Big Game Parks - Swaziland

CHUBEKA TRAILS

ABOUT CHUBEKA TRAILS

The Kingdom of Swaziland’s Big Game Parks brings you an exciting mixture of wildlife, adventure and culture whilst comfortably snuggled in your saddle. A fascinating combination of experience, habitats and scenery are what makes these trails so remarkable. Join us and let us take you where eagles fly!

WHAT IS CHUBEKA TRAILS?

Chubeka Trails is the very exciting trailing arm of Big Game Parks, based at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

WHY CHUBEKA TRAILS?

The siSwati word “Chubeka” means to “go forward”, or “to continue.” The “ch” is pronounced with a soft click, an added challenge on trail! Over the past two years, Big Game Parks has been hard at work trail-blazing and building relations with selected communities through which we would like to trail. Progress during 2002 was positive, but was hampered by bureaucracy during 2003, almost leading to withdrawal of the idea. Then, because we believed so strongly that the concept would be great for Swaziland – and fantastic fun for those who took part! – we decided that the trails would continue and put our best step forward. The name fell into place when each time we offered a certain ranger a lift, and he replied “Cha, Chubeka” meaning, “no (thank you), continue.”

WHAT DOES CHUBEKA TRAILS AIM TO ACHIEVE?

Chubeka Trails is attracting the adventure enthusiast to Swaziland, including the very specialized equestrian trail-rider. By offering distance trails, Chubeka Trails aims to link the parks with selected communities, thus opening the possibility of exploring the unknown, yet probably the most beautiful, hidden corners of our Kingdom, as well as spreading the positive effects of tourism. Furthermore, we aim to hold hands with similar adventure-minded organizations in Swaziland in creating a greater choice. Any tourism Chubeka Trails is involved in will follow the environmentally friendly ethics of Big Game Parks.

WHAT TRAILS DO CHUBEKA TRAILS RUN?

Please see details of the trails currently offered within the green box below. Guided Mountain Biking and Hiking is also available at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

The availability of the overnight trails depends on the seasons and river levels. For this reason some trails will run between April and October annually, with scheduled departures. Group size limited according to trail, 2 - 12 riders. The guides gauge the pace according to that of the least experienced rider.

Cave Trail
- Any Day, apart from specified trail dates below
- Weather permitting

Klipspringer Trail
- River strength depending – generally April – October
- Any Day, apart from specified trail dates below
- Weather permitting

Swazi Culture & Scenery Trail
- River strength depending – generally April – October
- Weather permitting

In the case of poor weather conditions, Chubeka Trails will endeavour to provide alternative arrangements for the duration of the trail as booked in negotiation with guests and within the trail budget.

Bookings: Central Reservations: PO Box 311, Malkerns, Swaziland Tel: (+268) 2528 3943/4 Fax: (+268) 2528 3924

reservations@biggameparks.org

Chubeka Trails

Hourly Rides

The hourly rides depart from Mlilwane Rest Camp and are especially designed for the less experienced or for those with time constraints. Taken at a leisurely pace, according to the capabilities of the riders, the main emphasis is on viewing the wildlife on the plains of Mlilwane from close proximity.

Rock of Execution Challenge

A little more time and energy is well spent on this half-day ride (3-4 hours). Leaving the Rest Camp, winding through the flowing grass plains and heading up the historical Nyonyane Mountain, (Execution Rock) offers a totally new perspective. From a great vantage point, riders enjoy light snacks and refreshments with the highveld rising above them and the middleveld stretching out below while the gentle mountain breeze stirs emotion. The Rock of Execution Trail is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Cave Trail

Overnight Trail
Riding through the plains and onto the Nyonyane Mountain, is rewarded with a unique night camping in a cave (a large overhang with a fresh water stream flowing through - truly awesome!) overlooking Ezulwini Valley by night. Campfire catering is a highlight and an average riding time of 3 hours per day. 2 – 6 riders.

The Klipspringer Trail

2 Night Trail
This trail crosses over onto Mlilwane North - a very beautiful area of uninhabited area of highveld. Exploring the mountains, observing both rural and developing Africa and the possibility of meeting wild horses add to the excitement. Both nights are spent in our rustic trail camp on the banks of a river, set in a deep valley, with little in the way of structural development, thus as little impact on the environment as possible. The only structures include a horse paddock and a pit latrine. This trail includes steep inclines, a little walking to rest your steed's back and time to marvel at the stunning scenery! 2-8 riders.