We traveled south from Mbabane along the MR19 before turning onto the D52 road. We followed the forest roads until we met up with the MR4. We traveled on the D8 to Sidvokodvo. We turned left onto the MR9 and turned right onto the D98. We continued along tracks that took us to the railway line that ran along the Lusutfu river. The track allowed us to test our off road skills that included rock climbs, sand and ruts.

Sean took me to breakfast at the Nkonyeni Gold Estate in Swaziland. What a terrific estate with game roaming the estate and golf course.

Approximately 9km from Siphofaneni, Sean’s Triumph rear wheel developed a puncture. A thick wire was embedded in the tyre. Luckily I always carry a compressor, tyre repair kit and Wynn’s Tyre Fix. In this case the rear tyre had a tube so we left the wire in and inflated the tyre using the Wynn’s Tyre Fix. This allowed us to proceed to Siphofaneni. We searched the town for a new can of Tyre Fix – No luck. We then searched the town for a compressor – the only place was closed as the owner was on lunch with no idea when he would return. We then used my air compressor to increase the tyre pressure to 2.6. The locals were very impressed at our sophistication. I handed my compressor to Sean to assist his return trip to Mbabane at 80km/h while I headed south to the Lavumisa border post.

Sean made it home to Mbabane and had to limp home the last couple of kilometers with a flat tyre as the wire had dislodged and the tyre could not be inflated.

On the way to the border, I stopped as Nisela Game Lodge for a break and a drink. It may be worth a more comprehensive visit next time I pass through.

I had taken left over pizza from the previous night and stopped off in the bush after the Swazi Border to enjoy the moment.

After arriving at St Lucia, I setup camp before taking a tour through the town and beaches. St Lucia has changed since my last visit 17 years ago. It now boasts lots of shops, restaurants and B&Bs.

As the camp site is within the KZN Parks Board, I was skeptical of the conditions of the camps and facilities. It was good to see they were in good condition and clean.

The St Lucia Boat Club provided a great venue for cold beer and dinner.