7 Day Eswatini Self-Drive Safari

Day 01

Johannesburg to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini (Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge)

Your Eswatini safari adventure begins as you collect your rental car from OR Tambo International Airport and set out on the scenic drive toward the border. The route leads you out of Gauteng, through Mpumalanga’s rolling hills, and on to the Oshoek Border Post, where you’ll officially enter Eswatini. Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll continue your journey toward Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge. If time allows, it’s well worth stopping at Ngwenya Glass, where skilled artisans create beautifully crafted pieces through traditional glass-blowing techniques—an ideal place to pick up a unique souvenir.

Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge sits high above the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, offering peaceful views and a charming, historic atmosphere. Originally built in 1928, the lodge features a small number of rooms split between the main house and garden cottage, creating an intimate and relaxing stay surrounded by nature. While here, you can enjoy optional activities such as guided game drives, nature walks, village visits, or mountain biking—great ways to explore Mlilwane’s gentle wildlife, cultural highlights, and tranquil scenery at your own pace.

Day 02

Mliwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)

After enjoying breakfast and a morning activity in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll begin your journey toward the pristine Mkhaya Game Reserve. On arrival at the reserve’s reception area, you’ll park your rental car before being collected in an open safari vehicle for the transfer deep into the bush. Your next two nights will be spent at the wonderfully atmospheric Stone Camp, an eco-friendly lodge designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness.

Set beneath towering trees and connected by lantern-lit pathways, the camp offers a close-to-nature feel where the sounds of the bush become part of your stay. Open-air elements, natural stonework, and the chance to spot wildlife wandering nearby all contribute to the camp’s magical, immersive atmosphere—setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience in Mkhaya.

Day 03

On Safari in the Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini

Life in Mkhaya Game Reserve feels wonderfully wild, with nyala, warthogs, and guineafowl often wandering through Stone Camp, creating an authentic bush atmosphere even between activities. During your stay, you can explore the reserve on guided game drives that take you through a variety of habitats in search of its diverse wildlife. Walking safaris offer a slower, more detailed look at the bush, allowing you to learn about tracks, birdlife, plants, and the behaviour of the animals that call Mkhaya home.
The reserve is especially renowned for its population of endangered black rhino, making every drive or walk an exciting opportunity to spot one of these remarkable animals in their natural environment. Whether you’re out on safari or simply relaxing at camp while wildlife passes through, Mkhaya offers a deeply immersive and memorable experience of Eswatini’s wilderness.

Day 04

Mkhaya Game Reserve to Hlane Royal National Park (Ndlovu Camp)

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the pickup point to collect your rental car and continue your journey north toward Hlane Royal National Park. Known for its strong cultural heritage and impressive wildlife, Hlane is one of Eswatini’s most iconic protected areas, home to lion, elephant, white rhino, and a wide range of plains game and birdlife.

Your next two nights will be spent at Ndlovu Camp, a relaxed and welcoming camp set within the heart of the park. The camp offers simple, comfortable accommodation surrounded by natural bushveld, with chalets positioned to take advantage of the quiet atmosphere and nearby waterholes. It’s not uncommon to hear wildlife at night or spot animals passing close to camp during the day, making it a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy an authentic, nature-focused stay before heading out on your next safari adventure.

Day 05

On Safari in the Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

Ndlovu Camp offers a peaceful and wildlife-rich setting, with abundant birdlife and a busy watering hole that often attracts animals throughout the day. You can choose to spend your time simply relaxing around the camp, enjoying the natural surrounds and watching the wildlife come and go, or you can head out to explore more of Hlane Royal National Park. The park offers scheduled morning and late-afternoon game drives led by knowledgeable guides, as well as the unique opportunity to join a specialised rhino drive, where you may—at the guide’s discretion—approach these incredible animals on foot. For those who prefer more independence, Hlane also features a number of well-marked self-drive routes, allowing you to explore at your own pace and discover the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.

Day 06

Hlane Royal National Park to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini (Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge)

After a relaxed morning in Ndlovu Camp, you’ll begin your drive back to Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge for your final night in Eswatini. The journey takes you once again through the peaceful landscapes surrounding Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, setting the tone for a gentle and memorable end to your trip.
Once settled in at the lodge, you can spend the afternoon however you choose—perhaps heading out on one last game drive or joining a walking safari to soak up more of Mlilwane’s wildlife and scenery. If you prefer a quieter end to the day, simply relaxing at the lodge and reflecting on the experiences of the past few days offers the perfect way to conclude your Eswatini adventure.

Day 07

Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge to Johannesburg

The time has come to say farewell to the Kingdom of Eswatini. After enjoying breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back toward Johannesburg. Your route takes you through the Ngwenya Border Post (also known as Oshoek), offering a last look at Eswatini’s beautiful landscapes before crossing into South Africa. The drive back to Johannesburg is scenic and straightforward, and on arrival you’ll return your rental car and continue your onward travels—taking with you the long-lasting memories of your safari experiences, peaceful lodges, and the warm spirit of Eswatini.