Craft Retreat | Batik + Basket Weaving in Eswatini
The Crafts of Eswatini with Batik Printing + Grass Basket Weaving Workshops + Safari in Kruger National Park
Eswatini + South Africa | August 14 - 25, 2027
Eswatini + South Africa: Where Culture, Craft and Wilderness Intersect
Eswatini is renowned for its vibrant handicrafts and traditional arts, each reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and generations of skilled craftsmanship. Rooted in tradition and often made using sustainable materials, these practices offer a meaningful connection to the people, places, and stories that shape this remarkable kingdom. Eswatini retains a wonderfully unhurried rhythm of life, where the pace is gentle, communities feel personal, and hospitality comes naturally. Its landscapes unfold across rolling mountains, open plains, and scenic walking trails, while its artisans bring extraordinary creativity and skill to their work.
Join us for an immersive exploration of local craft traditions, from the distinctive Luvumisa-style basket weaving practiced with the team at Gone Rural to the art of batik wax printing alongside the women of Baobab Batik. Through hands-on workshops, you’ll meet the talented artisans behind these traditions, learn techniques passed down through generations, and create your own textile and basketry pieces to take home.
For the final days of your journey, we’ll cross into South Africa to explore the wild beauty of Kruger National Park on guided, open-air safaris. One of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, Kruger offers vast bushveld, diverse landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters. Keep watch for elephants roaming through the bush, giraffes grazing among the treetops, and zebras wandering across the open plains.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all creative skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
August 14 - 25, 2027
12 Days + 11 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room* - $5,295 USD
Partial Private Room - $5,895 USD
Small Private Room - $6,395 USD
Standard Private Room - $6,695 USD
Superior Private Room - $6,995 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
OCTOBER 26, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
CRAFT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Exclusive multi day Batik printing and dyeing workshop with Baobab Batik
Exclusive multi day Lavumisa Grass Basket Making Workshop with Gone Rural
Guided safaris thru Kruger National Park
Craft Shopping visits to the Manzini Market, Malandela’s, Swazi Candles Complex + Marigold Beads
A Special Invitation and guided visit to a Rural Weaving Community
Return Transport from Johannesburg to Eswatini
Airport Pickup in Johannesburg (on specified date)
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Learn with Baobab Batik
Baobab Batik is an artistic social enterprise based in Eswatini, Southern Africa. Combining a passion for batik artistry with a vision to create sustainable employment for women, this small operation built what is now a thriving enterprise employing 35 full-time artisans.
Every Baobab Batik product is handmade, bringing together the skills and creativity of its artisans. The enterprise’s vision is to be a leading example, in Eswatini and beyond, of how innovation and social enterprise can empower women while advancing the art of batik.
Each piece passes through three stages: waxing, dyeing and sewing. Artisans first trace the design onto fabric and apply wax to create the pattern. The fabric is then carefully dyed, with additional waxing and dyeing layers added as needed to achieve the desired colours and detail. Once complete, the fabric is soaked in hot water to remove the wax, revealing its distinctive patterns and textures. Finally, the finished fabric is sent to the sewing room, where it is transformed into Baobab Batik’s beautiful range of handmade products.
Learn with Gone Rural
Gone Rural empowers women in rural Eswatini through traditional handweaving, creating sustainable income opportunities that fit around family life, childcare and farming.
From 30 artisans, Gone Rural has grown to support 750 home-based weavers and employ 14 full-time staff. They provide market access, product design, materials and training, helping preserve Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage through skills passed down from mother to daughter.
Their baskets are woven from sustainably harvested indigenous lutindzi grass and wild sisal. The materials are dyed at their Malkerns workshop before being distributed to 13 community groups for weaving.
Committed to transparency, Gone Rural shares financial information with artisans and staff, while annual negotiations with the Artisan Board determine artisan payment rates. Their sister NGO, boMake Rural Projects, further supports the communities through a range of social initiatives.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Saturday, August 14th
Welcome to South Africa!
Our journey begins in Johannesburg, a vibrant city well connected to major international gateways across Europe and the US East Coast. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our nearby hotel, where you can settle in and unwind after your travels.
This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel, an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, get to know one another and introduce the exciting journey ahead.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Sunday, August 15th
After breakfast, we will visit the home studio of Bulawayo-born, Johannesburg-based artist Joni Brenner who is the main design collaborator with Marigold Beads producing hand-loomed beadwork for local and international markets. Defined by precise craftsmanship and evolving design, each necklace explores the creative possibilities of a continuous loop, with over 65 variations developed to date.
From here, our journey to Eswatini begins! 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’ll stop for lunch before we arrive at our hotel in Malkerns, Eswatini. You will have some down time to refresh before we meet at the lodge restaurant for dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Monday, August 16th
This morning begins with a visit to 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 Eswatini 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 their different roles within the company.
This afternoon we will begin our weaving workshop with the artisans 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 seen 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 4
Tuesday, August 17th
This morning we return to the workshop to continue with your basket weaving workshop with Gone Rural weavers. You might consider making a placemat, coaster or small basket.
This afternoon 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 and makes for some great shopping! An expedition to Swazi Candles is not just a candle experience. The small workshop is happily surrounded by other talented crafters, artists and artisans as well as a bustling market and souvenir shops. Sample some Black Mamba chilli sauce or take a stroll through Yebo Art Gallery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Wednesday, August 18th
This morning, we’ve been invited to visit a traditional rural weaving community where many Gone Rural weavers work from home. You’ll meet local artisans and learn about their community and craft, with skills passed down through generations, often from mother to daughter. Building on this rich heritage, the women continually explore new patterns, shapes and designs, sustaining Gone Rural’s spirit of innovation.
This afternoon we return to the workshop space for lunch then you’ll continue with your basket weaving projects with Gone Rural weavers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Thursday, August 19th
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, you’ll have time to continue working on your basketry projects. Later in the afternoon, enjoy some time browsing and shopping at Malandela’s shops before we come together for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Friday, August 20th
Today marks the first day of our hands-on batik workshop at the studios of Baobab Batik. You’ll be introduced to the story behind the organisation, learning about its history, creative practice and social impact within the local community.
The session begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of batik, exploring how hot wax and layers of coloured dye are used to build intricate patterns and rich, expressive designs. Through a series of drawing and texture experiments, you’ll begin to familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques of wax application, discovering how lines, marks and patterns can be translated onto fabric. These initial explorations will lay the groundwork for developing your own designs as you gain confidence with the process and begin to understand the possibilities of this traditional resist-dyeing technique.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Saturday, August 21st
We return to the studios of Baobab Batik for the second day of our hands-on workshop, building on the techniques explored in the first session. Working one-on-one with Baobab’s artisans, you’ll begin developing your own creations, choosing from a range of possibilities such as aprons, scarves, clothing and homewares.
You’ll learn the final stages of the batik process, applying layers of coloured dye over your wax designs to reveal depth, contrast and intricate patterns. There will be opportunities to experiment with multiple colours, layering wax drawings and textures to create more complex, individual designs. With guidance from the artisans, you’ll refine your technique and bring your ideas to life, creating unique pieces that reflect your own creative vision.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Sunday, August 22nd
Today is the final day of our hands-on batik workshop at the studios of Baobab Batik. You’ll have time to add the finishing touches to your designs and complete your creations, bringing together the techniques and ideas explored over the past few days.
At lunchtime, we’ll enjoy a special picnic with the women of Baobab Batik, sharing a selection of local dishes and an opportunity to connect over food and conversation.
This afternoon, you’ll have time to browse and shop at Baobab Batik, with the opportunity to take home some of their beautiful handcrafted pieces. We’ll then return to Malandela’s for some time to relax, pack and unwind before gathering for dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Monday, August 23rd
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
Tuesday, August 24th
A very early start this morning for a 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 and enjoy the property.
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
Wednesday, August 25th
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
Where We’re Staying
Eswatini
Malandela’s Guest House has been thoughtfully renovated to bring together contemporary African design and English farmhouse influences, creating a space grounded in craftsmanship, comfort, and character. Natural materials, handcrafted details, earthy Cemcrete finishes, bespoke locally made furniture, and modern amenities come together to offer a stay that feels both refined and relaxed. The result is a distinctive guest house that celebrates collaboration, culture, and considered design, a destination in its own right.
Each room is individually designed, with its own unique character. Our guest rooms are located in two separate buildings. Depending on the room you select during your booking request, you’ll stay either in the main guest house or in the two-bedroom cottage. Set a short 5-minute walk from the main lodge, the cottage features partially private rooms and offers an added sense of retreat and independence.
Kruger National Park
Our 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 and dining in the glow of stars and wood fires in the outdoor Lapa.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 11 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON OCTOBER 26, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM*
with en suite bathroom
$5,295 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
*Shared Rooms are available to book for two guests traveling together. Shared rooms can be set up with 1 king size bed (two twin beds connected) OR as two twin beds located close to one another. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include the following room + bed:
-1 night in our Johannesburg hotel in a standard shared room in a twin bed.
-8 nights in Eswatini in a twin bed in a shared standard room (each guest has their own twin bed) at the main guest lodge.
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a standard shared room in a twin bed.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due February 15, 2027: $2,800
OPTION 2 - PARTIAL PRIVATE ROOM
with shared bathroom
$5,895 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details: In Johannesburg and Kruger Park, you will have a private room with an ensuite bathroom.
In Eswatini you will have a standard private room and share a bathroom with one other guest in the newly built Malandela’s Cottage that is an extension to Malandela’s Guest House. The 2 bedroom cottage is located within the Malandela’s Hotel property, a 5 minute walk from the main guest lodge providing an added sense of retreat and independence.
Your stay will include the following rooms:
-1 night in our Johannesburg hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
-8 nights in Eswatini in a private bedroom at the separate Malandela’s Cottage. The cottage features a shared bathroom (with one other guest) and a communal living room. It’s a gentle 5-minute walk from the main guest lodge through the gardens.
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due February 15, 2027: $3,400
OPTION 3 - SMALL PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,395 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details: You will have a private room with ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include the following rooms:
-1 night in our Johannesburg hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
-8 nights in Eswatini in a small private bedroom with queen bed and ensuite bathroom at the main guest lodge.
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due February 15, 2027: $3,900
OPTION 4 - STANDARD PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,695 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details: You will have a private room with ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include the following rooms:
-1 night in our Johannesburg hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
-8 nights in Eswatini in a standard private bedroom and ensuite bathroom at the main guest lodge.
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due February 15, 2027: $4,200
OPTION 5 - SUPERIOR PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details: You will have a private room with ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip.
Your stay will include the following rooms:
-1 night in our Johannesburg hotel in a Standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
-8 nights in Eswatini in a Superior private bedroom and ensuite bathroom at the main guest lodge. Superior rooms are more spacious than Standard rooms, offering a seating area and a outdoor space.
-2 nights in Kruger National Park hotel in a Standard private room with ensuite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due February 15, 2027: $4,500
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free dietary requirements as well as some serious allergies on this trip.
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 dietary 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 will only be accessible by stairs (no elevators).
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 during your workshop session and be 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.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
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 the group in Johannesburg, as reliable flight connections to Eswatini are not currently available. Your accommodation for the first night is in Johannesburg, where we’ll begin our onward overland journey to Eswatini together with the group the following day.
On the final day of the tour, you will be dropped off at Johannesburg International Airport.
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
Exclusive multi-day hands-on workshop led by Baobab Batik team
Exclusive multi -day hands-on workshop led by Gone Rural team
Workshop Supplies
Safari in Kruger National Park with local guides
11 nights accommodation at unique accommodations in Eswatini + South Africa as follows:
1 night in Johannesburg
8 nights in Eswatini
2 nights at Kruger Park
Private group roundtrip transport between Johannesburg + Eswatini
Private group transport during workshop, tours and included meals
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 7 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through 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. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure 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 but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Supplies
All workshops supplies will be provided in Eswatini.
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 to 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.
During the 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 the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self- isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
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.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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