5 Day Swaziland Explorer
Day 01
Today you will fly from Johannesburg to Manzini where you will be met and transferred to the Lugogo Sun for (2) nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Spend some time at leisure before you are collected for a half day Northern Highlights tour.
Adjoining the Royal Swazi Sun, it is an ideal place to undwind in an undemanding environment. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, all with en-suite bathrooms, TV and telephone. There is a sparkling pool, and sports facilities of every description are available at the Royal Swazi Sun. The Ilanga restaurant offeres an a la carte menu of international dishes. The Sportsmans bar provides a sophisticated environment with exciting live entertainment. The casino, movies and dancing can by enjoyed at the Royal Swazi Sun.
Departing from the Ezulwini “Valley of Heaven” this tour climbs up to Mbabane, Swaziland’s capital city. Key features are pointed out and the capital’s history is discussed, before disembarking at the main central craft market. The tour then continues further up into the mountains stopping briefly outside Nkoyoyo Royal Palace, where a fascinating discourse on Swaziland’s monarchy is delivered. This is followed by a visit to Swaziland’s no. 1 artwork attraction - Ngwenya Glass. Visitors are able to watch, mesmerised by the skill of local craftsman, as they create their works of art, which include animal sculptures as well as unique tableware. Endlotane Studios is another popular stop, where a mohair weaving and tapestry workshop started by artist Albert Reck, produces wall hangings which are now world famous. And then from modern to ancient, a guided walking tour is offered to the Lion Cavern, undisputedly the oldest human mine in the world and dated to 43 000BC. A tea and coffee stop is enjoyed before the tour returns to Ezulwini.
Day 02
After breakfast you will be collected for a full day White Water rafting adventure on the Great Usutu River.
The Great Usutu is Swaziland's largest river. It flows from the South African highveld through central Swaziland and exits the Kingdom near Big Bend. Thereafter it winds past Nduma in KwaZulu-Natal and up to the Bay of Maputo in Mozambique. The Swazi Trails rafting operation runs from a remote location between the villages of Sidvokodvo and Siphofaneni, which is known as the Bulungapoort. Although the river changes dramatically from full to low water levels, there is always a selection of Grade 2 to 4 rapids to be attempted. At certain medium and high water levels some stretches become Grade 5 in difficulty, with optional or compulsory portages at the river guide’s discretion. The river is wide and at lower water levels it winds its way between numerous islands and sandbanks, which are otherwise covered during the full water season. The location is scenic with tall mountains and forested riverbanks, interspersed occasionally by rural Swazi homesteads. Free hotel or lodge pick-ups are offered in the Ezulwini, Mbabane and Manzini areas. All trips leave from the Swazi Trails office at Mantenga Craft Centre, Ezulwini. Meeting time is 08h00 for an 08h30 departure. There is parking for vehicles at Mantenga. Travelling time is 45minutes from Ezulwini to the river, with transport provided in a closed tour vehicle. Trips vary in length, depending on river conditions and the ability of participants. The average trip length is 13km although a longer trip of 23km and the shorter of 7km are undertaken on occasions. In the winter season, the trip may be split into a morning of rafting and an afternoon of abseiling or depending on water level. All trips start with a thorough safety briefing and a flat-water stretch for practicing technique. Participants paddle and portage their own boats and must be prepared for vigorous activity. When conditions favour the half-day trip, abseiling is undertaken during the afternoon on a 15m high cliff alongside the Bulunga Falls. This involves participants learning basic rope-work skills and then lowering themselves down the cliff by means of a figure-8 apparatus. The activity is controlled by a guide, using a safety line.
Lunch is a picnic-style affair, served normally at the Bulunga Falls. The standard format is chicken/mayonnaise, ham, or cheese bread rolls, fruit, chocolates and juice. The trip ends with sundowner drinks (beers & soft drinks) on the riverbank. The return journey takes approximately 1hr.
Day 03
Today you will be transferred to Mkhaya Game Reserve for (2) nights on a fully inclusive basis.
Privately owned and run, this upmarket reserve is the gem of Swaziland's heritage. Accommodation in unforgettable style is offered in classic, spacious safari tents. Fully furnished, with or without en suite facilities and individually placed in cool riverine forest, these units are likely to bring visitors closer to nature than ever before. "Closer to Nature" is the main focus of this reserve and its no-nonsense approach to providing the genuine feeling of Africa, is becoming ever more popular with people sick of over commercialisation and loss of real Africa. All travel within the reserve is by open landrover or on foot with bush-hardened Swazi rangers. Wildlife is abundant and even with short visits our highly skilled trackers get visitors closer to white rhino, elephant, hippo, giraffe, buffalo, crocodile, roan, sable and various other animals and birds than people are ever likely to get elsewhere. However, without doubt, the feature of Mkhaya is the opportunity to see black rhino in the wild. Nowhere else in Africa does a visitor have as good a chance of photographing this endangered animal. People also have the opportunity to get closer to each other. With camp capacity limited to low numbers and with all meals cooked over a central log fire in traditional Swazi style, visitors often talk into the early hours of the morning. Your Swazi hosts are always willing to share their experiences and culture and with little encouragement will demonstrate the Sibhaca dancing and ingrained musical talent.
Day 04
Today will include game tracking by open landrover, guided walks, waterhole stake-outs, sundowners and a night drive by spotlight. This game reserve is well-known for its international programmes to protect the Black Rhino from extinction. After dinner we will be entertained with traditional Sibhaca Dancing. (Depending on staff availability)
Day 05
After a memorable two nights in the most exclusive game reserve in Swaziland, you will be transferred to Manzini Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.
