Chubeka Trail - Swaziland
“Chubeka” is Swazi for “onward and upward” or “rise to the challenge”.
Swaziland is a kingdom, but not like ours: the Queen Mother is chosen from amongst high ranking mothers by a council, after the death of the incumbent king. A king may never be succeeded by a blood brother, so only mothers with one son are eligible. Present-day Swaziland is borne out of an ancient dynasty of royal leadership, reflected in the status accorded to the King and Queen Mother, in a unique dual monarchy. Interesting idea!
This ride takes you through Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area, The Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, alive with history and progress. A variety of antelope, zebra and hippo will be seen during the ride and afterwards when we visit Mkhaya Game Reserve, we are virtually guaranteed to see white rhino, elephant, buffalo and possibly the elusive & highly endangered black rhino.
In brief
Country: Swaziland.
Country: Wildlife & Wilderness trail ride.
Getting there: London via Johannesburg to Mbabane (the capital of Swaziland)
Terrain: grass plains with wooded zones; steep terrain with some sharp ascents and descents. Rivers and valleys; some level sections with smooth trails for a faster pace. Riders should be happy to get over natural obstacles such as rivers, gullies and dips.
Chubeka Trail
Pace: walk 60%; trot 25%; canter/gallop 15%.
Horse Breed: Arab cross Warmblood; and some indigenous Boerperd.
Tack: Snaffle bits, trail saddles – comfortable and comparable to English riding.
Rider’s involvement: groom and tack your horse; untack during breaks. Guides available to advise and assist if necessary. Note - horses need to be held or tethered during breaks because they are not trained to stand for “dropped reins”.
Rider’s weight: (max) 90 Kg
Best season for ride: April to July.
Accommodation: (Based on twin share; no single occupancy option available.)
Beehive huts 3 nights
Tents 3 nights
Safari Lodge 1 night – semi-open stone & thatch cottages.
Distance from urban areas: Nearest town is Ezulwini, 10 km. Mediclinic facilities available. Mbabane, the capital is 25km, with good medical facilities; if any evacuation is needed state of the art facilities can be found in Nelspruit, South Africa, 250 km.
Cross-cultural awareness: most Swazi’s are Christian, with the majority being of Zionist persuasion. However, superstition combined with Swazi culture and traditions still play a crucial role in Swazi society.
Guides: Max ratio = 1 guide to 5 riders.
Max group = 10 riders.
Beehive huts
Day-by-day Itinerary
Day 1
Fly London to Johannesburg and on to Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland. Met upon arrival and driven to Sanctuary Camp and overnight in a Beehive hut.
Day 2
Meet the horses and match rider to horse. Start of 5 day / 4 night trail ride. Begin with flat plains riding followed by climbing Nyonyane Mountain (The “Rock of Execution”) with fabulous views. Dismount for adventurous river crossing. Fly-camp in two man dome canvas tents on river bank.
Distance ridden: 16 km
Time in saddle: 4-5 hours.
Meals: B, L & D.
Day 3
Follow the old railway track through the Usuthu Forest one of the world’s largest man-made forests; stiff climbs, great scenery along mountain ridges. Rocky descent requires dismount and lead. Fly-Camp on private farm in cosy campsite.
Distance ridden: 21 km.
Time in saddle: 6 hours
Meals: B, L & D.
Day 4
Depart farm through rural Swazi community, riding amongst mud huts, homesteads and catch a glimpse of rural African life. Trail crosses over the Luphohlo Dam wall and climbs onto Mlilwane North through rural settlements. Drop through Mlilwane North to the Klipspringer Camp of day 1. Faster riding possible.
Distance ridden: 16 km
Time in saddle: 4-5 hours
Meals: B, L & D.
Day 5
Return to Sanctuary Camp via Nyonyane Mountain (alternative route to Day 1) drop down onto the plains, enjoy a few open canters along the river & through the plains. Jump in the pool or warm springs, clean up. Relax! Sleep in Beehive Huts.
Distance ridden: 12 Km
Time in saddle: 4 hrs.
Meals: B.L.D
Day 6
Morning ride from Sanctuary Camp through the neighbouring agricultural land to Malandela’s Restaurant; paddock the horses and have a country-style lunch; afternoon visit to the unique and eclectic House On Fire in Malandela village. 1 hour transfer to Mkhaya Game Reserve for a 24 hr visit. Overnight in the unique and charming Bush Lodge.
Day 7
Full day exploring the park. Return to Sanctuary Camp for dinner hosted in the saddle yard under an enormous fig tree surrounded by the horses, a truly spectacular way to mark the end of this pioneer trail ride! Overnight in beehives.
Day 8
Return transfer to Mbabane and fly via Jo’burg to London.