Mlilwane Game Reserve
Mlilwane is part of the three Big Game Parks in Swaziland: Hlane Royal National Park, Mkhaya Game Reserve and Mlilwane Game Reserve (also known as Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary). The parks are within 1.5 hour drive from each other and are therefore well suited to visit in combination with each other to admire the diversity of flora and fauna (including the Big Five).
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley also known as the Valley of Heavens. The area is 4560 hectares and is divided into a northern and southern part. The grassland in the southern part extends to the Nyonyane Mountain with its granite top. Bushmen lived around the Nyonyane and also royal tombs of Swaziland. Behind these mountains there is the beautiful Mantenga waterfall and the beautiful Usushwana valley.
Mlilwane is the oldest and most visited of the three wildlife sanctuaries and offers many different attractions for visitors and a variety of accommodations, all located in the southern part.
Mlilwane offers a wide choice of activities; you can use your own car drive through the reserve in search of wildlife or a safari vehicle accompanied by a guide. But you can also explore the beautiful nature in the reserve on foot, horseback or mountain bike (all with or without a guide). The park offers several options for a safari on horseback, from a few hours to an overnight trip with an overnight in the mountains.
Some of the animals you may encounter during these activities in the reserve include: jackals, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, wild cats, kudus, ostriches, various species of monkeys, oribi, waterbuck, ibex and many other goats and antelope.
In terms of accommodation there you can find something for every budget: camping, backpacking, self-catering cottages, luxury and exclusive Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, cabins in the Mlilwane Rest Camp with en-suite bathroom. The Rest Camp is not fenced and is constantly surrounded by small game such as impala, nyala and ostriches. For a unique place to sleep, you can also opt for one of the Beehive villages. The villages provide a real Swazi-feeling with drawn grass huts in semi-circles, beaded curtains and central campfires. There are cabins with and without en-suite bathroom; the decor is simple but a very special experience!
Besides the many different animals, incredibly beautiful scenery and special accommodation, Mlilwane also offers several dining options, a small information center where you are free to take a look, a pool and a playground for children. Also in the nearby places Ezulwini and Malkerns you can visit the craft / art shops. Because the gate is open 24 hours a day, you have all the freedom to drive in and out.
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