserve and the traditional village will feature transportation, activities and places to stay. If you go with a guide, you will know much more about the local history and culture than you would if you were on your own.
Highlights
- Mid-range shared tour
- Can start any day
- Can start any day
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Itinerary
Meet our English-speaking guide at the decided location and they will explain what activities you will do that day. Going to Ngwenya Glass, near the border, lets you see what glass-blowing is about. You’re likely to find some unique gifts for your family both here and at the many other shops nearby. If you are not interested in shopping, it's still a pleasant place to just relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld is Malolotja Nature Reserve. is where we will camp and stay the night. We will go for a walk around the area after checking in at our log cabin. As we go back, the guide will start a fire for the barbeque dinner.
Since Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld is Malolotja Nature Reserve. is known for its hiking, we can pick which length of hike we want.
Main Destination:
Best Time To GoMay to September (Dry season)
High SeasonDec to Jan (It never gets very busy)
Best Weather
Accommodation:
Malolotja Nature Reserve Log Cabins
- Self catering lodges can be found within Malolotja NR.
Menus for meals & drinks:
- Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
- Non-alcoholic drinks
We start our early walk after around a 3-hour hike and have breakfast afterward. Once we come back, we will check out.
After spending time in the Nestled in the heart of the Lowveld is Malolotja Nature Reserve., we will head to Mbabane, the capital of this Kingdom. By European standards, this is a small town, but it is lovely. You’ll find typical African markets here. Wander through the city with a lot of history and also see the Glass Factory. Taking advantage of some traditional local beef or chicken stew, we will leave shortly for check-in at our lodgings.
Main Destination:
Mbabane (City)
Accommodation:
- Mid-range self catering accommodation located in Mbabane (City)
Menus for meals & drinks:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all part of your plan.
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Because of its laid-back feel, beautiful location, wallet-friendly costs and many accessible meals, we are having breakfast at the Malandelas Complex. We move on to Swazi Candles to work with gifted artists and crafters and see the lively market and souvenir stores.
Kaphunga’s Living in a Swazi Village allows visitors to avoid city life and understand the customs of the people. We will visit a local family and talk with them to find out how they live in the area.
After getting to know the village, we head out for one last walk, stop on large rocks to relax and enjoy our drinks as the sun sets.
In most cases, you get to try mealie pap, green vegetables and a barbeque at the village. Our place of rest in Kaphunga is a beehive hut.
Main Destination:
Ezulwini Valley (Highlight)
Accommodation:
- Budget guest house located near Manzini (Town)
Menus for meals & drinks:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all part of your plan.
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
The day tour starts at 10 am. The Mkhaya Game Reserve is the top private reserve of Eswatini and a sanctuary for endangered species like the black rhino. It is a well-run private reserve with excellent guides, open vehicle drives and walking safaris. Self-drive is not allowed. Visitors have the opportunity to track both white and black rhinos. There is a good variety of wildlife here, except for lions.
During this safari in Mkhaya Game Reserve, you will get some very close encounters with animals. Although the country is not famous for animal sightings, you will be glad that you came to Eswatini. Mkhaya is all about intimate encounters with some African icons. The travel within the reserve is solely by open Land Rovers and on foot, providing superb photographic opportunities and probably the best chance of seeing black and white rhinos. Lunch is included in the day tour.
Main Destination:
Best Time To VisitMay to September (Dry season)
High SeasonDec to Jan and Jul to Aug (It never gets very busy)
Best WeatherJune to October (Sunny, but not too hot)
There is rich wildlife in Mkhaya GR.
Among these are the Giraffe, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippo, Leopard, Hyena, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Wild Dog.
Accommodation:
No accommodation (The last part of the tour)
Menus for meals & drinks:
- Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
The last part of the tour
- For an additional cost, we are able to provide more accommodation.
- You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • Park fees (For non-residents)
- • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- • A driver or guide working for an organization
- • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- • All Taxes/VAT
- • Roundtrip transportation from the airport
- • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- • Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- • International flights (From/to home)
- • Supplying additional accommodations at the start of the tour and at the finish
- • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- • Taxes and park fees were raised by the government
- • Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
FAQs
A fascinating 4-day trip, Best of Eswatini with a Safari, introduces you to both the sights and customs of Eswatini. The journey begins in Mbabane, visits spectacular nature at Malolotja, showcases the city’s culture, offers a look at the Ezulwini Valley and ends with a trip to Mkhaya for game viewing. Every day is planned to give visitors a close look at the variety of scenery, strong traditions and outstanding wildlife in China.
You will finish The Best of Eswatini with a Safari by visiting Mkhaya Game Reserve which is famous for caring for wildlife and being home to some unique animals. With a guide, visitors can enjoy seeing rhinos, elephants, giraffes and many types of antelope at game drives or walks. Smaller than many other parks, the reserve gives you a closer look at wildlife and helps you understand Eswatini’s efforts to conserve nature.
On days 2 and 3 of this safari, you will enjoy cultural experiences throughout Mbabane and the Ezulwini Valley. If you visit Mbabane, the capital, you can shop at lively markets, meet local artisans and find out about the modern urban culture in Eswatini. The Ezulwini Valley, sometimes called the Valley of Heaven, stands out because of its cultural villages, many markets and the famous Mantenga Cultural Village, where Swazi dances and ceremonies take place.
The Best of Eswatini with a Safari is suited for people of all fitness levels. During the tour, you’ll take guided nature walks in Malolotja and Mkhaya, but they are generally moderate and can suit your ability level. Many cultural and nature tours use comfortable transportation which helps most people take part.
The Best of Eswatini with a Safari itinerary is arranged to ensure you make the most of your time. Most trips are relatively short each day and the sights along the routes from Mbabane to Malolotja and then to Ezulwini Valley and Mkhaya Game Reserve are amazing. The trip from Mbabane to Malolotja takes a little over an hour and from Ezulwini Valley to Mkhaya Game Reserve requires about two hours. The way the tour is arranged means both travel and visits to sites are enjoyable and fit well into each day.
No matter what season it is, The Best of Eswatini with a Safari is possible because of Eswatini’s mild climate. However, the dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for safari activities, as wildlife is more visible around water sources and the cooler weather makes for pleasant exploration. The wet summer months (October to April) bring lush landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals, offering a different but equally enriching experience. Your ideal time will depend on how much you like the local weather and seeing animals outdoors.
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