We believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. They allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our confidence, independence and resilience.
THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
ESWATINI WAS RENAMED ‘SWAZILAND’ IN THE COLONIAL ERA. IN 2018, AFTER 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE, IT REGAINED ITS TRUE NAME.
13 NIGHT EXPEDITION ESWATINI AND KRUGER
Trek through Ngwempisi, contribute to a community initiative and go on safari in Kruger National Park. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this once-in-a-lifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.
STARTHERE
DAY 1
ARRIVE IN ESWATINI
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 6hrs to Ezulwini Valley
Touch down in Johannesburg (South Africa) and travel overland to the Ezulwini Valley in eSwatini. Small but mighty, eSwatini has fascinating culture, awesome wildlife and the last reigning monarch in Africa.
Make sure you get some rest after your flight. You’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Rugged mountains, tribal culture and incredible wildlife – it’s all here, waiting to be discovered.
TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY
REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.
DAY 2
EZULWINI VALLEY
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 30mins to the village
Unzip your tent in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley – with awesome wildlife, traditional culture and a 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 – Swazi lilangeni.
Time to explore. 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. Later on, you could head out to the craft market or simply go for walk and watch the sunset. Eager to explore
more? Gather the team and climb the local peak, Sheba’s Breast – the views are awesome.
PLAN AHEAD
NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO BOOK ANY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – CHAT WITH THE GROUND TEAM AND GET PLANNING!
DAYS 3-5
NGWEMPISI TREK
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 2hrs to start point
Multi-day treks: 3 days
Trek difficulty:
Pile back into the transfer vehicle and head south. Visit the Swazi Candles Complex to learn about this age-old art and have a go yourself.
Step forward as team leader and set off for your trek through Ngwempisi, accompanied by local guides. Lead your team across rugged trails and winding river paths, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, thick bushland, and vibrant birdlife.
Before you set up camp, you’ll need to collect water and firewood, ready to sleep beneath the stars. Dig deep
DAYS 6-9
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 2hrs to the community
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, learn about cattle herding and have a go at 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.
as you climb towards your final camp, high above the valley. Just look at those views—absolutely unforgettable!
THE STEEP NGWEMPISI VALLEY IS WHERE THE NGWEMPISI RIVER CARVES EAST THROUGH THE NTFUNGULU HILLS. IT’S TOUGH TREKKING – BUT THE LANDSCAPE IS EPIC!
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.
QUALITY EDUCATION
CONTRIBUTE TO A SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE THAT AIMS TO IMPROVE SOCIOECONOMIC MOBILITY THROUGH EDUCATION.
DAYS 10-12
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 4hrs to Kruger, transfer 3hrs to Ezulwini
Thought this trip couldn’t get any better? It just did. You’re on your way to 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 after dark – this is when lions and leopards are out on the hunt.
As you explore in a 4x4, look for herds of buffalo and elephants on the plains. Grab your binoculars for a closer
look. There they are – 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.
On your last day here, head out on a final safari ride. Take in the beauty of Kruger and cherish your last chance to spot wildlife in the wild. Then, prepare for an exciting journey back to Ezulwini.
AFRICA’S BIG FIVE ANIMALS ARE THE LION, LEOPARD, RHINOCEROS, ELEPHANT, AND BUFFALO. KRUGER IS HOME TO THEM ALL.
DAY 13
MALOLOTJA NATURE RESERVE
Sleep: Camp
Travel: Transfer 4hrs to Malolotja
Travel through the capital city of Mbabane and onwards to Malolotja Reserve. On the way there, stop off to discover the mighty Sibebe Rock - the world’s second biggest monolith.
Stop to set up camp then continue to 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.
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.
ROCK ON
SIBEBE ROCK IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST GRANITE ROCKS IN THE WORLD. THIS IMMENSE VOLCANIC DOME IS THREE-BILLION-YEARS-OLD.
DAY 14
TRAVEL HOME FROM JOHANNESBURG
Travel: Transfer 7hrs to the airport
After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. 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 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.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.
Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.
Students will be immersed in different cultures and experiences, growing to understand their role within our global community.
Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.
Students will be empowered to build on their self-care strategies, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.
Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience
Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity and personal values, developing their independence and sense of self.
