Rickshaw Family
South Africa
People riding horses in Eswatini

Saddle up in Eswatini

Bite-sized trip

    • Itinerary:
      Eswatini
    • Duration:
      3 days / 2 nights (flexible)
    • Price:
      From £ 189.- per adult (excluding flights)
    • From £135.- per child (up to 11 years)
    • Prices vary during high season
    • Highlights:
      Cross into Eswatini and experience a completely different pace and culture
    • Spot zebras and impalas without the need for long game drives
    • Stay near Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in a relaxed, family-friendly lodge
    Family riding horses in Eswatini
    Family posing at sunset

    Day 1 – Arrival in Eswatini

    Your journey takes you across the border into Eswatini today, a small but vibrant country with a culture all of its own. Crossing the border is usually straightforward, and you can still use South African rand once you’ve passed through. Along the way, there is plenty to see from your window, as the landscapes shift to rolling hills and green mountains, with small villages dotted along the roadside.

    After around three hours, you’ll arrive at your hotel near Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Tucked into the lush green hills of the Ezulwini Valley, you’ll stay in a relaxed, family-friendly lodge with spacious, comfortable rooms, leafy gardens and a good-sized pool. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a long journey, while the kids burn off some energy outdoors.

    Day 2 – Horse riding in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

    You’ll wake up to cooler temperatures, but as the day begins it will soon warm up. Today you’ll be heading out into Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for a memorable family experience, exploring the reserve on horseback. After a short introduction, you’ll hop into the saddle for a relaxed ride of around two hours. As you make your way across the open savannah, through rocky gorges and past quiet waterholes, keep your eyes peeled for impalas and zebras as you go.

    Horse-riding is suitable for children aged 6+, with a maximum rider weight limit of 90kg. If you’re travelling with younger children, we’ll swap this for an alternative experience that suits your family better.

    Girl on horse in Eswatini
    Eswatini landscape

    Day 3 – Departure from Eswatini

    It’s time to leave Eswatini behind, as you enjoy your final breakfast here before continuing on your journey towards the coastal town of St. Lucia. The drive takes around five hours, heading south past Manzini and Big Bend, before reaching the border, where you’ll get your passports stamped and re-enter South Africa.

    Accommodation

    Eswatini lodge exterior
    Eswatini restaurant overlooking lush landscape and mountains
    Eswatini hotel pool

    This bite-sized trip combines well with