The Ngwempisi hiking trail is situated in the Ngwempisi Gorge within the communities of Ntondozi, Etjebovu, Kandinda, and Velezizweni. It is on the Southern Border of Swaziland. Easiest access is from the Piet Retief'/ Sicunusa Border post. The main hiking route of 3 strenuous days and 3 nights was laid out by Prof Leon Hugo from the University of Pretoria. Subsequently several circular routes were mapped and marked from the main route. All the routes start on Horseshoe Estate. It offers the facility of a base camp which is charged separately from the rest of the hiking trail. See Horseshoe Estate to book accommodation here the night before trail kicks off.
Access to both overnight camps is only on foot or by 4x4 in special circumstances. 4x4 access is not encouraged.
Trails can be indistinct and confusing at times and the use of a community guide is considered essential. See fee structure under "Other disclosures". These fees can be paid directly to the guides.
The Ngwempisi Gorge is one of the few remaining pristine environments with natural forest and which has a strong-flowing river, the Ngwempisi River, flowing through it. Pockets of subsistence farming exist on the escarpment, but lower down in the gorge, you are a enveloped by nature.
The community of Etjebovu aspires to uplift itself from poverty, joblessness, and the general devastation that HIV/Aids has caused in Swaziland. With the generous help of the European Union, a hiking trail with two unique and environmentally sensitive overnight camps have been constructed. All income generated by this project is directed to the community. The upkeep as well as the servicing of the camps is catered for by the community.
The neighbouring privately-owned Horseshoe Estate is a point of contact in emergencies. Two overnight facilities on this farm are available for hikers who arrive late at night and are unable to reach the first hut. The hiking trail huts can only be accessed on foot although there is a rugged service track which is only passable by a 4x4 vehicle in emergencies.
There are two overnight camps - Mhlabeni Hut and Khopho Hut. Both were built by a very talented construction team supervised by a young nature camp designer under very difficult circumstances. Each hut has its own charm and unique atmosphere. Both camps sleep 16 people comfortably in two separate dormitory-style rooms. Flush toilets, clean drinking water, beds with high density foam mattresses, showers with hot water, a braai area with braai utensils, gas and coal stoves, iron pots plus various pots and pans are provided. [Hot water is currently not available, facilities at Mhlabeni Hut are extremely limited - there are currently no mattrasses or utensils].
Other activities that could be done from overnight huts include bird watching, horse riding (via Horshoe Estates) and rock climbing. The latter is unsupervised and recommended only for experienced climbers. There are no bolted routes, but bouldering opportunities are extensive, predominately on granite.
When in full spate (only briefly after heavy rains), the Ngwempisi River offers one of the most challenging Grade V white-water kayaking sections in Southern Africa. The trip takes approximately 6 hours provided you have a leader who knows what is up ahead. There are a few extremely dangerous syphons, which need to be avoided/portaged. As at the end of 2007, the river has only ever been paddled 3 times, on all occasions by brothers Shane and Darron Raw, who can be contacted through Swazi Trails.
The climate of this area is that of the middle-veld. Hot, but not humid and inclined to be misty and wet in summer, and dry but not too cold in winter months. The gorge protects the hiker from strong winds.
Hiking, walking and tourism is new to these remote rural communities but in true Swazi fashion, their friendly and good natured approach to visitors ensures non-existent crime and a sense of peace, tranquillity and safety.
