School Expedition Beyond the Trail in Eswatini

Unzip your tent in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley, with a stunning backdrop of craggy hills, it’s known as 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 Mantenga Cultural Village for a dance performance. Learn more about Swazi culture and the importance of dance as you explore the village with a guide, then meet the locals and visit the craft market.

Pack down the camp and travel into the countryside for a whole new challenge; you’re about to discover the reality of local life when you join a Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP). 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.

Wave goodbye to the community and set off on a tour through the Ezulwini Valley. Start with a visit to Ngwenya Mine, the oldest mine in the world! Walk up to the Lions Cavern and take in the amazing views, then continue to the Ngwenya Glass Complex where recycled glass is transformed into beautiful sculptures and household items. You could also buy some souvenirs from the Eswatini Fair Trade Organisation.

Pile back into the transfer vehicle and head south. You’re about to tackle a three day trek through Ngempisi. On the way, visit the Swazi Candles Complex to learn about this age-old art. Next it's time to trek, so strip down your backpacks and take only the essentials, you’ll need to travel light. Step forward as team leader and set off with your local guides past rural villages and roaming cattle. When you reach your first camp, take in the epic views and refuel with a tasty meal. Continue along a contour of the Ngwempisi ridge and follow the river downstream. You’ll be wild camping tonight, so you’ll need to collect some firewood. On your final day, you’ll lead your team along rugged tracks with beautiful views over the Usutu River valley. Your final camp is in a beautiful nature reserve.

Pack your bag for a short trek to meet the transfer vehicle, then set off on a road trip to the Malolotja Reserve. On the way there, stop off to discover the mighty Sibebe Rock, the world’s second biggest monolith. When you arrive in Malolotja, set up camp in the beautiful Nature Reserve. Managed by the Swaziland National Trust Commission on behalf of the King, this mountain wilderness is one of the last of its kind. Get ready to explore on foot. Stroll along rocky paths and through rugged bush, past herds of zebra, antelope, wildebeest and eland, the largest antelope in the world. Then settle down for a camp dinner and an epic sunset. At night, watch a zillion stars twinkle above your tents. You’ll sleep like a log tonight!

Thought this trip couldn’t get any better? It just did. Today’s destination is Kruger National Park, one of the world’s top safari spots. Of all the national parks in Africa, this vast wilderness has the greatest diversity of wildlife. The safari begins as soon as you enter the reserve, so get ready for giraffes, herds of buffalo, and African elephants roaming across the plains. Grab your binoculars for a closer look! Wake up early for a sunrise safari when the animals are most active. You could also head out later to spot them snoozing in the shade, or venture out at night when lions and leopards are on the hunt. At night, you’ll sleep safe in your tent, listening to the whoops of hyenas and the distant roar of big cats.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Take a final peek at the watering hole to see who’s having a drink, then 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. Prepare to return home forever changed!