This 5-Day Eswatini Highlights Tour starts and ends in Johannesburg, taking you on a memorable journey through three of Eswatini’s most important conservation areas. Your adventure includes visits to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary with a stay at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, the pristine Mkhaya Game Reserve where you’ll overnight at Stone Camp, and the diverse bushveld of KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris with accommodation at Tinsele Camp. Each reserve is committed to conservation and community upliftment, offering travellers a deeper understanding of the country’s wildlife, habitats, and the vital efforts in place to protect them. This tour provides a rich blend of scenery, wildlife encounters, and meaningful experiences that highlight the natural heritage of Eswatini.
Johannesburg to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini (Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge)
Mliwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)
On Safari in the Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)
Mkhaya Game Reserve to KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, Eswatini (Tinsele Camp)
KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris to Johannesburg
Today your Eswatini adventure begins as you collect your rental car from OR Tambo International Airport and set off on a scenic drive through Gauteng and into the rolling landscapes of Mpumalanga. The route takes you toward the Oshoek Border Post, where you’ll cross into Eswatini and continue your journey toward Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge. In total, the drive takes around five to six hours, offering plenty of beautiful views along the way.
Your first stay is at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, perched high above the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Eswatini’s most historic and biodiverse conservation areas. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife—zebra, wildebeest, warthogs, nyala, hippo, and over 300 bird species—making it an ideal introduction to the country’s natural beauty. The lodge itself dates back to 1928 and offers a peaceful, character-filled stay with four guest rooms in the main house and two in the garden cottage. Its elevated position provides sweeping views, tranquil gardens, and a quiet, timeless atmosphere.
During your stay, you can choose from a range of optional activities, including guided game drives, game walks, village tours, and mountain biking. These experiences allow you to explore the sanctuary at your own pace, whether you’re interested in wildlife spotting, cultural insights, or simply enjoying the scenery on two wheels. Activities can be arranged in advance or booked directly at the lodge, giving you complete flexibility as you settle into your Eswatini journey.
This morning, before making your way to Mkhaya Game Reserve, it’s well worth stopping at the charming Ngwenya Glass Village. Here you can watch skilled artisans transform recycled glass into beautifully crafted pieces—an intricate and mesmerising process that offers a fascinating glimpse into local creativity. Whether you spend your morning at Ngwenya Glass or choose to relax a little longer at the lodge, you’ll then begin the drive toward Mkhaya.
Upon arrival at the reserve’s pickup point, you’ll leave your rental car in the secure parking area before being transferred by open safari vehicle to Stone Camp, your home for the next two nights.
Stone Camp is one of Eswatini’s most atmospheric and eco-friendly bush camps, designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment. The rooms are built from local stone and nestled among tall trees, with open-air elements that allow you to feel fully immersed in the surrounding wilderness. Evenings are lit by lanterns, wildlife often wanders close to camp, and the peaceful, close-to-nature ambience creates a truly magical setting. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of the reserve before heading out on your next safari experience.
Today promises an immersive and unforgettable safari experience in the Mkhaya Game Reserve. The reserve is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife, and it’s common to see nyala, warthogs, and guineafowl moving calmly through camp as you go about your day, creating a wonderfully natural and authentic atmosphere. You can spend your time exploring the reserve on guided game drives, which take you through diverse habitats in search of Mkhaya’s remarkable animal life. Walking safaris offer an even closer connection to the bush, giving you the chance to learn about tracks, smaller creatures, birds, and the subtle signs that guides use to understand the environment.
One of Mkhaya’s greatest highlights is its population of endangered black rhino. These impressive animals are carefully protected within the reserve, and spotting one on a drive or walk is a truly special moment. With a mix of guided activities and peaceful downtime surrounded by nature, your stay here offers a deep and memorable connection to Eswatini’s wilderness.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to the pickup point to collect your rental car and continue your scenic journey through southern Eswatini. Today’s destination is KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, a beautiful bushveld reserve known for its red sandstone landscapes, mixed acacia woodland, and an abundance of plains game. This region has a distinctly warmer, drier feel compared to the northern reserves, offering a different side of Eswatini’s natural beauty.
Your overnight stay will be at Tinsele Camp, located about 8 kilometres inside the reserve. The camp provides comfortable chalets equipped with the essential amenities you need for a relaxing stay, while still maintaining a close-to-nature atmosphere. Its peaceful setting allows you to enjoy the surrounding bushveld and the wildlife that often passes nearby. KaMsholo offers a variety of ways to explore the reserve. You can head out on a self-drive game drive at your own pace, or join one of the guided game drives or walking safaris led by experienced rangers who can help you spot wildlife and understand the environment. The park also features a well-positioned hide overlooking a waterhole—an excellent spot for early morning or late afternoon sightings as animals come to drink. With its scenic landscapes and accessible wildlife, KaMsholo provides a relaxed yet rewarding safari experience to round out your Eswatini adventure.
Today you’ll begin your journey back to Johannesburg, with a scenic drive of around six to seven hours as you leave Eswatini behind. If you missed it earlier in your trip, this is a great opportunity to stop at Ngwenya Glass before crossing the border, where you can watch the glassblowers at work and pick up a final souvenir. Once back in South Africa, the road leads you through open countryside toward Johannesburg, where you’ll return your rental car and continue with your onward journey, bringing your Eswatini adventure to a close.
2026
R19,120 per person sharing (01 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2026)
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
Items of a personal nature
Optional extra activities
International flights
Holiday or personal insurance
Staff gratuities
Park entry fees
Fuel for vehicle rental
Cross-border vehicle fees
Visas for entry to Eswatini and South Africa (if necessary)
Learn from our experience.
Expert advice on safaris & logistics.
Supportive ‘one on one’ service.
