The oldest and most visited Swazi park, Mlilwane is situated within easy reach of the popular Ezulwini and Malkerns tourism hubs. The Sanctuary is a tranquil retreat for the weary and a scenic family paradise.
Allow your senses to take in the refreshing surroundings on horseback, mountain bikes, open Land Rover tours and foot trails.
For the more adventurous, our overnight horse trails offer a fantastic outdoor riding experience on beautiful Arabian ponies, through the Sanctuary and into the mountains which afford a breathtaking panoramic view of the "Valley of Heaven" know as Ezulwini.
Open your lungs by climbing to the top of a mountain and looking out at infinity or swim in the mountain springs.
For the discerning traveller the stunning Reilly's Rock Lodge, or Kagogo (grannys place) as it is affectionately known, is an exclusive and fascinating venue, offering a historical perspective of early Swaziland, and Mlilwanes founding family.
24 hour access to the Sanctuary is a valuable feature for late arrivals, business travellers and those on night excursions to other nearby attractions.
Rooms:
Rest Camp
The Mlilwane Rest Camp is found in the southern corner of the reserve, in the midst of a well-matured rehabilitated area. Tall indigenous trees, all grown from seed, now tower over the camp overlooking an artificially created wetland system, which is home to hippopotamus, crocodile and a variety of water birds including infrequent visiting fish eagles.
The camp is unfenced, yet relatively safe as only smaller species of wildlife occur in the Sanctuary. The camp is tranquil and relaxing with a continual stream of animals such as impala, warthog and nyala ostrich too, walking between the facilities quietly tolerant of human presence.
There is a semi-circle of 8 rustic Rest Camp huts around the central Rest camp area, all consisting of a single room with an en-suite bathroom. The first six are wooden and thatch huts and the last two are Swazi Style grass beehives.
Beehive Village
The two villages have the look and feel of traditional Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts arranged in semi-circles, central log fires and seating areas, all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal fencing.
The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds, a small table, bedside light and fan. Some are en suite with their own bathrooms attached.
More than 40 people can be accommodated in the village without bathrooms and an additional 30 in the en-suite beehive village.
Shonalanga
Situated in the Mlilwane Rest Camp, overlooking the Mhlambanyatsi River, is the Shonalanga cottage. Self catering and suitable for a large family group with it's own private braai area and not too far from the swimming pool.
Nyonyane Camp
Nyonyane Camp is a quiet, private self-catering camp on Mlilwane's eastern boundary with Lobamba, overlooking the Mdzimba and Logogo mountains. Travelling through the Sanctuary, it is approximately 6 Km from the Rest Camp.
The tranquil camp comprises of 4 log cabins and camp patrons can enjoy visits from nyala, warthog, zebras and vervet monkeys and evenings around a communal campfire.
How to get there:
See Map From Durban/Maputo/Kruger Park/Johannesburg:
Follow the road signs to Mbabane.
Take the MR3 Mbabane/Manzini dual carriageway towards Manzini.
Take the third off-ramp, signposted Mlilwane/Lobamba/Elangeni/Ezulwini.
Turn right under the highway.
Pass the National Archives on the left and at the traffic circle, turn immediate left into the first road around the circle, pass the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park on the right and then turn left again onto the MR103 craft route or old road.
Pass the Caltex filling station and +/- 500m further turn right at the Mlilwane sign onto a dirt road.
Continue for +/-4km to the Sangweni Gate.
If you decide to take the Scenic/Craft Route from Mbabane, take the first off-ramp, namely the Ezulwini/Mlilwane off-ramp.
Carry on with this road through Ezulwini and Lombamba until you pass the Caltex filling station on the left.
+/- 500m further, turn right at the Mlilwane sign onto a dirt road.
Continue for +/-4km to the Sangweni Gate.
GPS Coordinates:
S26 28.790 E31 11.777
or
S26 28 47.4 E31 11 46.6
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