DIRECTIONS: (WARNING) Do NOT use Google!!
Mlilwane Game Sanctuary / Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge / Sondzela Backpackers.
Please be advised that Google directions to these properties are incorrect. Please use the following GPS coordinates for the Sangweni Gate which is the entry point for these properties.
Note: If you cannot enter these GPS coordinates please search for - Esitjeni Primary School -26.46972 S, 31.20076 E which is 100m before the entry gate on the D55 road.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatini's (formerly Swaziland) pioneer conservation area, a shining example of what is possible if passion, vision and action fuse. Once a highly profitable multi-purpose farm, and being labeled an “impossible dream”, Mlilwane was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom’s most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.
The name 'Mlilwane' ('Little Fire' in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill but now holds significance as the little fire that ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.
Mlilwane’s diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Ha sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game. The southern plains stretch to the striking Nyonyane Mountain (Execution Rock) with its exposed granite peak. Tourism is concentrated in this southern section of the park, while guided Chubeka Trails explore the northern section, as far as Luphohlo Peak.
Mlilwane’s Rest Camp offers a range of affordable accommodation with self-catering and catered options available. Alternatives within Mlilwane include Sondzela Backpackers 2 km to the south, luxurious Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge and Down Gran’s Self-Catering Cottage a short 3km to the north of Rest Camp.
All Activities depart from our Activities Centre at Reception, with detailed maps on sale. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Swimming pool with summerhouses provide the opportunity for true relaxation. Day Visitors are welcome to self-drive and picnic at Rest Camp, visit the restaurant or take part in activities until 18h00.
Situated between Mbabane and Manzini, with 24-hour access to the Sanctuary, guests are free to enjoy the neighbouring tourist hubs of Ezulwini and Malkerns, with their many unique attractions and craft shops.
Essential Information: Please note gates are open for check-in from Sunrise to Sunset, otherwise 24-hour access on the designated Night Route.
When Ted Reilly dreamt of a national park system, Mlilwane did not factor as a possibility due to the tin mining and farming operations that had drastically modified the environment. However, his family farm was the only option at the time, which led to creative remodification, development of wetlands, nesting sites, planting indigenous vegetation and reintroduction of wildlife that had totally disappeared. Mlilwane, with her scars of farming and mining, now softened by nature’s slow reclamation, stands as an excellent example of what can be achieved.
The Sanctuary covers 4,600 Ha spanning the transition zone between highveld and lowveld, disected by the Usushwana River forming a southern and northern section. The diversity within this small area is exceptional, with an altitude range of 660m – 1437m above sea level and a high annual rainfall of 1270mm (50”) providing for many streams and waterways.
Mlilwane is almost entirely granite-based, with 66% medium to course-grained granite, and equal amounts of quartz diorite and granodiorite gneiss. The granite is hard-weathering, providing for extensive rocky outcrops and deep red loam soils rich in iron, associated with large-leafed trees.
The southern section is predominately open grassland savanna plains with middleveld vegetation stretching up onto the striking Nyonyane Mountain with its exposed granite peak known as the "Rock of Execution". Mlilwane North is highveld grassland with ravine forests and rocky outcrops.
VEGETATION
Vachellia (Acacia) sieberiana is the iconic plains tree of the southern Mlilwane savanna, together with a mixture of valley bushveld, broad-leafed veld, riverine thickets and savanna grasslands of mixed sweet and sour grasses on the plains. Due to the mining and agriculture, original climax vegetation is absent, while pioneer and indicator species are still evident in certain areas, some 70 years later!
Nyonyane Mountain displays amazing transition, with forested ravines on the southern slopes populated by Ficus, Erythrina and Cyathea spp. The many rocky outcrops sprout Greyia, Erythrina, Cassonia and Aloe spp and on the northern slopes, valley bushveld is dominated by Acacia, Pterocarpus and Dombeya spp. Along the Usushwana River, mature Syzegium, Faurea and Ficus abound, while the grasslands of Mlilwane North are home to spectacular flowers including Watsonia, Agapanthus, Brunsvigia and Scillas among many smaller delicate species. The mountain gullies are thick with ravine forest, serving an invaluable watershed function. Invasive exotic plants are a sad reality for Mlilwane. Guava and lantana took a strong hold following Cyclone Demoina (1984), followed by Chromelina spreading along the Usushwana River.
The Eucalyptus and wattle forests are remnant of colonial days, but along with Pine trees from Usuthu Forest, these species are constantly harvested for firewood, fencing and building. The Rest Camp area is now an established mature forest. Just 50 years ago, this area was a mealie field, but in the 1960’s Ted Reilly planted a wide variety of seedlings with the intention of establishing a botanical garden.
Wildlife
Mlilwane is a thin sliver of land, at most 4km wide, thus unable to support large herds of game. However, between the grasslands, dams, mountain and forests, there are a number of animal species to be seen including crocodile, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, blesbuck, reedbuck, warthog, grey duiker and at least 3 species of mongoose. Seldom seen, but present in the sanctuary are the ever-elusive leopard and a variety of smaller mammals like bushbaby, aardvark, genet, porcupine, honey badger and civet.
The Mlilwane Hill has been fenced off for the propagation of locally rare and threatened species. Slow movement along trails and roads provide sightings of waterbuck, steenbok, red hartebeest, red and blue duiker, klipspringer, oribi and suni.
Reptiles are well represented in crocodiles, monitor lizards, skinks and the southern tree agama, with a good selection of snakes. Amphibians let their presence be known near the water sources just prior rain – painted reed frog, caco’s, platanna, puddle and stream frogs and at least 4 species of toad.
Big Game Parks Mammal Species List
Mlilwane enjoys an abundant bird life of surprising diversity. The secret to bird-watching on Mlilwane lies in understanding the pockets of habitat… montane species such as Boulder Chats are found on Nyonyane, aquatic birds along the shallows and dams, the stunning colourful forest birds inhabit the forests and the grasslands sport the pipets, little bee-eater, black-bellied bustard, long-claw and stone-chats.
Forest birds include stunning species such as narina trogon, purple-crested touraco, 3 robin-chat spp, bush-shrikes and green-pigeons – all present in the Rest Camp too! A walk along the shallows will provide sightings of weavers, bishops and wydahs busy in the reedbeds, moorhens and crakes along the water’s edge, 5 species of kingfisher and fish eagle in the surrounds, with colourful white-fronted bee-eaters in the woodland alongside.
The Eucalyptus forests are preferred breeding sites for birds of prey such as Crowned Eagle and Black Sparrowhawk, and moving up the mountain, boulder chats, jackal buzzard and swifts are seen.
Camping, self catering huts and cottages are all available at Mlilwane's Rest Camp. Alternatively, Sondzela Backpackers offers budget accommodation and Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge offers discerning accommodation just a few kilometres away.
| Name: | Room: | Rate: |
|---|---|---|
| Beehive Villages - twin share | Sleeps 2 | From ZAR 660 |
| Beehive Village - family huts | Sleeps 4 | From ZAR 610 |
| Shonalanga Family Cottage | Sleeps 6 | From ZAR 750 |
| Lontweni Self-catering Rondavels - 3 sleeper | Sleeps 3 | From ZAR 720 |
| Lontweni Self-catering Rondavels - 2 sleeper | Sleeps 2 | From ZAR 720 |
| Camping | From ZAR 170 |
Mlilwane's Rest Camp offers 4 types of accommodation besides the camping.
All beehives are en-suite with a shower, basin and toilet. A beehive is a traditional grass dome construction with a low door and no windows providing for a deep sleep. The bathroom addition adds both light and circulation. Bedding and towels are provided. 3 Beehive Villages have a total of 43 beehives:
Roan Village - 15 beehives, all twin-share;
Nyala Village - 14 beehives, 7 twin-share, 3 triples & 4 family;
Blesbuck Village - 14 beehives, all twin-share with full wheelchair access.
Nyala Village has 14 beehives, 4 of which are family huts and 3 triple huts (3 single beds).
Shonalanga is a stand-alone cottage with stunning private views. There are 2 rooms, one double and a family room with 4 single beds. Facilities include a kitchenette, shared bathroom, lounge and dining area with large veranda and private outside braai area.
4 Open plan en-suite rondavels with kitchenette, veranda and outside braai area. Some units are juxtaposed with inter-leading doors, perfect for families. Each rondavel sleeps 3, with a Double bed and 1 single bed.
2 Open plan en-suite rondavels with kitchenette, veranda and private braai area.
Sleeps 2 – Double bed
Aloe House is a private retreat designed for niche groups, families & Friends, 5km from Rest Camp. Aloe sleeps 18 people and is linked to the hiking trail network
Aloe House is a top quality, dedicated, 18-sleeper self-catering facility in a private corner of Mlilwane. The main house has 5 rooms and the 2 seperate cottages have two rooms each - all 9 rooms are en-suite, with either twin-share or double beds. A large lounge with a fire place and open-plan kitchen provide for super social interaction. Dining facilities are more than adequate on the wide undercover veranda while a spacious open-air braai area near the house enjoys fabulous views and a shelter.
Aloe House is suitable for Hiking Groups, Mountain Biking Groups, Horse Trail Groups, or friends and families looking to get away. The House is linked to the Self-guided hiking network which offers days of hiking. THose with their own mountain bikes can take off on the dirt roads and trails. Horse riders adn those wishing to hire mountain bikes will need to get to Rest Camp (5.5km away) for activities as booked.
The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering. Transfers and catering are not supplied so guests must be self-sufficient. Aloe House is booked out at a minimum facility rate, with tiered rates abve 8 people staying.
Sondzela Backpackers offers decent and affordable accommodation within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation offering includes En-suite Rondavels, Rondavels with communal ablutions, Private Rooms, dormitories and Camping, all 2km from Rest Camp
Mlilwane Rest Camp is the perfect venue for corporate lunches, small conferences, birthday gatherings, family outings or just relaxing in the tranquil environment, admiring the continual stream of animals such as impala, warthog and nyala walking between the facilities, quietly tolerant of human presence.
The Rest Camp has 5 distinct areas, all within easy walking distance of each other – Main area with Reception, Activities Centre, Curio Shop, Hippo Haunt Restaurant & Rest Camp Huts; the Beehive Villages and Campsites; the Self-Catering cottages, the Swimming Pool area and the open animal inkhundla. All accommodation units are within walking distance of the Swimming pool, Activities Centre and Hippo Haunt Restaurant.
Watch out for the inquisitive warthogs – they are keen to share your lunch! Please don’t feed the animals.
The Hippo Haunt Restaurant
Located within Mlilwane Rest Camp is the Hippo Haunt Restaurant which overlooks a picturesque Bird Pool where guests can admire hippos, crocodiles and prolific birdlife while enjoying delicious meals. The semi-open dining area with bar, coffee station and buffet station is extremely popular, with an alternative cozy inside area.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. Lunch is à La Carte with light and full options, while breakfast and dinner are either buffet or à La Carte, depending on bookings. Fabulous functions can be booked for special occasions.
Swimming Pool & Childrens Play Area
Mlilwane's large swimming pool is located just behind Reception, with a number of braai/BBQ areas and a small children's play area. Please note that all children must be supervised by an able adult at all times and that the safety of children is the parent/guardian's responsibility. Visitors use the swimming pool at their own risk. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is not liable for any injuries.
Environmental Education
Visit our open Interpretation Centre to gain a better understanding of Swaziland's natural heritage and Mlilwane’s history. Our Sangweni Gate has an impressive banner display explaining our 50-year history and how Swazi culture & Conservation are so closely linked.
Braais and Picnics
Braai/BBQ facilities are located in our Swimming Pool area and both overnight and day visitors are welcome to make use of these. Large summerhouses have recently enhanced this offering, along with a kiosk for fast food on busy weekends and holidays. Our Shop sells basic snacks, ice cream and soft drinks.
Conference Room & Inkhundla Function Venue
Our unpretentious “Museum” provides for small conferences up to 30 people, with plug points and projector. The Museum is often used for presentations to visiting groups and schools. The nearby open air Inkhundla is modeled on a kraal with a traditional log fence interspersed with living trees surrounding a large circular sand arena, extensive catering tables and a bar facility. The Inkhundla, with a central bonfire and lantern light, provides magical rustic evenings under the African skies for large groups up to 500 people.
Contact Central Reservations for more information and bookings
With the generous sponsorship by Nedbank Eswatini and support of our many sponsors and participants, proceeds from Imvelo MTB Classic fund community and conservation projects linked to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. We prefer to support larger meaningful projects, sometimes requiring bi-annual projects. All projects are created in collaboration with the community involved, and we aim to move the benefit between communities.
To date, Imvelo MTB Classic has supported schools in Esitjeni and Siphocosini communities. We have maintained school floors, painted the buildings, erected gutters and water tanks for rain water collection and sponsored office equipment.
Our biggest project to date has been the construction of the Spring Water Project in Hlabazonkhe area of Siphocosini. Proceeds were held for a few years to fund this project, which included stabilizing the outlet of a strong mountain spring used by people and livestock. Water tanks on a solid base provide storage, with taps for human consumption and separate area for livestock. Highly durable washing troughs were also erected for the ladies who have always done their washing at the spring. The project has ensured clean water supply, separated animal from human areas and assisted in controlling soil erosion in the area.
Embark on an open 4x4 vehicle with a trained Swazi guide to explore Mlilwane. Game drives are a wonderfully relaxed opportunity to observe and take stunning pictures of the sanctuary. There are a number of variations on offer:
Mountain bikes may be hired by the hour for self-guided or guided adventures – or guests may bring their own at no extra cost. Dirt roads and certain single-track trails for a little more fun give cyclist a wide range of technical options, from the steep mountain to flat gentle game viewing. Cyclists are always reminded that wildlife has right of way and speeding is not an eco-activity. Our bikes are well maintained and available at Mlilwane Rest Camp Reception.
Mlilwane is also the home of the ever-popular annual Nedbank Swaziland's Imvelo MTB Classic which draws cyclists from afar in early June. The race offers 4 distances and is limited to 500 cyclists making it a “true family day out” and a race with real personality.
There is nothing quite like sitting on an animal in nature! Chubeka Trails is our horse trails arm, with horses catering for beginners to advanced riders of all ages. Chubeka Trails offers hourly rides throughout the day, a half-day Rock of Execution Trail, and 1-4 night overnight camping trails for 2-8 people. Weight restrictions apply.
For more information please see
Departing from Mlilwane Rest Camp, your Swazi guide will take you along trails focusing on your interest, be it birding or wildlife. The diverse habitats in close proximity allow for great sightings, including woodland, grassland, forest and aquatic species. Guided walk includes bottled water.
An interwoven network of 13 trails covering well over 25km traverse Mlilwane. These trails cater for hikers, trail runners, cyclists and horse riders, with some that are specific to activity. The newer trails are still under construction and not yet marked, but most are well marked and referenced on the Sanctuary map for easy navigation. The trails vary in length and difficulty, weaving together the plains, shallows, mountain and forests in such a way that hikers, runnersand cyclists can be creative for days! All trail users are requested to sign the register and indemnity at Reception before departing, and to notify Reception on their return. Sanctuary maps are on sale in our shops, at receptions and at our gates - please note the trail info on the map requires updating with the inclusion of new and rerouted trails. Our trails are available to anyone who has paid their daily Conservation Fee.
Two exciting new walking trails have been established within the Rest Camp grounds, both following a similar route. The Botanical Trail highlights about 70 tree and plant species, most of which were planted by hand in the 1960’s. We encourage guests to walk with tree and bird books to enhance their experience.
The Nature Trail provides interpretation of historical and environmental information of the area for adults and children. The Junior Trail forms part of a Kiddies package, along with a short video, a Nature Book and fun recognition on completion of the package.
Time spent in our open Interpretation Centre offers a better understanding of Swaziland's natural heritage and Mlilwane’s history. Special presentations can be arranged on request for schools and special interest groups.
Mlilwane's large swimming pool is located just behind Reception, with a number of braai/BBQ areas and a small children's play area. Please note that all children must be supervised by an able adult at all times and that the safety of children is the parent/guardian's responsibility. Visitors use the swimming pool at their own risk. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is not liable for any injuries.
Visit Mlilwane's neighbouring Chief's Village for an informative and fun authentic traditional experience. Our guide will meet the group at our Sangweni Gate, and lead the short walk to the homestead, sharing the do’s and don’ts and facilitating interpretation. Hosted by our vibrant, energetic and interactive Chief, learn a little siSwati, try your hand at plaiting ‘Lutindzi’ grass or grinding maize. This is a group activity hosted by our local Chief, giving guests an insight to the way of life in rural Swaziland.
A 2-hour guided walk through the Esitjeni community alongside Mlilwane allows a glimpse of life on a day-to-day basis. Observe how architecture is changing and fields are tended, walk past the primary school and buy refreshments at the local grocer. For the rest, it is spontaneous and could include grinding maize, carrying water, building a wall or washing clothes in the stream. Guests meet our guide at Sangweni Gate, from where the circular walk commences into the Esitjeni Community. Please bring sun hat, sun block, change for the grocer. The group may be requested to carry a small sack of mealies or the like for interactive experiences.
DIRECTIONS: (WARNING) Do NOT use Google!!
Mlilwane Game Sanctuary / Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge / Sondzela Backpackers
Please be advised that Google directions to these properties are incorrect. Please use the following GPS coordinates for the Sangweni Gate which is the entry point for these properties.
Note: If you cannot enter these GPS coordinates please search for - Esitjeni Primary School -26.46972 S, 31.20076 E which is 100m before the entry gate on the D55 road.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has 12 borders, making access easy from almost anywhere along our boundry with either South Africa or Mozambique. To assist, we have created a "Suggested Borders" document for you.
From Eswatini Border Posts
Ngwenya/Oshoek Border - Gauteng/Mphumalanga
Matsamo/Jeppes Reef Border via Piggs Peak
From within Eswatini
DIRECTIONS: (WARNING) Do NOT use Google!!
Mlilwane Game Sanctuary / Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge / Sondzela Backpackers
Please be advised that Google directions to these properties are incorrect. Please use the following GPS coordinates for the Sangweni Gate which is the entry point for these properties.
Note: If you cannot enter these GPS coordinates please search for - Esitjeni Primary School -26.46972 S, 31.20076 E which is 100m before the entry gate on the D55 road.
The reviews shown here are taken directly from TripAdvisor. We encourage potential guests to visit the pages and read what our guests have said!
Please feel free to post your own review on Tripadvisor:
Hlane Royal National Park is the perfect extension to an Mlilwane holiday, with self catering, group accommodation and camping in the lowveld.
