Search for safari Ideas and important information on our website...

slider
Book Now

ABOUT

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.

  • 26.28475 S, 31.11464 E

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.

Within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary just 3 km from Mlilwane’s Rest Camp is Mlilwane Hill. The hill is fenced off to facilitate the breeding of endangered and locally threatened antelope as well as safeguarding the Royal Botanical Gardens featuring the Gilbert Reynolds Memorial Aloe Garden.

Near the top of Mlilwane Hill is Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, the original home of the former Mickey Reilly, now converted into a ‘quaintly colonial’ comfortable 6-room lodge.  Many a colourful story is told of Mickey Reilly, an entrepreneur who ran the McCreedy Tin Mines in the early 1900’s.  His son, Ted Reilly, grew up here – and this is where Ted’s dream of nature conservation took root.  

Linked to the greater Mlilwane Trails network, residents may wander the hillside, walk the trails, view the game, book an activity at Mlilwane’s Rest Camp or simply relax on the terraced lawns and take in the spectacular views. Breakfast on the veranda and campfire dinners followed by our bushbaby experience in the evenings are unforgettable.

Children 13+ years are permitted at Reilly's Rock.

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage (Max. 7 people)

Located approx. 200m from Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, still within the Botanical Gardens, Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage offers magical privacy for a small group of friends, keen for a little independence in serene surrounds with amazing species that call it home. This cottage is perfect for hikers, birders, horse riders, mountain bikers and quiet time in nature.  Guests are requested not to cycle within the breeding areas, using only the gate provided through the orchard. 

All Mlilwane Activities are available to Reilly’s Rock and Down Gran’s guests.

Reilly's Rock & Down Gran's Information Sheet

Wildlife
Mtn. Biking
Game Drives
Birding
Guided Mtn. Biking
Guided Walks
Hiking
Horse Riding
Cultural Tours

FACILITIES

A large lounge provides a warm gathering place with intriguing literature and displays, and serves as the lodge Reception.  On cold winter nights, the log fire is lit, softening the atmosphere even more.  A TV is discretely placed in a corner for those who prefer to keep up with current affairs.

The dining room, with cozy colours and beautiful indigenous wooden finishes, is used during inclement weather only, with preference to a decadent breakfast on the veranda and 3-course dinners around the campfire.  Dining in the open takes advantage of the panoramic views, busy birdlife and the ever-present antelope.

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage

The spacious kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, with a large fridge, stove and preparation area.  The lounge and dining areas share a room, with a 6-seater dining table, large leather couches and a central fireplace.   An adequate veranda has comfortable seating under cover, with outdoor options too.  Alongside the cottage is a sizable outdoor fireplace, complete with braai grid and chairs. Should guests prefer to dine at Reilly’s Rock or Mlilwane Rest Camp, rates are available on request.  

Download Accommodation & Facilities PDF

ACTIVITIES

Guests staying at Reilly’s Rock and Down Gran’s Self-catering Cottage have access to the Mlilwane Hill and the greater Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.  By nature, Reilly’s Rock is the perfect quiet retreat, with relaxing seats placed discretely in the Botanical Gardens and on the tranquil terraces.  Numerous walking trails explore Mlilwane Hill, creating a “secret garden” ambience.  Walking these trails, guests will certainly see blue duiker, suni, crested guineafowl and klipspringer.

The Mlilwane Hill trails link to the greater Mlilwane Walking Trails network, with its 9 trails.  Energetic guests can summit Nyonyane Mountain or walk to Rest Camp.  Reilly’s Rock guests are welcome to make use of Rest Camp facilities and to participate in Mlilwane activities, booked through reception and departing from Rest Camp. These include horse trails, mountain biking, game drives and guided walks.  The guided Umphakatsi Cultural Experience and Esitjeni Village Walk give groups of 4 or more people an insight to traditional Swazi life.

View all activities on offer at Mlilwane

Botanizing at Reilly's Rock

Time is well spent exploring the botany around the lodge.  Simply follow the little trails, reading the labels detailing information on the many species – highlights of which include Aloes and Cycads. Note fragrances, flowers, textures … and the little animals living amongst the plants!

Directions

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.

  • 26.28475 S, 31.11464 E

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.

Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge & DOwn Gran's Self-catering Cottage are based on Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Please see Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Directions page for specific directions.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) has 12 borders, making access easy from almost anywhere along ourboundry from wither South Africa or Mozambique. To assist, we have created a "Suggested Borders" document for you.

Suggested Borders

From Eswatini Border Posts

Ngwenya/Oshoek Border - Gauteng/Mphumalanga

Matsamo/Jeppes Reef Border 

Matsamo/Jeppes Reef Border via Piggs Peak 

Mananga/Border Gate Border

Mananga/Border Gare Border via Hlane

Sandlane/Nerston Border

Sicunuza/Emahlathini Border

Mahamba Border

Lavumisa/Golela Border

Mhlumeni/Goba Border 

Lomahasha/Namaacha Border

From within Eswatini

From Mlilwane's Sangweni Gate 

 

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.

  • 26.28475 S, 31.11464 E

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.

Reviews

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:

Reilly's Rock TripAdvisor Page

 

Mkhaya Game Reserve is the perfect comfortable lowveld extension to a Reilly’s Rock holiday