It has been incredible seeing so many people exploring Eswatini since lockdown, and the increased interest and enthusiasm for enjoying beautiful places in Eswatini.  However, many are only visiting for a day, and our Pop Up Camp Service means that staying overnight is another option.  We know that many are not used to camping and our service means that we take that worry away, and enable you to enjoy time with your family or friends.

Why do people want to use our Pop Up Camp Service?

• Spend time with loved ones doing activities that you enjoy, or trying something newer, rather than setting up camp. Often groups are only away overnight so time is precious.
• Get the experts to do it if you don’t feel as if you have the skills or experience to set up camp properly, or are worried that you might damage the tents if you have never done it before. It removes the stress; you are heading for time away, after all.
• Get the experts to do it and save your energies for exploring and hiking, making the most of your campsite destinations.
• Avoid that inevitable argument – we’ve all been with our loved ones when that happens!

So what does the service involve?

• Transport of the kit to and from the place of your choosing (the great thing is you decide, we don’t tell you where to go).
• Set up of tents, in a nice layout, with mattresses and pillows ready for your guests to use.
• The takedown of the tents after you have departed (we ask that this time allows our team to have time to take down camp in daylight hours).
• Cleaning of tents and kit in line with COVID19 standards, so you don’t have to worry about this.

What about meals?

That is totally up to you.  Like at our Bushfire Campsite people can bring their own braais, use facilities on-site (depending on where you decide to visit) or use local restaurants (if there is one on-site).  This means you can arrange meals that suit your budget and food that suits your tastes giving groups the flexibility over timings and how they split cooking and shopping.

What do we ask our guests to do?

Apart from letting us know when you plan to travel, the number in your group, where you want to go and the type of tents you would like, all we ask is that guests adhere to a few things:

• Don’t smoke in the tents.
• Don’t set fires within 5 meters of the tents.
• Move your own belongings in and out of tents.
• Don’t keep food inside tents – as this encourages wildlife to visit, and you really don’t want a monkey rifling through your belongings!
• Respect the rules of the lodge, campsite or reserve during your stay, including adherence to COVID19 protocols.
• Take away your rubbish or put it in the designated bins helping to keep Eswatini beautiful.

Where can we stay?

It is totally up to you, but there are some great camping spots in Eswatini with access to a range of activities as well as western-style toilets and shower facilities.  For example, Wide Horizons Retreat has fantastic night sky views, an interesting sculpture trail and hiking routes, and Lidwala Lodge has a small swimming pool, climbing frame for kids, and the Sheba’s Breast Hiking Trail.  We can set up anywhere in Eswatini so let us know what works best for you and your group.

So how you do make it happen?

Once you have spoken to others in your group, get in touch with the All Out Africa team.  Please email tours@alloutafrica.com and we will get in touch.  We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm.

You may have heard the term slackpacking but aren’t sure what it means. It’s an adventure where you get to enjoy a hike, have the potential to spot wildlife and learn about the natural environment, but you are secure in the knowledge that when you reach camp everything will be done for you, from your tents to the fire and meals.  Slackpacking is like a luxury backpacking hiking experience!

Here are some of the advantages of slackpacking:

• Tents are put up for you so you can put your energies into the hike
• Tents are transported from each camp so you don’t have to carry your equipment
• Hike with a day pack as your bedding, change of clothing, spare shoes will go with the vehicle from camp to camp
• Meals are prepared for you – and we can cater for vegetarians and special dietary needs
• Camp is set up – arrive to a glowing campfire
• Water heaters are started at campsites in sites where hot showers are a possibility
• Disinfecting of eating spaces and showers is taken care of by our team

So why should you slackpack with All Out Africa Adventure Tours?

All Out Africa Adventure Tours are experienced operators of slackpacking trips in Eswatini and run them each year with small and large groups in Malolotja, Ngwempisi and Lubombo regions.  We have a team of knowledgeable hiking guides and camp management teams who have years of experience in setting up campsites, working with different clients and preparing meals in a camp set up.  Meet some of the team:

• Bob Motsa – Senior Tour Guide with over 15 years experience in the industry-leading a range of tours, driving vehicles and cooking for our clients including those on Slackpacking adventures!
• December Dladla – Tour Guide and Lead Hiking Guide in the Shewula Region who not only can share many interesting tales on your hike about nature and culture but can serve up a delicious meal too!
• Sikelela Maseko – Fleet and Camp Coordinator with years of experience setting up camps for clients and events including Slackpacking adventures in Lubombo, Malolotja and Ngwempisi.

Our guides are trained in safety and nature ensuring that we provide responsible hiking experiences.  We have the skills, experience and knowledge to be able to package a quality slackpacking experience for you, your friends and family.  If you are interested in slackpacking with us, please contact tours@alloutafrica.com and tell us more about your group interests and needs.

My last hike has to be my favourite so far. I recently hiked Sheba’s breast mountain and from a certain point, the mountain peak looks like a woman’s breast. The hiking trail starts at Lidwala Lodge, It took me about an hour to reach the top and about 45 minutes to go down.

I had a goal and the initial goal was to hike and plant my Wild Mango tree (Umbubuli in Siswati) at the base. The wild mango tree is also known by its scientific name, Mangifera indica, it is also home to monkeys, birds and bats.   

As I trailed up, my muscles were screaming for mercy and my toes rubbing in my hiking shoes, I sought for shade and I leaned against a rugged bark asking myself the question: is it worth it? Sometimes the pain we endure when hiking dissuade us but the rewards of hiking are too great.

Guess what!!! I made it to the top and I must say Sheba’s breast mountain has one the most of the beautiful views in the Kingdom of Eswatini. I think I was up there for a good 30 minutes until I hiked down to the mountain base to plant my tree, I just wanted to be fully immersed in the nature surrounding me.

When I finally reached the mountain base I planted the tree, it is incredible how vital trees are. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilize the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. Next time you think about going on a hike or visit any eco-tourism business think about the environment and be responsible.

If you want to know about more about your favourite Eswatini based Eco-tourism and Conservation areas visit www.izele.org

Written by Simise Masilela, Marketing Assistant and Team Leader