A hiker on a slackpack trail in the Lubombo hills of Eswatini

With much more time on our hands now and the need to get creative, we finally got to work on this slackpacking project. Over the course of 2020 All Out Africa has launched seven unique slackpacking tours for Eswatini (Eswatini) in three distinctly different locations: Malolotja Nature Reserve, the Lubombo Conservancy and the Ngwempisi Wilderness Area.

Slackpacking essentially means “easy backpacking” as you don’t have to carry a heavy backpack from camp to camp meaning you can walk freely and enjoy the surroundings without the slog. The concept has become very popular worldwide, allowing people of average fitness to explore wild and remote places they may never have seen otherwise. 

Slackpacking in Malolotja Nature Reserve

Slackpacking in Malolotja Nature Reserve is amazing! It is surely one of the most impressive mountain parks in Southern Africa. The spectacular scenery and the variety of fauna and flora makes it a prime highveld conservation area and truly amazing hiking destination. Here you can now choose from a 1, 2, 3 or 4-night slackpacking adventure. These trails take you right into the heart of the reserve exploring its incredible mountains, grasslands, gorges, forests, rock pools and rivers. Malolotja is a true gem and considered by many to be the most beautiful part of Eswatini (Eswatini).

Slackpacking the Mahulungwane Falls in Malolotja

Depending on which route you chose, you will have the opportunity to see the following highlights:
1. Mhlangamphepha Valley and Falls
2. View of the Siweni Falls on the Mhlangamphepha River
3. View of Malolotja Waterfall (the highest in Eswatini (Eswatini) at 95m)
4. View of Maphandakazi Falls
5. The Malolotja River itself
6. The Upper Potholes (dramatic and imposing)
7. The Lower Potholes (the highlight of the whole trip, these potholes and waterfall are incredibly beautiful and easy to access for swimming and relaxing)
8. Komati River Views (amazing views into this remote and wild river valley and the impressive Mgwayiza Range beyond it)
9. Campsite 16 and the Komati River itself (beautiful valley with the narrow Siweni Gorge as the trail exists Malolotja)
All of the routes go through the and camp at the famous Lower Potholes.

Hikers swimming in the Mahulungwane Potholes in Malolotja

All Out Africa have run a good number of Malolotja Slackpack routes over the past year with domestic tour groups, and the feedback has been fantastic. Magical Malolotja is a must for all visitors to Eswatini (Eswatini). These new slackpacking routes have now made the hidden highlights of the park accessible to a much wider audience.

Slackpacking in the Lubombo Conservancy

Slackpacking in the Lubombo Conservancy takes you through the wild and remote Lubombo Mountains on the boundary of the eastern lowveld of Eswatini (Eswatini). This is an excellent winter hiking destination. The new 2 or 3 night slackpack trail traverses 3 adjoining conservation areas, Mhlumeni Community Reserve, Mlawula Nature Reserve and Mbuluzi Game Reserve and all are part of the greater Lubombo Conservancy. Wildlife is present in the reserves and there is a chance to see species such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, bush buck, giraffe, klipspringer, monkey and baboon. The area also has fascinating botanical, geological and archeological value and the trail guide interprets the environment from a natural and cultural perspective as you walk.

One of the accommodation options on the Lubombo slackpack tour, Mhlumeni Bushcamp

The route begins high up on the Lubombo plateau at Mhlumeni Bush Camp and winds its way down into the Siphiso Valley of Mlawula, before ending at Mbuluzi Campsite.

The trail is non-technical making walking relatively easy and each of the camps have hot water showers and clean flush toilets making it that little bit comfier.
The highlights of the trail include:

• The Lubombo Mountain Range itself 
• Mhlumeni Bush Camp – high up on the Lubombo plateau with sweeping views across the Swazi lowveld to the west and the Mozambique coastal plain to the west 
• Siphiso Campsite with is beautiful Leadwood trees 
• The Malayida Cave and Valley 
• River walk along the Mbuluzi River 
• Mbuluzi River gorge views in Mbuluzi Game Reserve 
• Mbuluzi Campsite on the banks of the Mbuluzi River with its views on to the Lubombo Mountain Range 

Slackpacking the Ngwempisi Wilderness Area

Slackpacking the Ngwempisi Wilderness Area takes you into the heart of the rugged and beautiful Ngwempisi Gorge. This is a new location for Slackpacking in the kingdom of Eswatini (Eswatini). The Ngwempisi Wilderness Area is unique in that it blends rural community lands with protected nature reserves, all within breath-taking natural landscapes. Slackpacking options are available for 1, 2, 3 or 4 nights. 

Slackpack with All Out Africa through the rugged Ngwempisi Gorge

Depending on the duration of your trip your slackpacking adventure highlights may include:

• The rugged and majestic Ngwempisi Gorge which cuts through the Ntfungula mountains forming one of Eswatini (Eswatini)’s most impressive gorges. 
• Nights under the stars at the rustic Rock Lodge, built from wood, on 5 levels, in a bolder cluster on the top of the gorge with amazing views out over the Ngwempisi River
• Exploring the wooded banks of the Ngwempisi River and enjoying swimming in beautiful pools along its course. 
• Succulents on the rocky edges of the gorge with many different species of aloe and euphorbia 
• Cozy and comfortable accommodation at Wide Horizons Mountain Retreat 

Slackpacking in Ngwempisi can combine camping, accommodation in comfortable lodges depending on how you would like to design your itinerary. This trail is excellent at any time of the year.

For more information or to book your own slackpacking adventure email us tours@alloutafrica.com 

We’ve never thought about hiking and camping with our family before.  Why it is so much fun? 

As well as learning lots of fun facts from your lead hiking guide about nature, there is the potential to spot wildlife – in Lubombo there are zebra, wildebeest, impala, kudu, bushbuck, giraffe, klipspringer, monkey and baboon hiding out in the bush.  For families with older children, it is often the challenge of completing the hike.  For those with little ones, it might be taking them an adventure and trying something new.  For all families, we notice it is doing something completely different from home life and spending time together.   Sigs, who hiked with us with her 3-year-old son recently, said that for her “It’s about sharing values that I can pass on.  I can teach my child how to enjoy nature.  I grew up with it.  It is an adventure.”

The children are young so it really possible to do a hiking and camping weekend trip?

We can tailor-make any hike by discussing the fitness and likes of your group so that the experience works for you.   Some are athletic and happy to carry little ones, but it’s not for everyone.   Camping is great fun for small children, especially if there are some marshmallows to cook on the campfire.  Sigs said “My son is 3.  He is young, so needs to be carried so take this into account on longer hikes.  But he does like it and it works if you take “petrol” (rewards!) as he can walk and enjoy it.  He really loves the camping – the fire, the evening under the stars and camping.  Chose the hike that suits your family, don’t choose something that is too strenuous as no-one enjoys it.  It is an adventure and if you don’t want any hassle then the slackpacking adventures with All Out Africa work well.”

We’re not all super-fit so won’t it be too difficult? 

Our advice is that you know your limitations and those of each member of your family.  It is possible to make a plan for different needs within a group, as long as we know in advance.  We have an experienced team and are happy to chat about your family and make a plan that suits you.

The great thing about our hiking and camping “Slackpacking” trips is that we tailor them to every family.  We understand that every family is different – single-parent families, blended families and extended families to name but a few, ensuring that our experiences are open to everyone. Contact us tours@alloutafrica.com to plan your next family adventure.

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.