Community & Culture in Eswatini

Unzip your tent in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, with awesome wildlife, traditional culture and a backdrop of craggy hills, this is the ‘Valley of Heaven’. Dive into expedition life, allocate some group roles and contact the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll need to buy some food supplies, so head to the markets and get to grips with the currency, the Swazi Lilangeni. Hop in the transfer vehicle and head to the Mantenga Cultural Village for a dance performance. Learn more about Swazi culture and the importance of dance as you explore the village with a local guide. Later on, you could visit the craft market or take a sunset stroll. Eager to explore more? Gather the team and climb the local peak.

Pile into the transfer vehicle and strike east to the Lubombo Mountains, these volcanic peaks stretch into Mozambique and South Africa. On the way, stop off to visit the Dali-style sculptures at House on Fire, Eswatini’s top performance venue. A biodiversity hotspot, the Lubombo Conservancy spans three wildlife reserves, and you’re about to explore the little-known walking trails that link all three. Volunteer as team leader and set the pace as you trek through the foothills and onto the Lubombo Plateau. Stop to explore secret caves and listen for wildlife, this rugged region is home to baboons, giraffes, zebras and impala. Support each other as you cross the savannah and climb tricky mountain ridges, prepare for tough ascents with epic views over the lowveld. Each night, you’ll set up camp in a different spot. Once you’ve collected some water, built a campfire and cooked up a feast, you can doze off to the sounds of the African night.

Travel towards the breathtaking Malolotja Nature Reserve, Eswatini’s last great mountain wilderness, where dramatic peaks and valleys promise unmatched natural beauty. On the way, make a stop to marvel at Sibebe Rock, a colossal granite dome believed to be the largest in Africa and second-largest rock in the world. Then, head to Mbabane, Eswatini’s capital, to wander its bustling markets and pick up supplies for your journey. Upon arrival at Malolotja, you’ll be spoilt for choice; relax at camp and soak in the tranquil mountain views, set off on scenic hikes through rolling landscapes, or discover diverse flora and fauna along picturesque trails.

Pack down the camp and travel to the Ngwenya Glass Complex to see how recycled glass can be transformed into beautiful sculptures and household items. Then continue into the countryside for a whole new challenge and discover the reality of local life when you join a Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) in rural Eswatini. These community-driven centres support vulnerable children with meals, education and more. Help out with the NCP’s work and get immersed in village life. Take guided walks and learn about cattle herding and lutindzi grass weaving, a traditional way of making mats, the grass is harvested high in the mountains. If you’re here on a Sunday, you could join the whole village in church, it’s an important element of local life. This is a side of Eswatini that few tourists see. You’ll be using bucket showers and pit latrines, with none of the comforts you’re used to back home. Leap outside your comfort zone, stay open-minded and embrace every opportunity.

Safari time! Set off for Hlane National Park, the biggest protected area in Eswatini. On the way, stop off at the Swazi Candles complex to see how candles are made and have a go yourself. Hlane is home to the largest animal herds in the kingdom, with rhinos, lions, giraffes and more. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to see wildlife. Think you’ve spotted an elephant? Grab your binoculars for a closer look! You’ll also visit a village to experience traditional culture. After dark, sleep safe in your tent listening to the whoops of hyenas and the distant roar of lions.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Eswatini has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. So prepare to return home forever changed!