SWAZILAND: Enjoy Budget Safaris In Swaziland

Small, compact and affordable, in Swaziland you can safari like a king without the royal budget!

Although it’s the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, Swaziland is big on experiences. Landlocked on all sides by South Africa and Mozambique, its 17,364 square kilometres provide a level of intimacy with wildlife that is unparalleled; it’s a real safari treasure and is far from the mass tourism of neighbouring safari destinations.

There are five main parks and a number of smaller reserves, but if it’s the Big Five you’re after Mkhaya Game Reserve (renowned for its Rhino Safaris) and Hlane Royal National Park are the destinations for you. But what makes Swaziland different from other safari destinations is the chance to explore beautiful parks and wild places at completely your own pace and on your own terms.

There are plenty of parks where you don’t need a guide and you can explore at your own leisure. But the best way to safari here is to self-drive (although local transport is also good and plentiful). For untamed wilderness and the chance to explore the bush on foot or on bicycle visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Mbuluzi Wildlife Reserve.

The other benefit of a safari in Swaziland is that there is lots of budget self catering accommodation and camping options at most parks and reserves and the conservation fees (park fees) are staggeringly under £3 a day making it affordable for everyone from families to students.

The emphasis in Swaziland is to provide visitors with a wildlife experience in areas of natural beauty, and to allow them a certain amount of freedom to explore on their own terms and to their own budgets. This is no place for mass tourism and convoys of vehicles; instead you get a intimate view and gain a better understanding of the bush and experience the thrill of tracking some of Africa’s big mammals.

SWAZILAND: Explore 'Undiscovered Swaziland'!

UK's only Swaziland-specialist tour operator, Sense Africa, in conjunction with Undiscovered Destinations, have a new and exciting scheduled departure tour running in September 2017. With 11 nights in Swaziland this is fantastic opportunity to fully explore this little-known African Kingdom and experience its highlights.

There are still places available on this first ever 'Undiscovered Swaziland' itinerary so please take a look at the details from Sense Africa below and contact them directly for further information and bookings.

Undiscovered Swaziland
Swaziland is a welcoming Kingdom with wonderfully stunning landscapes, friendly people and up close and personal wildlife sightings. Walk within the reserves, learning to track animals, and truly immerse yourself into the African bush where your senses come alive!

Swaziland is bound tightly with its culture and there will be opportunities to see traditional dancing and to hear beautifully harmonised singing. In the communities you will be welcomed into their homes and their hearts.

Dates: 17 - 30 Sept 2017

Itinerary:
Days 1 - 4: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife on foot.
Days 5 - 6: Foresters Arms. Visit magical Malolotja.
Days 7 - 8: Mkhaya Game Reserve. Track black rhino.
Days 9 - 11: Hlane Royal National Park. Big Game safari.

Price: £3,275 pp sharing
Single supplement of £225 pp.
Price includes flights to Swaziland, all transfers in Swaziland, accommodation, all meals, activities, park entrance fees and professional guide for the duration.

Group size: group of 2 - 12

Duration: 11 nights in glorious Swaziland.

Accommodation: Traditional and unique accommodation. Wake up to wildlife, serene.
Transport: Private vehicle between reserves and open land rovers within reserves when on safari.

SWAZILAND: Tour Operators Love Swaziland

An increasing number of Tour Operators have added exclusive Swaziland itineraries to their product offering in recent times as Southern Africa’s smallest country really starts getting noticed. As well as the huge range of adventure activities on offer in this fascinating Kingdom, the opportunity to explore its beautiful and varied scenery whilst experiencing unique African culture and close wildlife encounters, are just some of the great reasons why tour operators fall in love with Swaziland.

Explore, an Adventure Travel Expert Tour Operator launched its first dedicated Swaziland trip at the end of 2015, and sales way exceeded expectations! Out of 81 new trips that Explore launched for 2016, the Kingdom of Swaziland was their best-selling long haul trip. This tour consists of a 10-day journey through the last true monarchy of Africa, and additional departure dates have been added to meet demand.

The first clients and members of Explore management team have recently returned from the company’s first successful trip to Southern Africa’s tiniest nation. Sarah Fowler, Head of Marketing at Explore said, “This was my first Explore trip, and it more than lived up to my expectations. Swaziland may be a small country, but there is so much to see and do that I could happily have spent twice as long there - however 8 days is the perfect amount of time to really get under the skin of the country and learn all about the fascinating culture.”

Swaziland has a diverse range of attractions and activities. Stunning landscapes of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five, gives visitors all that’s best about Africa in a welcoming country. Add to that Swaziland’s offer of rich culture and music festivals and you have the perfect combination for one of the “best sellers” of 2016 for Explore in the UK.

Sarah also said, “The two main highlights for me on the trip were the wildlife and the accommodation we stayed in. We were able to get so close to the animals - At Mkhaya we saw no fewer than 8 white rhino and a herd of giraffe on our first game drive.

Every day I though the holiday had peaked, and every day it surprised me with an exciting new twist. I couldn’t recommend this trip strongly enough - whether you’re a first time Explorer like myself, or a travel veteran, it will no disappoint.”

Another large UK adventure operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays - experts in guided walking and adventures across the globe - has just launched a brand new holiday including 7 days in Swaziland, with tours due to start in 2017. The 17-day tour taking in Swaziland combined with South Africa makes an unforgettable experience for adventure and wildlife lovers. Some of the highlights of the Swaziland experience include, walking in Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and the ancient Sibebe Rock.

Its no surprise that Swaziland is seeing an increase in operators’ offerings. Its compact size and variety of landscape, wildlife and unique culture mean even in a short period holiday-makers can have the full, genuine Africa experience in a welcoming and beautiful country.