ESWATINI
The Baskets + Textiles of Eswatini + Safari in Kruger National Park
August 16 - 27, 2025
This Ace Camps Travel trip will explore the incredible handmade crafts of Eswatini, including traditional Luvumisa style basket weaving, techniques unique to this region, with the team of Gone Rural + batik wax printing with the women of Baobab Batik. You will meet with local makers and try your hand at crafting your own textile + basketry projects thru various hands-on workshops.
Eswatini has managed to hold on to that slow-down-this-is-Africa feeling, it's a place where everything remains small and personable, and the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed. The region is filled with superb walking trails, mountains and flatland scenery, and excellent, high-quality handicrafts. Culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
The final two days of your trip, we will explore the incredible lands of Kruger National Park with guided open air safaris. Kruger National Park, the largest natural reserve in South Africa, and is internationally acclaimed for its extensive wilderness. This immense area of untamed bushveld offers a rich variety of landscapes, diverse plant life, and a wide array of wildlife of all sizes and characters. Think elephants, giraffes, zebras and with luck possibly the mighty lion.
This program open to all creative ability levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
August 16 - 27, 2025 ∙ 12 Days, 11 Nights
PRICE
Shared Rooms from $4375 USD
Private Rooms $5875 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
This trip is SOLD OUT, please register for our waitlist for priority notification of openings
Trip Highlights Include
Multi day Batik printing and dyeing workshop with Baobab Batik
Multi day Basket Weaving Workshop with Gone Rural
Guided safaris thru Kruger National Park
Shopping visits to the Manzini Market, Swazi Candles + Ngwenya Glass
Guided visit to a Rural Homestead weaving village
Boutique hotel accommodations
Return Transport from Johannesburg to Eswatini
Airport Pickup in Johannesburg (on specified date)
All transportation during tours, workshops and to restaurants
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Learn with Baobab Batik
Baobab Batik is a social enterprise based in Swaziland, Southern Africa, founded by Els Hooft in 1991. She wished to follow her passion of creating batiks, as well as offering sustainable work opportunities for women. Since then Baobab Batik has evolved into a thriving enterprise employing 35 artisans full time.
Every Baobab Batik product is handmade by their team; the artisans combine their skills and talents to create the finished product. Their Vision is to be; A leading example, in Swaziland and beyond, of a social enterprise using thought leadership and innovation to empower women and develop the batik art form. Learn more about Baobab Batik by visiting their website www.baobab-batik.com
Learn with Gone Rural
Gone Rural was founded in 1992 by Jenny Thorne with a vision to create economic empowerment to women living in rural Eswatini. There are often few employment opportunities in these remote areas, however, with Gone Rural's enterprise model the women are able earn an income weaving from their homes whilst still taking care of daily household tasks, child-care and farming.
From 30 artisans in 1992, Gone Rural today offers home-based work to 750 rural women and full time employment to 14 people. They provide market access, product design, materials and training in order for our artisans to continue earning an income for their beautiful traditional handcraft. The skills are handed from mother to daughter and with every strand woven we preserve a very special part of Eswatini’s rich cultural history. Learn more about Gone Rural by visiting their website www.gonerural.co.sz
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! You will need to arrive and meet the group in Johannesburg which is well connected from major European and east coast US airports. For guests arriving today we will organize an airport transfer to our hotel nearby.
This evening we will have a meet and greet welcome dinner at our hotel.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
After breakfast our journey to Eswatini begins! Our private shuttle will pick us up from the hotel. Passing through the eastern part of South Africa we should reach the Eswatini border in about 3.5 hours.
After we have crossed the border, we will make our way to the workshop and store of Ngwenya Glass. Here you will be able to see artisans at work as well as shop their supply room for the perfect gifts to take home.
Late afternoon ~ We will arrive at our hotel in Elzulwini Valley, Eswatini. You will have some down time to refresh before we meet on the terrace for dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Today we start the first day of our hands-on batik workshop in the studios of Baobab Batik. You will learn about Baobab Batik, their history and social impact within the community.
From here you will start learning about batik wax application, and layering colour dyes. You’ll start off with drawing and texture experiments getting used to the wax application.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
We continue with the second day of our hands-on batik workshop in the studios of Baobab Batik. After you have mastered your batik technique, you will work one-on-one with the Baobab artisans to start developing multiple different pieces of work such as aprons, scarves, clothing or housewares (you will have options to choose from).
The final step after your wax drawings have dried is learning about over dyeing them with coloured dyes. You might also consider trying multiple coloured designs varying your layers of wax drawings and textures to achieve some truly wonderful creations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Today is the final day of our hands-on batik workshop in the studios of Baobab Batik. You’ll have time to work on final touches and complete your projects.
For lunch you’re invited to a special picnic lunch with the women of Baobab Batik where they will share local dishes with us.
Later this afternoon you will have time to shop at Baobab Batik before we return to Mogi where you’ll have some time to relax before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
This morning we will visit the Manzini Market filled with local market goods and souvenirs. From here we will visit the Swazi Candles complex which houses several local craft initiatives.
After lunch we will visit the Gone Rural studio + shop. Gone Rural is constantly working with their weavers to redefine what can be made with grass and a skilled hand – from fashion, to lighting, to sculpture and accessories they have embraced the vitality and artistic spirit of women living in rural Swaziland to create innovative, high-end décor products out of local, sustainable materials. We will tour through their production facility, and meet with the skilled artisans to understand all their different roles within the company.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Today we begin our hands-on Basket Weaving workshop with the women of Gone Rural.
The Gone Rural weavers use a unique weaving technique that was developed in Eswatini called “Lavumisa”. They work with three primary types of local grass Lukhasi, Lutindzi and sisal.
Lukhasi is an indigenous reed that we use as the inner coils. The Lukhasi is not see in the finished product as it is covered by Lutindzi or sisal. Lutindzi is an indigenous grass, growing in mountainous areas of the country.
In addition the weavers use off-cut fabric scraps to incorporate different textures into their designs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
This morning we will visit a traditional rural weaving village and community where many Gone Rural weavers work from home. You will meet with local weavers and witness their expertise in technique.
This afternoon you’ll continue with your basket weaving workshop with Gone Rural weavers. You might consider making a placemat, coaster or small basket.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Today is the final day of our hands-on weaving workshop with Gone Rural. You’ll have time to work on final touches and complete your projects.
For lunch enjoy a special BBQ picnic featuring local dishes with the Gone Rural team.
After lunch we return back to Mogi. This afternoon is free for you to relax, pack, walk the nearby trails or perhaps hire a driver to take you on one final shopping adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
This morning we depart Eswatini and make our way to Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Upon arrival at the park gate, you will transfer to an open air safari vehicle for the 2 hour journey to reach your lodge located next to Kruger Gate. Kruger National Park is the largest national reserve in South Africa, and is renowned the world over. The massive expanse of wild bushveld provides a vast range of scenery, diverse flora, and wild animals of all sizes and characters. The Kruger National Park is known for having the highest population-density of the Big 5 in South Africa with ample opportunity to see lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and African buffalo.
Settle into your room before you have dinner together at the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
A very early start this morning for a pre-dawn safari with your Kruger Park guides. As the days are generally quite hot, animals are more active and easier to spot during the early morning. The most common animals to keep an eye out for are giraffe, zebra, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest and hyena.
Late morning your guides will prepare a bush braai + picnic lunch. After the picnic your guides will bring you back to the hotel where you will have some time to relax. You might book a spa treatment or go walking around the property down to the river to wildlife spot or take a dip in the pool.
A final group dinner this evening at the hotel to celebrate our time together on this incredible adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
This morning we wake up and leave Kruger National park for your onward trip to O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg to catch your flight home. Quick lunch stop en route (on your own).
Please note: the driving time from Kruger National Park to O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg is roughly 6 hours.
Meals included: Breakfast
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Where We’re Staying
Eswatini: Mogi Boutique Hotel
Bordering Mantenga Nature Reserve and tucked beneath Sheba’s Mountain in the Ezulwini Valley, Mogi Boutique Hotel offers ultimate luxury in the heart of Swaziland. Enjoy serene mountain and valley views, walking trails and al fresco breakfasts serenaded by birds. Beautiful suites and stylish modern rooms feature luxurious linens and amenities.
Kruger National Park: Kruger Gate Hotel
Our 4-star hotel in Kruger National Park is designed to get you up close with wildlife. Your adventures into the pristine wilderness will be perfectly balanced by the hotel’s contemporary relaxation options. Set in a tranquil riverine woodland of immense African trees, special highlights of your stay will include game-viewing from the Pool Bar with its stunning infinity pool; luxurious care at the beautifully appointed Spa and dining in the glow of stars and wood fires in the outdoor Lapa.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 11 guests. All Prices are in USD.
This trip is SOLD OUT, please register for our waitlist for priority notification of openings
If you are two guests travelling together and would like to share a room you must book:
1x Option 1- Sofa Sleeper AND 1x Option 2- King Bed.
In Eswatini, our Shared rooms have 1 king bed and 1 sofa sleeper bed
Please read the room options and notes below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking request page
OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM - SOFA BED
Room Notes: Shared rooms have two beds, each guest has their own bed. You will share a room + bathroom with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Johannesburg hotel in a twin bed
-8 nights in Eswatini in a Double size SOFA sleeper bed in a shared room (the sofa sleeper is all yours!)
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a twin bed
The fee for this trip is $4375 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1995
Final Payment due February 16, 2025: $2380
OPTION 2 - SHARED ROOM - KING BED
Room Notes: Shared rooms have two beds, each guest has their own bed. You will share a room + bathroom with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Johannesburg hotel in a twin bed
-8 nights in Eswatini in a King bed in a shared room (the king bed is all yours!)
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a twin bed
The fee for this trip is $4875 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1995
Final Payment due February 16, 2025 $2880
OPTION 3 - PRIVATE ROOM
Room Notes: You will have a private room + ensuite for the duration of the trip.
The fee for this trip is $5875 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1995
Final Payment due February 16, 2025 $3880
Important Trip Notes + Details
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler - things can move a little slower here.
You should be eager to learn and work hands-on with a local community of skilled artisans and curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Culinary Notes
We cannot guarantee vegan, dairy free, egg free or gluten free meals.
While we do our best to manage some dietary restrictions with prior knowledge, during certain meals, local dishes will be served family style and will not be possible to modify ingredients.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Excursions may include navigating uneven terrain such as hilly and a gravel/rough trail. You should be comfortable sitting or standing for extended periods of time. The hotel and workshop spaces have stairs (no elevators).
Trip Start + End Locations
This Ace Camp begins and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Due to the remote location of this Ace Camp, you will need to meet your group Johannesburg. Our arrival night accommodation is located in Johannesburg, from where we will start our onwards journey to Eswatini together. You will be dropped off at the Johannesburg Intl. Airport on the final day of your tour.
Travel Health
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or travel health clinic as soon as we confirm your booking on the Trip so you know what may be required, based on your individual circumstances. If you have any health concerns you should contact your health care provider for advice prior to registration of this Ace Camp Travel trip.
Weather
Eswatini’s climate is considered to be ‘temperate subtropical’, but there are significant regional differences. In general, Eswatini’s weather can never be forecast with the same certainty as a little further north in Africa, where the rainy and dry seasons are more clearly defined.
August in the Ezulwini Valley can see daytime highs up to 30C with lows in the evening to 15C and the average daily temperature of 22C. Expect a mix of sun, cloud and rain so best to pack some warmer layers and an umbrella or rain shell just incase.
Included in this Trip
Eleven nights at unique, boutique accommodations in Eswatini + South Africa
Eleven breakfasts, ten lunches and eleven dinners
Private roundtrip transport between Johannesburg + Eswatini
Private transport during workshop, tours and included meals
Safari in Kruger National Park with local guide
Exclusive multi-day hands-on workshop led by Baobab Batik
Exclusive multi -day hands-on workshop led by Gone Rural team
Workshop Supplies
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout the trip
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you throughout your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. The Ace Camps Travel Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to ensure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including spa services, room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent approximately 90 prior to your trip start date unless you book within 90 before the start of the trip. We will also send you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
Questions + FAQ’s
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps Travel trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQ’s here.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws including various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During our trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.