Santa Maria via Eswatini (Swaziland)

[Luka]

We are going to visit Santa Maria in April and want to travel via Swaziland exiting at Goba gate. We would like to overnight in the Hlane/Goba gate area. Any recommendation's for lodges/guest house preferably with a good restaurant?

Any comments regarding the road and border crossings from Goba to Santa Maria will also be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Luka]

Anyone?

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[Karol]

Simunye lodge/ country club is a nice stay over close to Goba

https://simunyeclub.com/

Mabuda guest farm is rustic but beautiful - they have a coffee roastery on site- in Siteki so about 40km from Goba.

https://www.mabuda.com/en/


I have used Goba around 6 times- always a breeze 20 minutes max- Swazi side has nice ablutions.

I will be traveling via goba to ponta this Monday, using the Goba dirt road short cut to porto heriques on to Bella vista then down to ponta du ora- used it last in April 2023, then is was rough but doable ( 30km of dirt road took an hour)

This dirt road is only drivable when dry. if rain and wet- its a struggle even with a 4x4

[Koebelwagen]

I have stayed over at Magadzavane Lodge, about half way between Siteki and Goba. Was a decent experience. The restaurant has great views.

[OffTheHamsterWheel]

I camped at Mlawula Nature Reserve and took a drive up to Magadvane Lodge. Looked like a very nice place but the online reviews are a mixed bag. This would be the ideal place for a border crossing and they claim to have a restaurant. I say “claim” because I didn’t see a living soul the morning I was there.

Friends of mine recently stayed at Mabuda Guest Farm and were very happy. They don’t have a restaurant but you can pre-arrange with them for dinner and breakfast.

Hlane has two camps with accommodation, Ndlovu and Bhubesi. Ndlovu is adjacent to the reception and the restaurant. Bhubesi is about 12km away and would be my choice but then you’ll either have to eat at Ndlovu and leave early enough for the drive to Bhubesi or you’ll have to self-cater.

I’ve used the Namaacha border many times and have always found it a breeze. (If I was staying at Hlane, this is the one I would use, then to Boane and Bela Vista). Haven’t gone through Goba but I imagine it would be similar.

[Luka]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the responses.

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[Luka]

I will be traveling via goba to ponta this Monday, using the Goba dirt road short cut to porto heriques on to Bella vista then down to ponta du ora- used it last in April 2023, then is was rough but doable ( 30km of dirt road took an hour)

This dirt road is only drivable when dry. if rain and wet- its a struggle even with a 4x4

I am assuming you are talking about the road circled in red? We will be travelling in April, should be dry?

[Koebelwagen]

I am assuming you are talking about the road circled in red? We will be travelling in April, should be dry?

Having done both, I would go with the route indicated in purple, that gravel road can be rough.

If the prospect of some off-roading/ rough roads are tempting, the last 78 odd KM through the reserve to Santa Maria will provide more than enough opportunity to fulfil the need as that stretch alone can take up to 4 hours.

[Luka]

Having done both, I would go with the route indicated in purple, that gravel road can be rough.

If the prospect of some off-roading/ rough roads are tempting, the last 78 odd KM through the reserve to Santa Maria will provide more than enough opportunity to fulfil the need as that stretch alone can take up to 4 hours.

Thanks, will most probably drive the good road. We did the sand road to Millibangalala a few years back, it was a lot of fun. Especially recovering our friend in their fortuner towing an off road trailer.

[Peter1949]

Another idea.
What is the road like now Siteke / Hlane coming up from Big Bend side and then onward toward any of the border posts in the north, but thinking to come out at Komati Poort?
To visit Croc Bridge in KNP en route, for example.?

[Karol]

I am assuming you are talking about the road circled in red? We will be travelling in April, should be dry?

yes, came back yesterday and gave the circular red indicated a miss as there was a bit of rain. The purple road is fine, some potholes and rough bits between Goba and Boane means some slow going but nothing drastic. From Boane down it’s smooth tarmac.

traffic police got me going 70 in a 60 zone just after the first Bella vista turn off, some one nicked the 60 sign there. R 300 / 1000mts fine.

on the way back it took 3 hours from ponte du ora to goba border via your pink route.

The right turn in Boane going south to Ponta is not sign posted, you turn into a slip road, google maps gives a good idea where it is

[Luka]

We just returned from a weeks holiday at Santa Maria. Just a bit of updated info. We entered Eswatini at Oshoek, no search, just had to open the hatch. Easy peezy. Stay at Hlane was awesome. Went through to Moz at Goba. Again no search, no checking of 3rd Party insurance although our SA insurance clearly stated that 3rd Party in Moz was covered.

The road from Goba to Boane has been drastically damaged by recent heavy rains, but is drive able. The N200 is great as is the new toll road between Ponta and Maputo.

The sand road from Futi Gate (Maputo Elephant Reserve) to Santa is still a long drive, at least 4 hours on the 70km. Road was also a bit flooded but very drive able albeit slow and the "middle mannetjie" catching the vehicle often.

If you are going to braai, be sure to pick up some charcoal before you enter the reserve. Nothing in Santa. Booze in the town is available but expensive. Riechleu @ R360, Whiskey a lot cheaper. And on Inhaca most is about 30%. Wine is limited. No red-meat available in Santa or Inhaca.

Ice is expensive, R50/bag so if you can take your own ice-machine.

Enjoyed Santa a great deal, but would rather go to Mamoli or Malongane next time and avoid the long sand road.