Eswatini (Swaziland) - Cycling Safari

Cannot recommend highly enough.

Great blend of touring, cycling (easy to mild technical), cultural experiences and varied geography. The accommodation was always comfortable with hot water and good food. More rustic accommodation made for a great experience and the open air at Mkhaya Stone Camp was unforgettable. Riding was as expected and described – favourite day was probably the climb to, and descent from, Executioners Rock. I hired a bike and we had good equipment appropriate for ride and conditions. Our tour leader was completely calm throughout. Despite a few unexpected weather related and catering hiccups he was utterly professional and always composed. Cannot recommend highly enough. We had two excellent local drivers too. I have recommended Skedaddle to multiple friends over the years and will continue to do so.

David, Canada

Would I do it again? In a flash.

The first days took us cycling through undulating paths in and around the Mlilwanee Wildlife Sanctuary getting a close look at nature at its best. Magnificent vistas in the Sanctuary, ‘close’ encounters with ‘wild’ animals, peaceful, peaceful, peaceful. As we ambled through the rocky terrain, the animals seemed to appear one by one, as if on cue. At all times however, our guides taking us carefully through the reserve and stopping at certain vantage points, allowing us time to experience the closeness of these wild animals. Who would have thought it possible to cycle such a sacred space with extraordinary animals and be totally at peace. An amazing and humbling experience.

Then meandering through the neighbouring villages, greeting the locals (happy to have us experience their world) waving, smiling at us as we pass by. Cycling through the villages proved to be one of the best ways to experience this country. It allows you to get close to the people, get a glimpse of their hospitality, their everyday life, their lifestyle. Would I do it again? In a flash.

Denise, Trinidad and Tobago

A moment of happy tears...

A warm, smiling welcome everywhere we went, this off road biking experience through beautiful landscape was what I had hoped the trip would be and so much more.

With cheeky climbs and even cheekier Sibebe beer, community projects that you can learn about and support, soothing beats of the African drum and emotional harmonies after dark, seeing shooting stars almost without trying, the sky was so dark and unspoilt, before retiring to your luxury hut, open to the elements, no electricity and with a whistle to blow if you happen to be visited by hyena! Going to bed wondering how the next day was going to top the day’s experience then being pleasantly blown away by another amazing day.

Steady winding uphill through beautiful forest, cycling towards the reward of seeing breath taking views through watering eyes on the fast downhill to the mid velt. Cycling through fields of Zebra, Nyala, Impala and Wildebeest – trying not to cycle on dung beetles! Warthogs sharing the roaring camp fire that had been burning for over 60 years

The first glimpse of a White Rhino. Towers of giraffe elegantly nibbling away at the trees. A yawning hippo. The grace of the African elephant. And for me, the icing on the cake and a moment of happy tears – being up close to a pride of Lion after the beauty of an African sunset.

I could go on but I’m not sure you need anymore. Thanks again Skedaddle, that, for me, was Africa!

Samantha, Newcastle, UK

Very good overview of Swaziland!

We always have an excellent service from Skedaddle. We are not into luxury accommodation, so the variety of accommodation helped make the holiday great. We loved the Beehives, Foresters and the stone house particularly. The cycling experience was so varied and we were both learning about the bikes (neither of us had ever ridden a mountain bike before the holiday) – we were happy with each day! Our tour leader went out his way to ensure that everyone enjoyed the holiday, and made sure we all were hydrated and had plenty of snacks to keep us going. An excellent leader. Both our drivers were also excellent. They helped us all and were always there when needed. The office answered every question asked and kept in touch, and the variety of cycling and game drives gave us a very good overview of Swaziland.

Jean and Peter, Hampshire, UK

The cycling was really good...

All ran very smoothly, location and guides were excellent. Nice variety of different types of accommodation and all were clean and well maintained. The cycling was really good, made very enjoyable by our tour leader and his team.

Mark, Edinburgh, UK

As seen in the press...

This brand new cycling holiday in the small landlocked country of Swaziland follows quiet backroads and gentle off road trails to uncover the people, places and legendary wildlife of Southern Africa.

Cadence Magazine (2017), Enjoy a cycling safari in Swaziland

Excellent holiday!

Chris was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable about fauna and flora, as well as geography, history, people, activities, and cycling in the area. He was also very considerate about our wishes and preferences, and altogether very pleasant company.

John, Surrey, UK