This 5-Day Eswatini Highlights Tour will begin and end in Johannesburg. It will take you on a journey through three of the Big Game Park’s wildlife reserves in Eswatini - Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge), Mhkaya Game Reserve (Stone Camp), and KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris (Tinsele Camp). All three parks and lodges have conservation at the forefront and aim to show guests the importance of wildlife in the area.
Itinerary at a Glance:
Depart Johannesburg for Eswatini.
1 night at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, Mliwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
2 nights at Mhkaya Stone Camp, Mhkaya Game Reserve.
1 night at Tinsele Camp, KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris.
Depart Eswatini for Johannesburg.
Day 1 – Johannesburg to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini (Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge)
Today you will pick up your rental car from OR Tambo International Airport and begin your journey to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The road takes you on a scenic drive out of Gauteng and into Mpumalanga before crossing the Oshoek Border Post into Eswatini. Once you have cleared customs on the Eswatini side you will make your way to Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge. This drive will take around 5 to 6 hours.
Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Mliwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The original house was built in 1928, with 4 guest rooms in the main house and 2 guest rooms in the cottage, you are sure to have a quiet and relaxing stay. Optional activities consist of game drives, game walks, village tours, and mountain biking, these can be pre-booked or booked at the lodge.
Day 2 – Mliwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)
Today, before you head to Mhkaya Game Reserve, a trip to the Ngwenya Glass Village to watch the intricate art of glass blowing, is well worth it. From there, or from the lodge (however, you have chosen to spend your morning) you will drive towards the Mkhaya Game Reserve. You will leave your rental car at the pickup point and be transferred to the magical Stone Camp where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 3 – On Safari in the Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)
Each room is made of stone and thatch with ensuite bathrooms and a wonderful forest view. Nyala, warthogs, and guineafowl are regular visitors through the camp providing a unique experience. You can choose to go on a game drive, a walking safari or relax in the camp during the day. Mhkaya is home to some black Rhino so be sure to keep an eye out for them on your safaris.
Day 4 – Mkhaya Game Reserve to KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, Eswatini (Tinsele Camp)
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the pickup point and continue your journey in your rental car. Today takes you to the southern part of Eswatini to KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris where you will spend 1 night at Tinsele Camp. Tinsele camp is located 8 kilometers from the main entrance, each chalet is comfortable and equipped with all the amenities you will need for your stay. You can go on a self-drive game drive, however, the park offers game drives and guided game walks, there is also a hide where you can have some wonderful sightings in the early morning and late afternoon.
Day 5 – KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris to Johannesburg
Today you will be departing Eswatini and heading back to Johannesburg. The drive will take around 6 to 7 hours. If you did not get the opportunity to visit Ngwenga Glass at the beginning of your trip, take the chance to stop there today before you cross the border back into South Africa. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will return your rental car and continue your onward journey.
Cost of Tour (quoted in ZAR)
R15,310 per person sharing (01 Dec 2022 - 30 Nov 2023)
R16,350 per person sharing (01 Dec 2023 - 30 Nov 2024)
Tour Includes:
01 night at Reilly’s Rock Lodge – Dinner Bed and Breakfast
02 nights at Stone Camp – Fully Inclusive
01 night at Tinsele Camp – Bed and Breakfast
Vehicle hire – Toyota Fortuner or similar
Activities at Stone Camp
Tour Excludes:
Items of a personal nature
Optional extra activities
International flights
Holiday or personal insurance
Staff gratuities
Park entry fees
Fuel for vehicle rental
Visas for entry to Eswatini and South Africa (if necessary)