5 Day Eswatini Highlights Tour

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.

5 Day Eswatini Highlights Tour

Itinerary at a Glance:

  • Day 01

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

  • Day 02

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

  • Day 03

    On Safari in the Mhkaya Game Reserve, Eswatini (Stone Camp)

  • Day 04

    Mkhaya Game Reserve to KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, Eswatini (Tinsele Camp)

  • Day 05

    KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris to Johannesburg

Day 01

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 Gardens
Luxury rooms at Reilly’s Rock
Breakfast veranda overlooking the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The Lounge area at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge

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 02

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.

Glass blowing at Ngwenya Glass Village
The lounge area at Stone Camp

Day 03

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.

Luxury stone chalets at Stone Camp
Rhino sightings in the Mkhaya Game Reserve

Day 04

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.

Chalets at Tinsele Camp
Lush green gardens for you to relax in at Tinsele Camp

Day 05

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)

R18,505 per person sharing (01 Dec 2024 - 30 Nov 2025)

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)

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Debbie Isaacs
Debbie Isaacs
21 January 2025
We used African Travel again for the second time over Xmas and New Year. Once again, every little bit of our trip ran smoothly and without a hitch. Their communication was great throughout and we will, no doubt, be returning to them in the future too. Thanks Petru.
Daniel Stewart
Daniel Stewart
08 January 2025
We had the most amazing time on our self drive tour of Namibia organised through African Travel Gateway. Everything from the planning and booking process, to the arrival and welcome in Windhoek, to the app with the itinerary and directions made for a really relaxed and well organised holiday. But the most important part was getting to experience Namibia - what a spectacular country! The only negative was that we should have booked for longer!
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Hilda Stanfliet
27 December 2024
Amazing hotel booked by Lize of African Travel Gateway, the most attentive service leading up to holiday
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