Swaziland, eSwatini 4×4 Trails
Kirkhill 4×4 Trail
Closest Town/s: Mbabane, 21km
Grade (1 – 5): (2x) 1 – 3
Type of Terrain: Mountain scenery, Slight Inclines, Rocky
Distance: (2x) 7 – 8 km
Driving Time (estimated): 2 – 3 Hours
Contact: n/a
Telephone: 00268 4829 9025 / 00268 6115663
Email: n/a
Website: n/a
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary 4×4 Trails
Closest Town/s: Mbabane, 26km
Grade (1 – 5): 1 – 2
Type of Terrain: Mountain scenery
Distance: various
Driving Time (estimated): various
Contact: reservations
Telephone: +268 2528 1000 / +268 7677 6772
Email: reservations@biggameparks.org
GPS: -26.480008, 31.19591
Website: mlilwane-wildlife-sanctuary
Four Wheel Driving in Swaziland
Kirkhill 4×4 Trail
Swaziland does not have many off trails that can be completed in a few hours, but one trail that does deserve special mention is the Kirkhill 4×4 Trail about 20 kms from Mbabane. The trail is in fact a combination of two separate, 2-hour long trails, and although they can both be completed even with soft roaders without low range, the scenic nature of the terrain is such that the lack of technical sections does not really matter.
The most challenging aspect of these trails is the scattered rocks that occur in some sections, but they are easily avoided even by drivers with average driving skills. However, things can get a little trickier during, or after rain, when thick mud occurs in some sections. The trail offers accommodation in a campsite, rescue vehicles and equipment, drinking water, swimming, and quad bikes are welcome. This trail is worth doing for the scenery alone, and is recommended.
Closest Town : Mbabane
Distance to Mbabane : 21km
Travel Time to Mbabane : 27min
The Tea Road
Although a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended for this 62-km-long circular route on gravel roads, there are no difficult or even challenging sections, and the main attraction of the route is the scenery that can only be described as exquisite.
The only section that requires some care is the part that leads to the top of the Mdzimba Mountain Range, where some steep sections can become slippery in wet weather.
Scenic Splendour
As with the Tea Road route, this circular 126 km-long drive on (mostly) gravel roads is more focused on the magnificent scenery than technical off-road driving, despite the fact that a high ground clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended.
The route passes through verdant farmland, and provides a few interesting distractions in the form of craft shops, a restaurant, the theatre at Malandela Centre, and roadside stalls with varied merchandise. The route takes in the scenic Ezulwini Valley, before linking up with the MR3 Highway that leads you back to Mbabane. More on Swaziland Tourism for the off-road traveler >>
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