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The Lubombo Trail

4 Days | Slack Packing in the Lubombo Conservancy

Follow ancient footpaths along the spine of the Lubombo Mountains — a landscape shaped by soaring ridgelines, deep valleys, and sweeping views across Eswatini and Mozambique. By day, hike light through rugged terrain, riverine forests, and wildlife-rich reserves; by night, settle into set-up camps where hot meals, crackling fires, and quiet mountain nights await.

This fully guided, fully catered 4-day trail connects Mhlumeni, Mlawula and Mbuluzi — three conservation areas that together reveal the wild, diverse heart of the Lubombo region.
Slackpacking means you carry only a daypack, leaving the logistics to us so you can fully immerse yourself in the rhythm, beauty, and serenity of these ancient mountains.

DESTINATION

The Lubombo Conservancy, Eswatini

DURATION:

4 Days/3 Nights

INCLUDES:

Trail fees, tented accommodation, meals, all equipment needed, guide

START DATES:

Any time for private groups.
See open group dates below

PERFECT FOR:

Families, group travel, individuals, adventurers, students, etc.

RATES (FROM):

R 4,661 pp (2026) Prices vary depending on number of participants.
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ITINERARY

Day 1 | Arrival

15:00 Arrive at Magadzavane Lodge. You will meet your guides and support team here and load your bags into the tour vehicle before enjoying a 30min drive, through the Mhlumeni Community to Mhlumeni Bush Lodge.

There is no hiking on Day 1 but you can explore the camp and enjoy the afternoon on top of the Lubombo Plateau as the sun sets over the lowveld below. There are beautiful views from the top of the Lubombo Mountains into Mlawula Nature Reserve (west) and the coastal plains of Mozambique (east) 

Dinner is served at 18:00.

After dinner your Trail Guide, will give a briefing of the trail days ahead.

MHLUMENI BUSH CAMP

Comfy en-suite safari tents with bedding and towels provided. 

No electricity but lanterns and LED lights are provided.

Day 2 | Lower Potholes | 10 KMs

EARLY breakfast.

Depart Mhlumeni Bush Camp on foot and walk along the plateau through wilderness areas into Mlawula Nature Reserve. Enjoy the gentle descent into the wild Siphiso Valley.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mhlumeni Wilderness Area
  • Wooded depressions
  • Open grasslands
  • Westward views over the lowveld
  • Siphiso Valley
  • Picnic lunch en-route
  • Hot showers on arrival
  • Enjoy the evening around the campfire.

DISTANCE & DURATION

10 KMs (approx. 5.5 hours).

SIPHISO CAMP

Canvas dome safari tents. Wide open camp area with hide overlooking the seasonal Siphiso River. Thatch lapa for cover. Basic/rustic, shared, showers and flush toilets, electricity is available.

Day 3 | Komati Gorge | 17 KMs

AFTER BREAKFAST depart camp and walk through the foothills of the Lubombos down the remote and beautiful Malayida Valley. The trail on this day explores the hidden valleys in the heart of the Lubombo Conservancy and has more variety of landscapes in comparison to the previous day.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Malayida Valley & Cave
  • Mbuluzi River Valley
  • Mbuluzi River
  • Hot showers on arrival in camp

DISTANCE & DURATION

17 KMs (approx. 7.5 hours).

MBULUZI CAMP

Canvas dome safari tents with mattresses. There is a boma area with central fire and seating. There are stylish, outdoor bush showers and flush toilets, no electricity but lanterns are provided. 

Day 4 | Views Galore

RISE EARLY and take a scenic open vehicle game drive out to the Mbuluzi Gorge Viewpoint where you will enjoy hot drinks and rusks as you welcome the sun over the Lubombo Mountains.

Relax in the morning stillness and soak up the beautiful views before walking back to camp along the walking trail.

On arrival at camp, breakfast is served in the boma. 

After breakfast take a short walk down to the Mbuluzi River Potholes and relax on the rocks while the support staff pack up camp and prepare for departure.

The guides will prepare a packed lunch and then it’s time to depart camp (11:15) and enjoy a game drive through Mlawula Game Reserve, back to your vehicle at Magadzavane Lodge.

2026 RATES

Choose your option:

Private Trail

Get a group together with your friends and family. See rates below. 

Set Depatures

Join a group and meet new people – check 2026 dates here.

Pricing Details

2026

  • 15 ppl. | ZAR 5,067 pp
  • 16 ppl. | ZAR 4,906 pp
  • 17 ppl. | ZAR 4,789 pp
  • 18 ppl. | ZAR 4,661 pp

2026

  • 11 ppl. | ZAR 5,926 pp
  • 12 ppl. | ZAR 5,641 pp
  • 13 ppl. | ZAR 5,430 pp
  • 14 ppl. | ZAR 5,221 pp

2026

  • 7 ppl. | ZAR 6,231 pp
  • 8 ppl. | ZAR 5,764 pp
  • 9 ppl. | ZAR 6,262 pp
  • 10 ppl. | ZAR 5,886 pp

2026

  • 3 ppl. | ZAR 9,859 pp
  • 4 ppl. | ZAR 8,443 pp
  • 5 ppl. | ZAR 7,339 pp
  • 6 ppl. | ZAR 6,785 pp

Package Upgrades

  • Extend your stay in Eswatini.

What's Excluded

  • Flights
  • Personal Expenses
  • Travel Documents/Visas
  • Personal Trips

What's Included

  • Tented accommodation
  • Fully guided
  • All meals (except breakfast & lunch on day 1)
  • Porter Service
  • Transfer from/to starting point

DATES & AVAILABILITY

2026 Departure Dates

Scheduled Departures

2026

Join a group and meet other hikers on our scheduled departures. 

(Min. 8 guests and Max. 12 guests)

  • 8-11 May 2026
  • 7-10 August 2026
  • 4-7 September 2026
  • Enquire for more dates
Click for Brochure with more info

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

What To Bring

  • Please see full packing list in the brochure.

Accommodation

  • Well appointed campsites in the Lubombo Conservancy
  • Two-person dome canvas tents
  • Hot showers and flush toilets in camp

Meals

Please let us know, if you have special dietary requirements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Frequently Asked Questions

Most packages include accommodation, guided activities, transfers, meals, and park fees. Flights, visas, and personal expenses are usually excluded.
  • South Africa: Rand (ZAR)
  • Eswatini: Lilangeni (SZL), often interchangeable with ZAR
  • Mozambique: Metical (MZN)

Credit cards are accepted in urban areas, but cash is advisable for remote regions.

Southern Africa experiences hot summers (November – March) and mild winters (May – October). Coastal areas are humid, while inland regions are drier.

The dry season (April–October) is best for safaris and multi-day hikes, while the wet season offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and adventure activities.

Booking & Payment

You can book directly on our website or via email. A deposit secures your spot, with the balance due 30 days before departure.
We accept credit/debit cards and bank transfers. South African clients can pay in ZAR via EFT.
Yes, flexible payment plans are available—contact us to arrange details.
Cancellations made 60+ days before departure qualify for a full refund minus admin fees. Please review our terms for specifics.

Tour Details

  • Volunteer tours and school groups: 12–25 participants
  • Private tours: 4–12 participants for a personalised experience
Yes, private tours can be customised to your preferences.
Most tours are conducted in English. Translators for other languages can be arranged upon request.

We specialise in catering to adventurers aged 18–35, but we can accommodate all ages for private tours.

Preparation

Essentials include comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Vaccinations aren’t required, but we recommend consulting your doctor. Mozambique is a malaria zone; speak to your physician about anti-malarial options.
  • South Africa/Eswatini: Most nationalities receive 30-day visas on arrival.
  • Mozambique: Pre-arranged visas are recommended, though border visas may be available.

Physical Requirements

Tours vary in difficulty. Some include hiking, while others are more relaxed. Check tour descriptions for details.
No prior experience is needed. Guides offer full support, and all necessary equipment is provided.

Yes, we cater to dietary needs. Notify us in advance to ensure suitable options.

Destination-Specific FAQs

All our locations are safe. We specifically choose our locations due to their safety. Our qualified staff is also here to provide 24/7 support. Your safety is our priority. Tours include experienced guides and secure accommodations.

Absolutely! Our tours focus on conservation and support local communities.

Yes, we cater to dietary needs. Notify us in advance to ensure suitable options.

Cultural Experiences

Yes, cultural tours include village visits, storytelling sessions, and interactions with local people.
Wear modest clothing in rural or cultural areas. Long skirts or trousers are appreciated in traditional settings.
Always ask permission before photographing people. Guides can assist with this.

During the Tour

Options range from safari tents and eco-lodges to chalets. Accommodation details are included in each tour description.
Most tours include meals, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks and drinks may be extra.
We use air-conditioned vehicles for transfers and open vehicles for game drives.
Yes, airport transfers can be arranged upon request.

Nature and Conservation

All tours are fully guided for safety and enhanced experiences.

We partner with anti-poaching initiatives, savannah reseach, marine research stations, and reforestation projects.

BOOKING

Please complete our enquiry form and one of our team members will be in contact with you to start planning your African Adventure. Alternatively you can contact us directly via WhatsApp or Email with any questions you might have.

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TESTIMONIALS

Love the tours keep it up!

Romy Winkler Kruger to Cape

The highlights were seeing some of my favourite animals in their natural habitats and watching their behaviour

Volunteer (2017) Kruger to Coast Volunteer

Seeing animals, the campfire in the evenings, meeting new people and the guides were great!

Mari Volunteer (2017)

It was a pleasure working with you, and your professionalism was ever present. I would like to say a special thanks to Adriaan and Ruben for there part in the Kruger safari WOW what a team and a logistical triumph, they both deserve a pat on the back.

Russ World Challenge

Everything was very well organized and planned. I enjoyed it a lot. The guides were very friendly and helpful.

Kim Anne Heuer Kruger to Cape