Maguga Canoe Safari Abseil Hike (full day)

The canoe trail kicks off from the old Komati River Bridge upstream of the dam at 09h45.  For those requiring transport, the combi leaves from the Swazi Trails office at Mantenga Craft Centre, Ezulwini, at 08h30.  

Prior arrangements can be made for self-drive travellers to link up with the Swazi Trails crew at Maguga Lodge. Here safe parking is available.  Participants on half day trips who are exiting Swaziland to the north via Matsamo/Jeppes Reef or west through Bulembu are encouraged to take this option, as it saves considerable time and distance in the afternoon. 

Travelling time from the Swazi Trails offices to Maguga Dam is one hour.  Travelling time from Pigg's Peak to the Dam is less than 20 minutes. 

The Canoe Safaris vary in length, depending on weather conditions and the ability of participants.  The average trip length is just over 10km although shorter "out and back" trips can be arranged specially for school groups or corporate fun days.  Trips typically involve from 2.5 to 3 hours of paddling.  Full day excursions involve a morning of canoeing followed by an afternoon of supervised abseiling (rope-descent of a cliff face) or a one hour guided hike to see the famous Bushman Paintings at Nsangwini.   Unfortunately there isn't time enough to do both the abseiling and Bushman Paintings, so a tough call has to be made.

All canoeing trips start with a thorough safety briefing and opportunity to practice paddling and recovery techniques.  Participants paddle their own boats and must be prepared for gentle, but continuous activity throughout the morning.  Rest breaks from paddling and short walks are often undertaken on the bank, as well as on the Maguga island.  Refreshments and light energy snacks are provided. 

Lunch is a light picnic-style affair under a shade tree near the dam wall. "Light" is good if you plan to dangle on the end of a rope in the afternoon !  The picnic menu is chicken or cheese rolls, together with fruit and chocolates.  For the full day trip, participants have a choice of abseiling or hiking.  Abseiling takes place on a cliff-face overlooking the dam.  This involves learning basic rope-work skills and then descending the cliff by means of a figure-8 apparatus.  After a full briefing on technique, individuals are carefully guided through a 30m rope descent, under second safety line control.  Depending on group numbers, participants may have two or more opportunities to tackle this breath-taking activity. 

The hiking option includes a walk to the Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter downstream of the dam.  This community tourism development offers the opportunity of witnessing rural community lifestyles as well as seeing the famous and unique  "birdman" paintings. 

Expect approximately 30min walking each way.  The full day trip ends with sundowner drinks (beers & soft drinks) on a scenic look-out point...and of course the drive back.

The Swazi Trails children's policy allows participants as young as 6 years to participate provided that sufficient small or kiddies-size lifejackets are available.

Children under 18 years, accompanied by two adults may enjoy a 50% discount on the full adult rate.

Unescorted minors (under 18 years) require the written consent of a parent or guardian. 

For this Canoe Safari cancellations made 21 days or more in advance of arrival, will incur an administration fee of no more than 10% of the value of the amount paid. However if cancelled within 14-20 days, 25% of the total price is forfeited. If within 7-13 days, 50% of the total price is forfeited, if within 0-6 days, then 100% of the total price is forfeited.