Horse Riding Adventures in Eswatini (Swaziland)

Ride Locations

MILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Safari Highlights

RIDING WITH WILDLIFE
Eswatini provides diverse riding experiences amidst abundant wildlife, including antelope, zebras, and giraffes. You might have the chance for exhilarating canters alongside herds of zebras or wildebeest. Eland, the largest antelope species are also commonly seen on horse safari. You might even see pods of hippos or Nile Crocodiles as you ride along the edge of the dams and rivers along the trails.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Very few places on earth feel quite the same as Eswatini. Not only is it far beyond where most people think of travelling, it also feels like you’ve taken a step back in time. Life really slows down and you get a unique sense of freedom living simply in this beautiful landscape.

UNFORGETTABLE SCENERY
Eswatini is renowned for its expansive and unique open landscapes. You’ll have the opportunity to journey through rugged terrain that winds through extensive mountain ranges, enabling you to immerse yourself in the surrounding scenery fully. The trail encompasses the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, commercial forests, rural community areas, and untamed mountains, providing an authentic African trail ride experience through a constantly evolving backdrop.

VIEWS
Revel in panoramic views from elevated trails, providing stunning vistas of Eswatini’s landscapes and a sense of awe-inspiring freedom as you ride.

CULTURAL IMMERSION
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Swazi culture as you explore the picturesque landscapes on horseback, interacting with local communities and experiencing their traditions firsthand. This destination is suitable for visiting year-round, and if you opt for an August visit, you might have the chance to witness the captivating Umhlanga (reed) festival.

SWAZI HOSPITALITY
Experience warm Swazi hospitality at equestrian lodges and camps, where you can relax in comfort after a day of riding, surrounded by the tranquility of the African wilderness.

Activities

CATTLE HERDING
Bring out your inner cowgirl as you join the local community to herd their cattle. It’s the chance to not only give back to the community hosting you but also provide insights into their way of life and how they co-exist with wildlife.

PICNICS
One of the highlights of being out on a horse safari is stopping for picnic lunches or bush breakfasts overlooking the plains below. Your guides can share the history of this unique area as you gaze out at the incredible scenery.

CULTURAL EXPEREINCES
Eswatini is known for its rich cultural heritage. You can visit traditional Swazi villages, witness vibrant dance performances, and attend cultural festivals, such as the annual Umhlanga Reed Dance. Visit local markets to purchase handmade items such as woven baskets, beadwork, and traditional textiles.

GUIDED GAME DRIVES
Explore the sanctuary’s diverse landscapes and encounter a variety of wildlife, including antelopes, zebras, and bird species, on a guided game drive. In Hlane you might even see rhinos or big cats.

HIKING TRAILS
Mlilwane has scenic hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Trails take you through picturesque landscapes, providing opportunities to observe flora and fauna up close.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
The sanctuary offers mountain biking trails for those seeking an active adventure. Bikes can often be rented on-site.

Accommodation

During your Eswatini (Swaziland) horse safari, you’ll have the privilege of being hosted by a dedicated family-run team of horse enthusiasts and conservationists. Accommodation options are incredibly diverse, catering to various preferences and allowing you to tailor your stay. Generally, the accommodation is fairly rustic, but in keeping with the incredible landscape and culture that makes Eswatini so unique.

On extended trails, you can expect a diverse array of lodging options, including en-suite traditional huts, canvas tents, charming country hotels, and rustic bush lodges that offer breathtaking vistas of the Eswatini landscape. It’s worth noting that in some areas, you may encounter intermittent cell phone reception and limited electricity, providing the perfect setting for a digital detox experience.

Swazi Culture

As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life. Unlike most parts of the world, Eswatini has managed to hold on to that special slow-down-this-is-Africa feeling. Cantering through the farmlands in Swaziland, you are likely to come across men carrying knobkerries (traditional club) and women wearing colourful traditional dresses. Between the wilderness areas, you’ll ride through a patchwork of rich farmlands dotted with mud huts. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to experience one of the Swazi’s traditional ceremonies. Music is also very important to the Swazi’s and you may hear snatches of song as you ride through the villages.