Our group sizes varies from 4-8 guests, as we believe the smaller group size will give you a quality experience.

16-day – Eswatini & Kruger
Due to risks involved with young children in the bush – especially on foot, Roots & Journeys recommends only bringing children over the age of 15 years of age on the tour. We advise that guests above the age of 65 years of age get a medical clearance from their general practitioner no earlier than two weeks prior to departure.

7-day – Eswatini
This is an ideal itinerary for families with children or young adults. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but we can easily adapt the tour to suit your family’s desired activity level. This tour is run as a private tour, which makes it easy to adapt to individual needs.

4-day Royal Rhino Experience
The minimum age for walking is 13 years old.
Should you choose the driven experience the minimum age is 10 years old.

4-day Lubombo
On this tour there is no age limit, but we urge parents to be realistic about their children’s hiking abilities to make it enjoyable for all. (The terrain is rocky and strenuous in sections)

Our itineraries are hiking based, so we recommend a reasonable level of fitness. No hiking experience is required and you do not need to be an athlete to participate. We will always walk at the pace of the slowest in the group and we take lots of breaks to enjoy the stunning view this region of the world has to offer.

Where appropriate we walk to the 50:10 principle; walk 50 minutes, rest 10 minutes. Obviously, if we are ascending mountains we will rest more frequently — as much as we need.

When we go on the backpack trail in the Kruger National Park guests are expected to carry a full backpack. Our backpacks usually weigh approx. 10-15 kgs, so you must be strong enough to carry this for 4 days in the bush.

Generally, it is recommended that you do not carry more than the equivalent of 33% of your weight in a backpack, however we aim to not excess more than 25%. (For a person weighing 70 kg this equals 17,5 kg).

We provide an inclusive tour with emphasis on a high service level and a knowledgeable guide, who will join you throughout the tour. We provide everything you need to have an enjoyable tour from the moment you arrive to the moment you finish the tour.
Included: Accommodation, transfers to/from OR Tambo, transport on tour, all meals, drinks (excluding brand spirits and wines other than house wines), specified activities, guiding services, and use of necessary equipment.
Excluded: flights, insurance, single supplement, non-specified activities and pocket money for personal items.
*Included items may vary depending on tour – ask for a tour specific brochure.

Roots & Journeys provide all the gear you need for the wilderness trails and other itineraries where equipment is needed – we have got fully equipped, quality hiking backpacks, tents, and crockery. We provide a water bladder (also known as a camel pack) that you can use on hikes. You can also borrow one of our hiking poles (we have 1/person available).

What you need to bring:

Small backpack for day tours (should be light and comfortable for carrying essentials for day tours; sufficient water & snacks (which we will provide), sun cream, camera, sunhat, scarf, etc.)

Hiking socks + normal socks

Underwear (consider thermals for winter nights)

Sunhat (Preferably wide brimmed)

Warm hat/ Beanie (for winter)

Warm jersey (fleece or soft shell)

Windproof jacket (for winter)

Light windproof rain jacket or poncho (primarily summer)

COMFORTABLE hiking shoes/hiking boots (Comfortable shoes or boots are the most important item on the list. We will be hiking many kilometres, so your footwear can make or break this holiday - be sure to bring footwear that you know and trust to be comfortable for longer periods of time, i.e. breaking in your brand new shoes is not a great idea. Our guides usually wear fairly open shoes when hiking, but hiking boots with more ankle support are generally a good idea.

Spare laces

Sandals for leisure and nights on trail

Gaiters (non-essential, but protects against grass seeds in the late summer months)

Gloves/mittens (essential for winter nights)

Clothes should be comfortable and suited for the time of year (remember winter gets very cold at night in these parts – bring a sweater and warm socks; In summer a rain poncho or light waterproof jacket is a good idea). As we will be hiking in the natural environment, we recommend neutral coloured clothes (Grey, khaki, subtle greens, greys, browns are perfect). ‘Whites and brights’ can attract unwanted attention from certain animals, and should thus be avoided.

Short and long-sleeved shirts (Lightweight, moisture management fabric, neutral colours)

Zip-off trousers (lightweight, moisture management fabric, neutral colours)

Shorts

Bathing costume

Toiletries

Sun cream

Personal medicine

Antiseptic cream, antihistamines, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, anti-inflammatories, eye drops, muscle relaxing cream, blister treatment/Band-Aids

Emergency contact details + insurance details

Passport

Money (credit cards will do – you don’t need to exchange from home)

Vaccination certificates (consult with your doctor)

Electronics and their chargers

Camera, charger/spare batteries

Binoculars (optional)

Credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard are accepted by most ATMs, so there is no need to exchange money from home. Roots & Journeys recommend withdrawing money upon arrival in Johannesburg airport. (All essentials are already paid for from home, so you only need spare cash for souvenirs, gifts, and anything of a personal nature).

The currency in South Africa is called Rand (Currency code: ZAR) The Rand notes (10, 20, 50, 100 and 200) are also accepted in Eswatini (Rand coins are not accepted in Eswatini).

The Eswatini currency is called the Lilangeni (Emalangeni in plural) – the currency is only used in Eswatini and not accepted in South Africa, although it is on a par with the Rand.

Basic tips are included (We tip waitresses, guides, camp hands, etc.), but if you are particularly happy with a guide or an activity you are welcome to add an additional tip.

Reception is generally good in the civilized parts of Southern Africa – and generally non-existent in the rural and natural areas. In Eswatini we have two network providers, MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile – check with your mobile phone provider if you can get reception here (Some work and others do not).

In South Africa most foreign networks are recognized, but in the Kruger area reception is non-existent outside the main camps. Be prepared to be off the grid, while we are on trail in the Kruger National Park for 5 days.

In Southern Africa our seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere, however we usually divide our seasons into the rainy season (summer months) and the dry season (winter months).

October/November to February/March
The rainy season, which is also the hotter season, begins around October and lasts until February/March, the rest of the year is fairly dry. The wet summer months can be hot and humid, however it rarely rains whole days, usually in thunderous showers in the afternoon. In summer the bush is lush and green with lots of bird activity.

April/May to August/September

Winter months can be very cold at night, but the days are usually warm and comfortable. Game viewing is better in winter, as the bush has lost its foliage and you see animals more easily, but many of the migrant birds will have left the region at this time.

Our 16-day tour is based in winter months, as the cooler winter weather makes hiking more pleasurable.

Eswatini’s climate varies from sub-tropical/tropical in the East to temperate in the West due to difference in altitude. Summer months are hot and humid (December is midsummer), whereas as winter months are cool and dry (June is midwinter). Rainfall is generally expected during thunderstorms in midsummer with an annual rainfall of 500-900 mm/year (in the East and Low veld) to 1000-2000mm/year (in the West and Highveld).

Kruger National Park

The climate is similar to Eswatini’s low veld, with an approx. annual rainfall of 555mm. In the wet season (midsummer) an average 7 days of rain/month is expected – usually in thunderous afternoon downpours. Winter months are dry and cool.

We are not involved in booking flights, but we will give you arrival and departure times, so that you can find a flight that matches your chosen tour.
Most of our guests arrive in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airportin South Africa (Airport code: JNB) and take a local flight from there.

Example of flight guidance for 16-day Eswatini & Kruger
Meet at OR Tambo International Airportin South Africa (JNB)
Arrival date: dd.mm.yyyy (Day 1 on the itinerary)
Arrival time: Before 10 AM
Note: it is possible to fly directly to Eswatini on Day 1 (not included). Airport code: SHO – arrival before late afternoon.

Departure from OR Tambo International Airportin South Africa (JNB)
Departure date: dd.mm.yyyy (Day 16 on the itinerary)
Departure time: after 6PM
Note: it is possible to fly from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate airport to Johannesburg on Day 16 (not included). Airport code: HDS – departure late afternoon.

Most countries get a three-month visa on arrival in South Africa and a one-month visa on arrival in Eswatini (This goes for most Europeans nationals – check with your foreign affairs department, embassy or consulate). It is the guest's own responsibility to have the appropriate visa upon arrival.

We are based in the heart of the beautiful kingdom of Eswatini and most of our itineraries begin here. Southern Africa is a region consisting of a multitude of different cultures, climates and distinguishing factors – too much information to share on this one website. Below you will find some highlights.

Eswatini

Eswatini is a miniature landlocked kingdom in Sothern Africa ruled by the absolute Monarch, King Mswati III. Eswatini gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968. There is a functioning parliament with an acting prime minister. In April 2018 King Mswati III proclaimed a new name for the kingdom. Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is now called The Kingdom of Eswatini, or just Eswatini. (You can also see it written as: eSwatini, which is actually the correct spelling).

Eswatini is highly dependent on South Africa for the majority of its imported goods (90%), likewise 60% of the country’s export goes to South Africa. The major export goods are sugar and soft drink concentrate, whereas motor vehicles, foodstuff and petroleum products are imported. The Swazi currency, Lilangeni, is pegged to the South African Rand.

Eswatini is situated in Southern Africa, 26 30 S, 31 30 E. The country is completely landlocked and shares its borders with South Africa to the North, West and South, and with Mozambique to the East. With an area of just 17,364 sq. km it is one of the smallest countries in Africa. The topography of the country is diverse with high cool and wet mountains that run from North to South in the Western part of the country, whereas the Eastern part of the country is dominated by hot and dry lowland. The highest point is Emlembe at 1,862 metres (6109 feet), and the lowest point is the Great Usutu River, 21 metres (69 feet). The climate varies from tropic in the Lowveld to near temperate in the Highveld.

Eswatini is rich in natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite (the main ore of tin), hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone and talc. There are a few concerns regarding the environment as wildlife populations historically have been and are continually being depleted due to excess hunting, overgrazing, soil degradation and soil erosion. Eswatini was never influenced by the apartheid regime in South Africa, and consists of one people (one tribe, namely the emaSwatis). 97% of the population are emaSwati, whereas the rest are considered of either European or other decent. The emaSwatis are a peaceful people in a generally troublesome region of the world. The crime rate is very low compared to South Africa and Mozambique.

There are two official languages, English and SiSwati, and a literacy rate of 87.8%. Life expectancy is low, 50 years, due to the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, 26.5%; an epidemic that has left many children orphans.

1,136,000 people live in Eswatini (2018). 20% of the population lives in urban areas, mainly in the capital, Mbabane, and the one other large city, Manzini. The unemployment rate is 40% and 70% of the people are considered to live of subsistence farming. 69% of the population lives under the poverty line.

Eswatini is a hiker’s paradise. Tall picturesque mountains dominate the West, whereas rough bush teeming with wildlife is characteristic of the East. Most of the reserves in Eswatini are safe to walk in due to lack of big game.

South Africa & Kruger National Park
South Africa is a nature lover’s paradise. The country has it all; bush, beach, mountains, plains, desert etc. Every time we venture out into the wilderness we experience something new, something exciting or something that just makes us fall even further in love with this remarkable region. In South Africa we focus on the famous Kruger National Park, where wildlife has roamed for centuries. Here it is possible to see many of the iconic animals that people know and love from Africa, such as large herds of elephants, prides of lions, tall giraffes browsing flat-topped trees and much more. We explore the region traditionally explored by vehicle and on foot. We will take the time to get to know the bush, including its sounds, tracks and smells.

Comprehensive travel insurance is a prerequisite for joining Roots & Journeys’ itineraries (We will need a copy prior to tour departure). Roots & Journeys also recommends a cancellation insurance in case the traveller has unforeseen events happen that prevent participation in the tour. It is the personal responsibility of the guest to acquire suitable insurance. Please read through our Terms and Conditions.

Animals: Southern Africa is home to both venomous and dangerous animals. As we spend most of our activities in the wild, we are likely to come across some of these. If you follow a few precautions and guidelines – which we will carefully go through on arrival – there is absolutely nothing to fear!

Roots & Journeys’ lead guide has got an updated first aid certificate and has experience with snakes and venom treatment, so should disaster strike you are in safe hands. When we walk in big game areas we are always in the presence of an armed ranger, who knows how to deal with situations in the bush.

Crime: South Africa has a bad reputation when it comes to crime, however we will not be visiting dangerous areas. The Kruger National Park region is considered safe. Eswatini is a peaceful country with very little crime compared to its two neighbours, South Africa and Mozambique. Regardless of where you are, Roots & Journeys recommends that you never carry or display things that you are not willing to loose. As in all parts of the world, certain people can be tempted by flashy jewellery or the latest smart phone – keep your valuables safe.

Diseases:
Malaria: Eswatini is considered malaria FREE, whereas the Northern part of Kruger is a risk area during the rainy season (Always consult with your doctor, before departure)

Tuberculosis: Unfortunately, many local Swazis die from this both preventable and curable disease every year. Talk to your GP regarding a vaccination. Contracting this disease is not considered a risk on Roots & Journeys' itineraries, as it is transferred through prolonged exposure to people carrying the disease.

HIV/aids: Eswatini is suffering under the HIV/aids epidemic - it's considered that as many as 25-35% of the population are affected. The disease is incurable, but can be prevented by eliminating contact with fluids from a carrier of the disease.
This is not a risk on Roots & Journeys’ itineraries.

Ebola: Eswatini and South Africa are NOT affected.

Southern Africa

We are based in the heart of the beautiful kingdom of Eswatini and most of our itineraries begin here. Southern Africa is a region consisting of a multitude of different cultures, climates and distinguishing factors – too much information to share on this one website. Below you will find some highlights.

Eswatini

Eswatini is a miniature landlocked kingdom in Sothern Africa ruled by the absolute Monarch, King Mswati III. Eswatini gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968. There is a functioning parliament with an acting prime minister. In April 2018 King Mswati III proclaimed a new name for the kingdom. Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is now called The Kingdom of Eswatini, or just Eswatini. (You can also see it written as: eSwatini, which is actually the correct spelling).

Eswatini is highly dependent on South Africa for the majority of its imported goods (90%), likewise 60% of the country’s export goes to South Africa. The major export goods are sugar and soft drink concentrate, whereas motor vehicles, foodstuff and petroleum products are imported. The Swazi currency, Lilangeni, is pegged to the South African Rand.

Eswatini is situated in Southern Africa, 26 30 S, 31 30 E. The country is completely landlocked and shares its borders with South Africa to the North, West and South, and with Mozambique to the East. With an area of just 17,364 sq. km it is one of the smallest countries in Africa. The topography of the country is diverse with high cool and wet mountains that run from North to South in the Western part of the country, whereas the Eastern part of the country is dominated by hot and dry lowland. The highest point is Emlembe at 1,862 metres (6109 feet), and the lowest point is the Great Usutu River, 21 metres (69 feet). The climate varies from tropic in the Lowveld to near temperate in the Highveld.

Eswatini is rich in natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite (the main ore of tin), hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone and talc. There are a few concerns regarding the environment as wildlife populations historically have been and are continually being depleted due to excess hunting, overgrazing, soil degradation and soil erosion. Eswatini was never influenced by the apartheid regime in South Africa, and consists of one people (one tribe, namely the emaSwatis). 97% of the population are emaSwati, whereas the rest are considered of either European or other decent. The emaSwatis are a peaceful people in a generally troublesome region of the world. The crime rate is very low compared to South Africa and Mozambique.

There are two official languages, English and SiSwati, and a literacy rate of 87.8%. Life expectancy is low, 50 years, due to the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the world, 26.5%; an epidemic that has left many children orphans.

1,136,000 people live in Eswatini (2018). 20% of the population lives in urban areas, mainly in the capital, Mbabane, and the one other large city, Manzini. The unemployment rate is 40% and 70% of the people are considered to live of subsistence farming. 69% of the population lives under the poverty line.

Eswatini is a hiker’s paradise. Tall picturesque mountains dominate the West, whereas rough bush teeming with wildlife is characteristic of the East. Most of the reserves in Eswatini are safe to walk in due to lack of big game.

South Africa & Kruger National Park

South Africa is a nature lover’s paradise. The country has it all; bush, beach, mountains, plains, desert etc. Every time we venture out into the wilderness we experience something new, something exciting or something that just makes us fall even further in love with this remarkable region. In South Africa we focus on the famous Kruger National Park, where wildlife has roamed for centuries. Here it is possible to see many of the iconic animals that people know and love from Africa, such as large herds of elephants, prides of lions, tall giraffes browsing flat-topped trees and much more. We explore the region traditionally explored by vehicle and on foot. We will take the time to get to know the bush, including its sounds, tracks and smells.

Roots & Journeys recommend that you speak to a travel doctor with regards to vaccinations required prior to departure.