Location: Kingdom of Eswatini (small country on the border between South Africa and Mozambique)

Duration: 3, 4, 5, or 6 days

Accommodation: Lodge-based with optional camp-out in the bush

Dates: flexible

Riding Level: All Levels Welcome

Group Size: 1-8

Diversity and flexibility are the highlights of this holiday - great plains rides, climbing the infamous Nyonyane Mountain, small river crossings, spectacular views across the Malkerns, Ezulwini and Mantenga Valleys, changing habitats and the impressive bushveld with giraffe against the Lubombo backdrop and fun ranch-style riding with the beautiful Nguni cattle at KaMsholo. 

Mlilwane is Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) best-known nature reserve. It was here in 1961 that Ted Reilly – whose father had settled at the property in 1906 – first took action to save what remained of the kingdom’s wildlife, converting it into a sanctuary and rounding up animals from elsewhere around the country before they were hunted out. Although Big Game Parks – the independent conservation trust that Reilly subsequently founded – has since acquired the management of the larger reserves of Hlane and Mkhaya, and more recently KaMsholo, Mlilwane remains its spiritual home. 

The riding is fun, adventurous, and versatile – a great introduction to trail riding while seasoned trail riders enjoy the easy, up-beat pace and diversity of these trails. With far more activities to offer than just riding, this is a great safari option for families and accompanying non-riders.

Guests get to ride different horses through their stay, mostly being allocated 2 – 3 different steeds. We depend on accurate guest info on horse preference to match horses and riders. The horses are mostly homebred Warmblood/Arab/Boerperd crosses, with some Fresian, Percheron, and Clydesdale crosses for larger mounts.

Riding Level: Intermediate to Advanced - must be able to post a trot, sit a spook, and be fit for longer canters. 

Speed: A good mix of walk, trot, and canter. Mountains are slower' plains allow for long canters.

Distance:  10-20 km per day

Ride Time: 1 hour on day 1, 4-6 hours on other days

Tack: Snaffle bits, endurance trail saddles (South African, Liversage)

Terrain: Mountains, bridle paths, and flat open plains

Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces.

Enjoy a jeep safari, or a self-drive wildlife safari, take a dip in the pool and enjoy walking trails and mountain biking. All activities cater for all levels and offer an excellent way to approach wildlife and explore the mountains, as all the wildlife on site are peaceful herbivores (aside from the crocodiles in the dam). Enjoy cultural experiences each night. Other activities in the area include golf, quad-biking, caving, and plenty of shopping.

MLILWANE – spacious thatch Lontweni Rondavels, en-suite with shower, kitchenette, veranda, fan.

Camping - canvas dome tents with cots, bedding, and towels. Latrine and warm tree showers.

KAMSHOLO – spacious thatch chalets, en-suite with shower, kitchenette, veranda, air-conditioning.

All meals are included in the itinerary, but drinks are for the guest account. Restaurant meals are typical of southern Africa - meats, starch and vegetables, usually buffet. We can cater for vegetarian and can assist with other dietary requirements as requested.  

Safaris begin at Mlilwane Game Sanctuary Rest Camp, where guests check-in in time for the first ride (4 pm in summer months and 3 pm in winter months). Safaris end at KaMsholo Game Reserve after breakfast on the last day (around 9 am).

Transfers are not included, to allow for self-driving guests, but can be arranged. 

The nearest airport is KM3 Airport (Eswatini). Guests can also fly into JHB (Johannesburg) and rent a vehicle or transfer.

Mkhaya Game Reserve

2-night bush safari, with lots of walking and the opportunity to see rhinos!  Stone Camp accommodation is unique, stone and thatch units with no doors or windows – open to the bush. Totally off-grid, lantern light, magical.