Hlane Royal National Park, the wilderness of eastern Swaziland, where the hot still beat of Africa continues as it has for thousands of years.
A network of game-viewing roads criss-cross the parks flat terrain, weaving between 1000 year old hardwood vegetation and shallow pans which attract great herds of animals during the dry winter months.
Hlane, this Kingdoms largest protected area, is home to the largest herds of game in Swaziland. Lion, elephant and white rhino are often see, and the bird life is outstanding.
It is home to the most southerly nesting colony of Marabou Stork, and nesting pairs of many different varieties of eagles and vultures grace the skies above Hlane. It has the highest density of raptors in Swaziland.
Only an hour from Manzini on the Lubombo route between the Kruger Park and KwaZulu-Natal, Hlanes two camps are easily accessible throughout the year, Also a popular stop en route to and from Mozambique, Hlane is suitable for day trips or extended overnight visits.
Hlane is an undiscovered paradise for self-drive adventurers.
Accommodation:
Ndlovu Camp
Ndlovu Camp is found immediately inside the main gate off the main tarred Simunye road through Hlane. The camp overlooks a waterhole, which, especially in winter, attracts a wide diversity of game including white rhino, elephant and giraffe.
The camp is protected from big game by a three-strand electric cordon, which although not stopping smaller game movement, does keep the larger animals at bay.
The camp is open has no electricity and is reminiscent of the old Kruger National Park rest camps, with abundant bird life and a relaxed communal atmosphere.
The Camp has thatched family rondavels, and smaller cottages all equipped for self-catering but with the option of a large open air restaurant providing delectable bushveld cuisine for groups and individuals.
Bhubesi Camp
Bhubesi Camp is found in the northwest corner of the park and can be reached either by internal park roads from the main gate. The camp overlooks the Umbuluzana River, with its reed beds and dense river vegetation and is private.
Bhubesi Camp has six self-contained stone cottages with all the comfort of home, including electricity, in a pristine river setting.
From Mbabane / Manzini:
Travel straight through Manzini on the MR3 in the direction of Siteki / Simunye for 40 minutes.
Do not take any turnoffs from the main road, including the Siteki turnoff itself, which is 10 kms before the Park.
Before reaching Simunye, the Hlane turnoff is to the left and well signposted.
From Durban:
Fom the Golela Border, travel on the MR8 past Big Bend and shortly afterward turn right onto the MR16 towards Siteki.
After 50 kms turn left at the T-junction onto the MR7 and right at the next T-junction, onto the MR3 towards Simunye.
Carry on for 10 kms and before reaching Simunye, the Hlane turnoff is to the left and well signposted.
From Kruger National Park:
Travel towards Komatipoort on theN4 highway and then take the 571 to the Mananga Border Gate.
Keep on the MR24 towards Manzini past Tshaneni and Mhlume.
At the Lomahasha / Manzini T-junction, turn right to Manzini onto the MR3 and carry on past Simunye.
The Hlane turnoff will be on the right and is well signposted.
Gate Times: Strictly 6am to 5:30pm (winter) and 6pm (summer).
Check-in: 2pm
Check-out: 10am
