KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris and Big Game Parks
- Alphsz - B2B Cycle Tour
- May 1
- 3 min read
Eswatini’s Conservation and Cycling Gems
Eswatini’s natural beauty and vibrant community spirit shine through in the conservation efforts of KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris and Big Game Parks.
KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris: The Southern Gateway and Alphsz - B2B Cycle Tour Highlight
KaMsholo Nature Reserve, also known as KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, is a 700-hectare haven nestled at the foot of the Lubombo Mountains, just 32km from the Lavumisa Border Post. Managed by Big Game Parks since its acquisition in 2020 (formerly Nisela Safaris), the reserve is named in honor of Big Game Parks’ rangers and conservation pioneer Ted Reilly, whose nickname “Msholo” reflected his stealthy anti-poaching patrols.
KaMsholo’s acacia-studded savannah teems with wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, nyala, reedbuck, waterbuck, ostrich, and over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers. With no dangerous predators, the reserve is perfect for self-guided hiking, cycling, or game drives, offering safe exploration of its trails and dirt roads. Visitors can stay in a variety of accommodations, from traditional Swazi beehive huts and the serene Tinsele Rest Camp to the Nguni Ranch House and Bhekilanga Guesthouse in nearby Nsoko Village. The Trading Post, the reserve’s hub, features a 200-seater restaurant serving local dishes like umcwembe, a curio shop, and conference facilities, making it an ideal stopover for travelers en route to KwaZulu-Natal or Mozambique.
KaMsholo’s Vibrant Role in the Alphsz - B2B Cycle Tour
KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris a standout feature of the Alphsz - B2B (Border-to-Border) Cycle Tour, KaMsholo provides a critical hydration and refueling point for cyclists pushing through Eswatini’s challenging terrain. Its strategic location near the Lavumisa Border makes it the final water table stop before riders reach the finish line, offering a much-needed boost in the race’s closing stages.
At KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris, cyclists can refill bottles with purified water (likely supplied by local favorite Viva Beverages), grab high-carb snacks like bananas or energy bars. The Table’s lively atmosphere, with its little restaurant sales setup and friendly staff, creates an encouraging vibe for riders, while the backdrop of acacia trees and roaming wildlife adds a unique, morale-lifting touch.
For participants battling fatigue after hours of riding, KaMsholo’s accessibility from the MR8 route and its well-equipped facilities make it a perfect place to regroup before the final sprint. Cyclists should aim to spend no more than 5-10 minutes here to maintain momentum, ensuring they have enough fluids (two 500ml bottles) and nutrition to cover the last stretch to Lavumisa.
The Imvelo MTB Classic: A Premier MTB Cycling Event
Big Game Parks is a driving force in Eswatini’s cycling community, most notably through the Imvelo MTB Classic, one of the oldest and most prestigious mountain biking events in the Kingdom. Hosted annually at Mlilwane Game Sanctuary, the event began in 2000 as the Ngulube MTB Classic and was renamed Imvelo (“Nature” in siSwati) in 2004 to emphasize its conservation focus. The 2025 edition, sponsored by Nedbank Eswatini, is set for 7 June 2025.
The Imvelo MTB Classic attracts up to 500 cyclists, with entries capped to protect the environment. It offers four race categories: the 65km Classic, 35km Challenge, 22km Family Fun Race, and 12.5km Hoglets for kids, catering to all skill levels. Riders navigate Mlilwane’s rugged Nyonyane Mountains and scenic trails, often spotting zebras, wildebeest, and antelope. The event’s festive atmosphere includes post-race food stalls, music, and prizes like cash and stays at BGP reserves, including KaMsholo. Proceeds fund conservation and community projects, such as school upgrades and water initiatives, making Imvelo a celebration of sport and social good. Cyclists can register at www.imvelo.co.sz or via imvelo@biggameparks.org, with early entry advised due to high demand.
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