While we await the arrival and roll-out of the vaccine in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the extended lockdown allows us to continue treading on the side of caution and exercise the health and safety measures that have been implemented to ensure that we all stay safe.
It is no secret that the rate of cabin fever amongst us has become exacerbated and the longing to travel even more heightened. There is a way to escape the frustration that comes with isolation without compromising our health and that of the people around us: hiking and guided walks.
Connecting with nature offers a refreshing experience that cleanses the soul and strengthens the mind and is certainly the best option for travel right now because it is an outdoor activity that makes social distancing that much easier.
Hiking and going on guided walks have proven to be one of the best ways to ensure mental wellness and emotional relief – something we all need to prioritize in these trying times. Being out in the open air, navigating different trails and discovering some of the most priceless views truly brings us in touch with nature and ourselves.
We are indeed fortunate to be living in a country that has unique pockets of beauty tucked in every region of the country. Although ours is a small country, one can never get tired of the various trails that lead to breath-taking views of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
However, it is important to look for trails that are managed and maintained by tourism establishments and tour companies in the country. This is of paramount importance as it ensures a safe adventure guided by rules intended to protect us all from harm as we explore the country’s majestic mountains and stunning sceneries.
If you are looking for a safe hiking experience and guided trails, one can look to establishments such as Lidwala Lodge (Ezulwini Valley), Big Game Parks (Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hlane Royal Park National Park, Mkhaya Game Reserve and KamSholo Bushveld Safaris), Malolotja Nature Reserve (Malolotja), Mahamba Gorge(Mahamba) and Umushi Wenkosazane (Hawane) for assistance on exciting trails for you can explore in a safe and responsible way.
Even more exciting is the emergence of more hiking-specific projects and packages that encourage hiking activities across the 4 regions of the country. All Out Africa has always been the go-to tour company for unforgettable adventures in the Kingdom of Eswatini. They continue to up the ante with their all-new slackpacking tours in some of the country’s wild and remote areas. Slackpacking Over the course of 2020, All Out Africa launched seven unique slackpacking tours for Eswatini in three distinctly different locations: Maloloja Nature Reserve, the Lubombo Reserve and the Ngwempisi Wilderness Area.
A new tour company, Vaya Trails, is another great guide for those looking for safe, guided hiking and walking trails in the country. As stated on their website, Vaya Trails work with a number of rural communities and nature reserves in Eswatini exploring the country and sourcing hiking trails that show off the superb landscapes of the country. For those who like to explore the unknown, Vaya Trails offers guided walks on unmarked trails as well which lead to some unique landscapes and sceneries.
All in all, the diverse range of landscapes and views in the country are indeed worth exploring during these trying times for some much-needed physical exercise and mental wellness. It is advisable to approach the country’s tourism for assistance on how you can achieve this while staying safe and keeping your loved ones safe from contracting the coronavirus. So lace up your hiking boots and prepare for unforgettable hiking experience.
SOURCE: Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA)
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