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Eswatini

Lowveld Camping

Camping
4x4 & 4x2 Tour
6 Nights
exclusive tour by bonsai-sa

Mlawula River in the Hlane Royal National Park

A hippo in a waterhole

Biggest granite rock in the world

Amazing wildlife experiences

OVERVIEW

Eswatini Lowveld

On this tour, you visit Eswatini. Despite being the smallest landlocked country in the Southern hemisphere, and the second smallest country in continental Africa, Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, more than makes up for its lack of size with a hugely diverse range of attractions and activities.

elephant
antelop

Witness the will of a nation to turn the almost extinction of wildlife into the protection of wildlife and nature in various parks and reserves.

Our tours allow you access to national parks and reserves that are not frequently visited. The surrounding wilderness, the remoteness and the seclusion of travelling through rarely seen areas are the main attraction of our tours. Although we travel mainly on tarred roads, the wilderness experience is not compromised.

A qualified 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide will lead the trail and will also assist with off-road aspects when necessary. The tour is aimed at true nature lovers and ones who enjoy the wilderness and is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test.

You will drive your own vehicle and you must make provision for your own provisions, camping equipment, sufficient supply of water, firewood and food.

You will visit the following national parks and nature reserves.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - It is Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) pioneer conservation area, a shining example of what is possible if passion, vision and action fuse. Once a highly profitable multi-purpose farm, and being labelled an “impossible dream”, Mlilwane was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom's most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.

The name 'Mlilwane' (“Little Fire“ in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill but now holds significance as the little fire that ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.

Hlane Royal National Park - It was proclaimed as a National Park in 1967, following Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (1961), under instruction of King Sobhuza ll. "Hlane" is the siSwati name for “wilderness”.

Hlane is a typical lowveld destination with exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. This 22,000 ha park, once the region's rich hunting grounds, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom with speciality species being lion, elephant, vultures and marabou stork.

Only 20% deposit confirms the booking!

The final 80% is payable 30 days before the tour date. SEE MORE INFO

view of the mountains
tree
TOUR FEATURES & FAQs

4x2 or 4x4 | Camping

Have a look at the tour features and some of the frequently asked questions

A 4x2 vehicle is suitable for the road conditions on this tour.
A 4x4 vehicle is suitable for the road conditions on this tour.
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The total length of the off-road trailer/caravan may not to exceed 4,2m. The smaller the better.
The total length of the off-road trailer/caravan may not to exceed 4,2m. The smaller the better.
It is possible that vehicles will be scratched as we are in nature. It will be nothing serious.
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camping
ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Camping / Wild Camping

Ablution facilities are available

The campsites have shared ablution facilities, water and electricity (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary) / no electricity (Hlane Royal National Park). You must make provision for your own provisions, including tents and camping gear, water, firewood and food.

Ablution facilities are not available

The wild camping campsite have no water and electricity (Hlane Royal National Park). You must make provision for your own provisions, including tents and camping gear, water, firewood and food.

TOUR SIZE

Place for only 5
vehicles on the tour

A minimum of three (3) vehicles is required for the tour to take place.

We can also assist you with additional bookings before and/or after the tour.

TOUR ITINERARY

Our Traveling Plans

We did a lot of research to bring you an exciting itinerary

Day 1

We meet at the Digger's Retreat Hotel near Barberton in South Africa. Pretoria to Barberton (on your own) (400 km).

Day 2

Drive to the Hlane Royal National Park via the Josefsdal/Bulembu border post (200 km). Visit the Bulembu Museum en-route. Either wild camping or camping tonight.

Day 3

Drive to the picnic area (not open to the public) for breakfast/brunch. Explore Hlane on your own.

Day 4

Explore Hlane on your own. Join a sunrise drive at Hlane.

Day 5

Drive to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (160 km) via the Top of World View lookout point and the biggest granite rock in the world.

Day 6

Drive to the lookout point on top of the mountain (weather permitting) and explore Mlilwane on your own.

Day 7

Drive to the Oshoek Border Post (45 km). Drive back home on your own.

itinerary elephant
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

Plan For This Tour

Have a look at what is included and excluded in this exclusive tour

INCLUDED
  • Campsite for two adults
  • Conservation fees for two adults
  • Sunset drive for two adults in Hlane Royal National Park
  • Trail cost for one vehicle with a maximum of two adults
  • Hand-held radios
  • Professional trail guide(s) where applicable)
  • Qualified 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide
EXCLUDED
  • Fuel - Pretoria to and from Eswatini and driving in Eswatini (±1 350 km)
  • Airfares
  • Vehicles
  • Toll fees
  • Visas
  • Border and Eswatini road fees
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Medicine
  • Water
  • Fire wood
  • Camping equipment
  • Cost of additional activities - Sunset Drive, Guided Game Walk
TRAIL GRADING

Grade 2

We use the following TRAIL GRADING.

Maintained dirt roads: these roads are graded and maintained year round. Typical non-paved country roads.

Easy 2WD/4WD: feature trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, these trails may not require the continual use of 4WD.

Standard 4WD trails: demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines/declines and large rocks) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle; however, traction device, off-road tyres and low air pressure are recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range often used. Moderate experience and driving skills advised. Paint damage and/or possible rocker panel damage is likely.

Difficult trails: these trails traverse very rugged terrain and low range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction devices, as well as lift and larger tyres are highly recommended. These trails require above average off-road driving skills. Hi-lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. Paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage are likely.

Impassable trails: these trails are for the extreme four-wheeler only. These trails require highly modified vehicles, including lift, excellent articulation, traction devices front and rear, large tyres with aggressive tread, winches and hi-lift jacks. A high level of off-road driving skills is required. Paint damage is virtually guaranteed, while body and/or mechanical damage is very likely. Roll-overs will be more common on these trails and a winch will be used on at least one obstacle.

BOOKING

Make This Tour a Reality!

A 20% deposit confirms the booking and the final 80% is payable 30 days before the tour date.

Terms and conditions will apply.

The link will redirect you to the Calendar and Bookings page. Navigate to the specific date and make the booking.

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