Eswatini Expedition
A team of intrepid students embarked on a memorable three-week adventure in Southern Africa.
Every other year, students who are in – or about to start – the Sixth Form are invited to join the trip of a lifetime. This year’s expedition took 15 students to the Kingdom of Eswatini, a landlocked country bordering South Africa and Mozambique, to work on local community projects as well as trekking in the mountains and ziplining over valleys amid incredible scenery and wildlife.
Our Sixth Form expeditions are designed to promote independence, with students responsible for raising their own funds and managing every aspect of the trip, including the budget, shopping and cooking. Extensive training ensured the team was ready for the cultural immersion and physical challenges ahead. The adventure began the moment they landed in Johannesburg. On the drive to Eswatini, a stop at a service station offered an unexpected view of a watering hole, providing a first glimpse of African animals: African buffalo, oryx, rhinos, and ostriches! Once in Eswatini, the team visited the Mantenga Swazi village for a look into traditional Swazi life before tackling the first of two treks. The initial three-day hike took students through the Mhlumeni and Mlawula reserves, culminating in the Mbuluzi Game Reserve. The team was rewarded with stunning views and an unforgettable night sky. A highlight was the wildlife at the final campsite, where a herd of wildebeest and several giraffes walked incredibly close – a truly surreal sight!
The next stage in the expedition was the project phase at the Gabeni Neighbourhood Care Point. The community was immensely welcoming, and students worked hard, helping to dig and lay foundations for a community kitchen, install a new fence, and plaster and paint the community centre. Aside from the physical labour each day presented, the team also adapted to a life lacking home comforts; the team cooked over open fires, used bucket showers, and pumped water from a borehole. However, the best part was connecting with the local children, whose friendly and joyful nature made the hard work an unforgettable experience.
After a fun day of zip-wiring, the students tackled the final four-day trek through the stunning, mountainous Malototja Nature Reserve. Hiking alongside wild animals like zebras and antelope, the challenge pushed everyone to their limits, but the sense of achievement upon completion was immense. The expedition concluded with a spectacular two days at Hlane National Park, featuring sunset and sunrise safaris. The team was lucky enough to see elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, and more: the perfect ending to a transformative trip that promoted independence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the Eswatini culture.