Wildlife Conservation in Eswatini & Kruger

Unzip your tent in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley; with awesome wildlife, traditional culture and a backdrop of the craggy hills, it’s known as the ‘Valley of Heaven’. You’ll need to buy some food supplies, so head to the markets and get to grips with the local currency, Swazi Lilangeni. Jobs done, it’s time to explore. Visit the local candle factory and learn about this age-old art, then head to the Malandela’s Complex to discover Eswatini’s top performance venue and the Dali-style structures in the sculpture area. You could also explore the area on foot or dip into your spending money and visit the Eswatini National Museum.

Pile into the transfer vehicle and strike northwest towards the Malolotja Nature Reserve. On the way, stop off to restock your food supplies and visit 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. Set up camp in the beautiful Malolotja 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!

Step forward as team leader and set off with your guides. You’ll be trekking for four days straight, sleeping at wild camping spots each night, collecting firewood and cooking on an open fire. Lead your team through forests, grassland and African bush, with steep ascents, lush waterfalls and amazing views. Pass through remote villages, where you may catch glimpses of daily life and exchange friendly waves with the locals. On your final day, trek through the dramatic Komati Gorge to the rural farmlands of the Hlalakahle people. The transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to a new camp in the Ezulwini Valley. On the way, visit the capital city of Mbabane and the immense Sibebe Rock. Set up your tents, then take a trip to Mantenga Cultural Village to see a traditional dance performance and learn more about Swazi culture.

Pack down your tent and travel to your new base, a conservation camp high in the Malolotja mountains. Meet the experts who care for this patch of paradise, then roll up your sleeves and get involved. You could be helping them out with wildlife and ecology research, fence monitoring, or snare and erosion control. Deepen your understanding with conservation talks and workshops, and engage with your hosts to learn all you can. This is a side of Eswatini that few tourists see, so leap outside of your comfort zone, stay open-minded and embrace every opportunity.

Thought this trip couldn’t get any better? It just did. Wave goodbye to the conservation camp and head north for 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. Wake up early for a sunrise safari when the animals are most active, or head out later to spot them snoozing in the shade. You could also venture out at night, when lions and elusive leopards head out to hunt. As you explore, look for herds of buffalo and elephants on the plains. Grab your binoculars for a closer look, they could be drinking at the waterhole, just a few paces from your jeep. 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. Wake up early and take a final glimpse at the wildlife, then cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, because you’ve just experienced something incredible. Eswatini and Kruger have 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.