Ngwempisi Gorge

The Ngwempisi river cuts a deep gorge through the western hills of Eswatini, and a community project has strung a series of simple huts along it linked by walking trails, so the gorge can be covered over two or three days with local guides. The riverine forest holds birds and small antelope, and one hut is built out on a rock over the water. Pools along the river are used for swimming.

What you actually see

• The gorge - the river cut deep into the western hills.
• The trail huts - simple community-built shelters strung along the route.
• The rock hut - the shelter built out over the water.
• The river pools - places along the water deep enough to swim.

When to go

April to September is drier and the river is lower and safer. Summer rain raises the water and closes crossings. Winter nights in the gorge are cold.

Honest expectations

Huts are very basic with no power and water carried or drawn from the river. Guides must be arranged in advance through the community office. The walking is steep and rough in places.

Nearby

Mankayane is north, and the Usutu Forest is west.