May 2019
The Royal Kingdom of Swaziland (Eswatini)
After appreciating the idea of bicycle travel from afar for too long, we decided to embark on our own trip of the nearby country Eswatini. Landlocked by South Africa, Eswatini (formerly know as Swaziland) is full of beautifully lush and equally big rolling green hills and full of wonderful people, always stopping to chat and offering a friendly wave as we (slowly) cycled past.
Starting in Cape Town, we flew to Johannesburg, with our bicycles boxed up and prepped for travel. Then we drove across to the border, left the car and headed out on the bikes for 5 days of back road touring.
We had no plan really, other than simply spend the day cycling in whichever direction drew us forward, avoiding all tar, stopping to chat and chow, we took it slow and steady. Pitching the tent wherever we ended up.
We went for exploration’s sake, rather than the notion of smashing milage and covering distance.
Building the bikes before getting ready to roll out, just shy of the border.
Erosion at it’s deepest (spot Archie at the top)
Themba, our host on the first night. After rolling across the border late we found ourselves up a quiet dirt road after dark. We pulled off to chat to Themba, who allowed us to camp in the land behind his house.
Morning meetings
Always choose the route with a river crossing!
Hlope, the gent who directed us across the river and through some private land, which he managed on behalf of the owner, Mr Similani.
Hiding out in the shade for a lunch break. During the day we had temperatures of mid to high twenties for most of the trip.
A quick swim to wash away the day’s mixture of sweat, sunblock & dust before night sets in
After realising we had headed a bit too far North and risked missing our flight home, we jumped in the back of a bakkie and made up some milage on the road down South again.
The daily carbo load; a stop for hot chips, became something to look forward to!
Wild honeycomb
Unaffected by the bees who wanted their honey back, this young lad setup shop on the side of the road, selling fresh chunks of wild honeycomb to passers by.
Archies chain snapped on the last day, an hour out from the border. It was the only mechanical issue we had and thankfully was a relatively easy fix.
Back across the border. Siyabonga to the people of Eswatini, you and your country are pretty darn amazing! Until next time!