Chubeka Horse Trails
Route:
Swaziland
CHUBEKA HORSE TRAILS
Chubeka Trails run daily rides and overnight trails, weather and river strength permitting.
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! Targeting equestrian trail-riders, Chubeka Trails is the very exciting new horseback safari and trailing arm of Big Game Parks. Based at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, we operate chiefly on Mlilwane, Hlane and Mkhaya, but will be trailing beyond the boundaries of Big Game Parks - with permission of relevant land-owners, of course!
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!
Who Is Chubeka Trails?
Chubeka Trails is the very exciting new trailing arm of Big Game Parks.
Based at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, we operate chiefly on Mlilwane, Hlane and Mkhaya, but will be trailing beyond the boundaries of Big Game Parks – with permission of relevant land-owners, of course!
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 – a new era for Swaziland tourism.
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.
Itinerary:
Horse Riding - Kiddie Ride
Treat your child to a memorable little horse ride at Mlilwane!
Our well-mannered horses are suitable for complete beginners and our horse-guides will ensure your child enjoys a safe horse ride to remember.
Horse Riding - per hour (1-3hr)
Enjoy a Swazi-guided horse trail through Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
The hourly horse trails depart from Mlilwane Rest Camp and are perfect for riders with limited experience or 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.
Horse Riding - Rock of Execution Challenge (3-4hrs)
Take the Rock of Execution Challenge!
A wonderful four hour trail up to the top of Nyonyane Mountain where you'll enjoy stunning views. Guests are met at Mlilwane Rest Camp at around 8am to mount for their four hour ride to the top of Nyonyane mountain; an infamous mountain also known as the 'Rock of Execution' due to the unfortunate souls who met their end being tossed from the peak to the rocks below. Just beneath the peak of Nyonyane, riders leave the horses in a small paddock while they stretch their legs and walk the small stretch to the top of the mountain. On arrival, guests enjoy their lunch at the top while admiring the awe-inspiring views and learn about the history of the mountain from the guides.
Horse Riding - Fully-catered Overnight Cave Trail
Enjoy a wonderfully unique horse trail through the stunning plains of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary culminating in a night spent in a cave to remember. On arrival at reception, guests are escorted to the Chubeka Trails Stable where they receive a refreshing soft drink and an introduction to their horse and itinerary, in addition to a safety briefing. Following the briefing, riders mount their horse and proceed on the trail.
On the first day, the ride takes them up the slopes of Nyonyane mountain and around the stunning Mantenga Valley, stopping at a beautiful location for a light lunch which riders will have carried along in their horse's saddle bag. On arrival at the cave just before dark, riders are welcomed by their Camp Host, whilst the guide feeds the horses and beds them down for the night in the paddock just outside the cave.
The Camp Host prepares a traditional dinner over the fire, marshmallows are roasted and a bottle of sherry is offered around. After all the excitement of the day and dinner, guests drift off in very comfortable bed rolls inside the cave. While the horses are groomed and fed in the morning, guests are able to make use of the ablutions (a pit latrine and a canvas sink for a quick wash).
The Camp Host then prepares a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast on the open-fire before the horses are tacked up and everyone mounts their horses again for a good long ride back to camp. All belongings and the camping equipment are taken to and from the cave by vehicle by the Camp Host so when the clients arrive back at camp the following day their belongings will be waiting for them. A unique trail which will be remembered forever!
Horse Riding - Fully-catered 2 Night Klipspringer Trail
Get back to nature on this fantastic 2 night horse trail taking in the local flora and fauna and sleeping out by the Lusushwane River. On arrival at reception, guests are escorted to the Chubeka Trails Stable where they receive a refreshing soft drink and an introduction to their horse and itinerary, in addition to a safety briefing. Following the briefing, riders mount their horse and proceed on the trail.
On the first day, the ride takes them up the slopes of Nyonyane mountain and around the stunning Mantenga Valley, stopping at a beautiful location for a light lunch which riders will have carried along in their horse's saddle bag. Crossing the river, the guests will arrive at their camp spot next to the Lusushwane River.
Two-man Dome Tents are erected prior to the riders arrival allowing them to simply relax and enjoy a hot beverage while their Camp Host prepares a traditional hearty dinner on the open-fire. The horses will be staying in the camp's paddocks and riders are encouraged to help feed, groom and bed down their horses. Ablutions at the Klipspringer camp consist of Pit Latrines, Canvas Sinks and a hot shower which is constructed by a hot water donkey and a canvas hanging shower bag which hung up in a reed and natural rock shower cubicle.
In the morning, guests will be woken by the guides and the camp hosts will prepare a delicious breakfast before they head out to explore the pristine Mlilwane North area as well as the community areas.
The riders will make a stop en-route to have lunch in the bush and will be back at their camp spot on the river at around 3pm to allow their horses to rest.
During this time the guides often take the clients for a short walk on foot along the river admiring the natural beauty of the riverine areas and bird-watching. After another night getting back to nature in the riverine camp, the riders are woken by their guides and breakfast is prepared and served.
The riders then mount their steeds and start their trek back to camp. They arrive back at camp at around lunch-time.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Extra information
+27 21 8135868 
travel@toursa.com
