Do something different over Christmas and New Year and escape to Africa; with our Christmas safari 2026, experience the peace and tranquillity of the African bush. Let someone else do all the cooking and organising and simply enjoy the festivities in a different way. Treat yourself.
This is an off the beaten track guided tour to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The Kingdom of Eswatini has eluded mass tourism, and its discreet and untouched attractions are truly delightful. Spend Christmas Day in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and New Years Eve at Foresters Arms, a boutique hotel in the highlands.
Spend time relaxing by water holes, with the local people and exploring the stunning scenery.
At A Glance – Christmas Safari 2026
| Price | Dates | N°· of nights | N°· of guests | Holiday type | Weather | Price includes |
| From £4,125 pp based on twin share, single supp £350 | 22 December 2026 – 4 January 2027 | 11 nights in country and 2 nights of air travel | 6 – 12 people | Group trip |
Temperature range of 18 – 28°C. |
Flights from London, UK, transfers in Eswatini (private), accommodation, breakfast and dinner, Christmas Lunch, 7 safaris, and park fees. |
Itinerary – Christmas Safari 2026
Days 1 - 3
Mlilwane - walk with zebra and antelope
Mlilwane is Eswatini’s oldest protected area and gave birth to the concept of nature conservation in the Kingdom. An outdoor lover’s paradise, Mlilwane is Eswatini’s pioneer conservation area, a beautiful secluded sanctuary situated in the “Valley of Heaven”. Enjoy the unique opportunity to walk amongst zebra and antelope. See traditional dancing and visit local markets to watch curios being created by hand. Christmas Day spent in the reserve with a Swazi lunch in style.
Accommodation: en-suite rondavel huts overlooking the reserve where game wanders freely past. Tastefully designed, with en-suite bathrooms, yet in keeping with the surrounding area. Watch warthog from your door.
Days 4 - 5
Mkhaya - the ultimate Big Game safari
Premier award-winning Mkhaya Game Reserve which has the elusive black rhino. Located in the south east lowveld, this is a unique and memorable experience from the safaris to your accommodation. Unique and intimate encounters with Mkhaya’s endangered wildlife are exceptional and all travel within the reserve is by open Land Rovers or on foot. Mkhaya currently supports two of the Big Five. Experience life in the bush with a touch of luxury under a starlit African sky.
Accommodation: Stone Camp is unique in style. The beautiful cottages situated in the bush which are laid out discretely in the riverine forest overlooking the dry riverbed. Luxury in the bush dining out under a starlit African sky.
Days 6 - 8
Hlane - rhino and elephant at the waterhole
In the vast bushveld of eastern Eswatini where the hot, still sun of Africa beats on the dry but life-giving soils lies Eswatini’s largest protected area, Hlane Royal National Park. Hlane is located in the north east of the Kingdom and is one of five reserves making up the Lubombo Conservancy. It is home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom and at night you go to sleep listening to the distant roar of lion. Hlane offers fantastic sightings of white rhino.
Accommodation: Ndlovu Camp has delightful en-suite rondavels near to the water hole. These twin rooms are beautifully designed and set in the bush where impala are often seen wandering by.
Days 9 - 11
Foresters Arms - a haven in the mountains
The Foresters Arms dates from colonial times and is a place of great character and charm. It is gloriously situated on its own estate in the mountains. With many Eswatini attractions and experiences, we visit Ngwenya mine, the glass factory and magical Malolotja and take time to explore the highveld of Eswatini away from the crowds. New Year’s Eve spent with a fabulous buffet with braai (BBQ) and dancing into the evening and into 2027.
Accommodation: the bedrooms are tastefully decorated, with en-suite bathrooms, telephones and satellite TV. The personal touch of the Foresters Arms spills over into the bedrooms where they have a homely, welcoming feeling to them.