Ella

Is a short trip to Swaziland worth the drive from Kruger area? Thinking of going to Phophonyane and Mkhaya a couple days. We will have been at Thornybush and Kruger.

Ella

Anyone?

thit_cho

Yes, while I haven't been to Phophonyane (and have never heard of it), I was in Mkhaya last August, and its very worthwhile for white rhino sightings (I saw at least a dozen during my half-day safari). I had lunch at the lodge and it looked comfortable, while not nearly as posh as the private reserves near Kruger. Its a well-maintained, albeit small, park with a nice diversity of animals including some rarities like Sable and Roan antelopes.

hanl

Hi Ella,
I know I posted a couple of replies to your earlier post, so I'm kind of repeating myself... but yes! Swaziland is definitely worth the visit - it was one of the highlights of our trip, as I have mentioned, and it was a real insight to see and experience this country, which felt so similar and yet so different to SA. Phophonyane was the hidden gem of our entire holiday - a perfect place to relax and refuel after the Kruger.

flipper

Hi Ella,
Swaziland is quite a low key place after your stay in the Kruger. Ditto for the wildlife experience (much of it was shot out and is restocking from South Africa.) A lot of tour operators stop there because it is too long to drive from the Kruger to the beaches or lodges in Kwazulu Natal.Many people just want to get a Swazi stamp in their passports. The drive is very scenic. Check out www.uyaphi.com for travel and lodging arrangements in that area.

rubytwo

Hi: We also stayed at Mkhaya. It is not plush, but very comfortable and we saw lots and lots of animals .we were there two days..saw white rhinos, lots of giraffes, elephants, nylalas and the camp ostrich! Food was good and we really enjoyed meeting the other travelers at dinner..atmosphere very condusive to entertaining conversations.