The beginning of the trip

For those who don’t know, I took a second big trip to South Africa and Eswatini. This trip was not only travelling, it included also volunteering.

So first thing first.

Back home, I was searching if it was possible to travel and to my surprise it was possible. But it was a bit harder, I was searching for countries and there it was: a volunteering project. The project involved a little bit of travelling and volunteering. I was curious and clicked on it and after reading the itinerary I was so excited and decided to go for it!

The first day

On the first day, I had a great experience. It began with a warm welcome at the airport from our best All Out Africa staff member Bob. And a first great experience with the other volunteers and the staff in the Kruger Park. From the first moment, the group was so close. I had the best time and a lot of inside jokes. I was sad that I had to leave the stunning place and the staff with all their wisdom about nature and animals. And I will miss the funny stories. 

A special thanks to Adriaan our ranger. Or shall I say, Andrew? But also Phayo, Bob and Roland for this great experience. Most of all for your patience with us with our silly and weird questions, we had a great time. 

A group photo at Kruger Park National                     

Volunteering project

Then it was time for the next experience where we came for the volunteering, in Eswatini, one of the smallest countries in the African continent with stunning scenery. We had a second big warm welcome from the All Out Africa and the Lidwala lodge staff. Lidwala Lodge became our second home, a beautiful lodge surrounded by a lot of nature.

After settling down, we had two orientations and followed by a guided tour in one of the most famous and iconic residential villages Lobamba. It was finally time for volunteering. And there it was: our first day, It all started with the Kombis (the public transport) it is so different from home, but luckily Eunice the NCP coordinator was with us for guidance.

A group photo captured after our Eswatini orientation

The bus is very small and it is called a kombi, If you need a kombi,  you just stand near the road and wave at the kombi. The kombi stops for you and you say your stash (drop off place) and you get in. Sometimes you have a place and sometimes not. The first time it was a little bit scary, but luckily the people were so helpful and always keen to help, especially when we were wearing our volunteering shirts.

Eswatini mode of transport (Kombi)

Back to the story, together with Femke my NCP buddy, we went to our NCP for the first time, which is in Mvutjini (in the beginning, we didn’t pronounce it right and that gave us a lot of laughter). We were in shock the first time at our NCP, to be honest. It was so different from home, we came to realize that we were so privileged. Besides a lot of love from the teacher, the school didn’t have much, they have to work with almost nothing because they rely on donations.

Children playing at Mvutjini NCP

NCP which stands for neighbourhood care point is an informal preschool, most of the underprivileged and orphans in the Kingdom go to an NCP for education and there are eight NCPs that are supported by All Out Africa. One of the interesting things about the NCPs is that the teachers are not professional teachers but they are passionate about working with children and want to give them a good future. You can say the teachers are volunteers too. At the NCPs they are not only providing pre-education, but they also provide meals for the children and do sports with them. They get a chance for a brighter future. I love to be a part of that. I know I can’t change the world, but every step helps.

An obstacle course race at the NCP

Preparing a meal for the NCP children

The workshop

I was thinking: how can I do more? I know about the development of children. Back home, I have a degree and I am a specialist in the development of children from 0-6 years old. After a lot of thinking and discussing with the other volunteers, we found a solution to help a little.

We had the idea to make a program with suggestions for the whole school year. Together with the other volunteers, we set up a book to teach children how to write. The staff from All Out Africa was happy and asked if we can do more with this project. So the project became bigger and bigger. Together with Eunice, the NCP coordinator, we came with the idea to give all the NCP teachers a workshop. I was so excited because I love to host workshops.

And there it was: a workshop about the development of pre-writing and the stages. The biggest and most important message was how a child learns through play.

The day of the workshop was here and I was so nervous because I had to host a workshop in English which is not my first language. That day, we had to face a big problem. This day there weren’t driving Kombis. So the staff had to improvise. Simise (Marketing Coordinator and Team leader) and Michael (Building and Sports coordinator) had to drive all the volunteers to the NCP”s and collect all the teachers to Lidwala Lodge where we hosted the workshop. So it took a little bit longer until I could start with the workshop. The nerves got me, but then there was the lovely Tiphiwe (she works at the office and every day she has the patience to listen to me for a nice little chat). She was comforting me. During the workshop, Simise (the team leader with the funniest laugh) was supporting me.

NCP teachers during their workshop

During the workshop, every minute I felt more and more comfortable doing it in another language. We had a good conversation and exchanged knowledge and experiences. It was a nice workshop. The teachers were very happy and asked a lot of questions. They were so curious and were willing to learn things. It was a big pleasure to meet all the teachers and give them this workshop.

Lastly, I want to give a big shout out to the other volunteers to help me set this up. And a big thanks to All Out Africa for giving me this opportunity. 

Myself, Simise and the NCP teachers after the workshop

It is so beautiful to see that there are people in this world that are willing to help the unprivileged. And that they give them a chance. A big compliment to the staff from All Out Africa, that they are so dedicated and took us, the volunteers, under their wings for this big impression.

Group photo with All Out Africa staff and volunteers

If you want to know more about All Out Africa, donate or volunteer. Just look at their website or feel free to approach them with questions. If you want to know more inside information from the volunteers about this experience, the staff from All Out Africa can help you to get in contact with me or the other volunteers.

Thank you and best wishes,

Written by Shirley Ramkhelawan

Click here if you would like to know more about our Safari tour, or our Volunteering programs.

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.

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.

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