BIG FIVE SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS DAY TWO OF KWAZULU-NATAL EDUCATIONAL TOUR

By Tlalane Dlamini

JOZINI – Wildlife encounters, hospitality and cross-border tourism collaboration took centre stage on October 12, 2026 as Eswatini’s tourism delegation continued its KwaZulu-Natal educational tour, exploring experiences that could be incorporated into future travel packages linking the two destinations.

The second day of the educational, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority in collaboration with the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), began with breakfast at Ghost Mountain Inn before the delegation proceeded to Luleka Day Safaris at Manyoni Private Game Reserve for an immersive wildlife experience.

The group embarked on a three-hour safari in an open 4×4 game viewer, offering an opportunity to experience the reserve’s remarkable biodiversity and strengthen their understanding of its wildlife tourism offering.

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is home to the Big Five, namely lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both species of rhino. The reserve also boasts nearly 100 other mammal species and approximately 430 bird species, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers.

The experience highlighted the potential of wildlife tourism to complement Eswatini’s tourism offerings, encouraging tour operators and travel agents to explore opportunities for creating cross-border itineraries that combine the attractions of both destinations.

Eswatini Tourism Authority Head of Marketing Chunky Mdluli-Dlamini has highlighted the importance of the educational in strengthening tourism partnerships between Eswatini and KwaZulu-Natal.

The initiative seeks to enhance product knowledge, validate itineraries, build relationships among tourism industry players and encourage the development of packages that can convert interest into actual bookings. Increased visitor movement between the two destinations could create economic opportunities for tourism businesses in both markets.

Following the safari, the delegation proceeded to Tiger Lodge in Jozini, concluding another day of familiarisation with KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism experiences.

The educational, running from 11 to 15 October 2026, continues to provide a platform for tourism stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, broaden their product offerings and position both destinations as complementary choices for regional and international travellers.

Through shared experiences, industry engagement and media exposure, the initiative aims to translate tourism partnerships into tangible benefits for both Eswatini and KwaZulu-Natal.