Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge oozes historical charm, has commanding views of Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary below, and grounds alive with birds and endangered antelope.
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.
Wildlife at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
Grazing antelope species that are locally threatened are being bred in separate camps on the Mlilwane Hill. These include roan antelope, oribi, blue and red duiker, suni, klipspringer, grey rhebuck, red hartebeest and waterbuck. These populations are responding well to protection and have tamed down remarkably, allowing for amazing photographic opportunities and quintessential game viewing.
Accommodation at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge
From on top of Mlilwane Hill, within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Reilly’s Rock has commanding views over the plains.
3 km from the Rest Camp, Reilly’s Rock offers secluded comfort while still being linked to Mlilwane’s walking trail network with access to activities. Reilly’s Rock has two distinct areas:
Main House – Reception, large lounge, dining room, wrap around veranda, breakfast patio and four en-suite rooms.
Garden Cottage – Separate but close, with two en-suite rooms, a shared lounge with fireplace and wrap-around veranda.
There are many places of interest within a 20min drive of the Park. Historical, cultural and entertainment. Golf at the Royal Swazi Spa.
Mlilwane offers a great diversity of habitats including riverine, forest, mountain, aquatic and grass savanna plains, through which guided or self-guided activities are encouraged. All activities depart from Rest Camp Reception, have safety requirements and are weather- dependent.
Booking at least 1 hour prior departure (24 hours for overnight trails). Indemnities required.
Mlilwane Map with Roads & Trails sold at Reception and Sangweni Gate.
A private stand-alone cottage has three en-suite rooms with a shower, basin, and toilet. Situated within the Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge grounds. 1 Triple, 1 Double, and 1 Twin Room. The cottage is a fully equipped, self-catering unit
Luxurious spacious double room with en-suite, both bath and shower. Fireplace in the room. Ceiling fan. Wardrobe and dresser in the room. Couches in sitting areas for relaxation.
Luxurious spacious double room with en-suite, shower, and basin. Ceiling fan. Wardrobe and dresser in the room. Leads out into the garden.
Private standard double room en-suite bathroom with shower. Ceiling fan in the room. Dresser with mirror. All bedding and towels provided. Patio access to the garden.
Private standard double room en-suite bathroom. Ceiling fan in the room. Dresser with mirror. All bedding and towels provided. Patio access to the garden. The Palm room has a Shower only. The Fern Room has a Shower and Bathtub.
Private Cottage with twin beds and en-suite bathroom with bathtub only. Ceiling fan in the room. All bedding and towels provided. Patio access to the garden.
- If cancelling 6 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 13 days before arrival, forfeit 75% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 20 days before arrival, forfeit 50% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 25% of the booking total.
- If cancelling 999 days before arrival, forfeit 15% of the booking total.
The Park entry fee (Conservation Fee) of R80p/adult per night is not included in the rates. Payable on entry. For valid All Cluster WILD card members these fees are free. Check-in is 2pm / Check-out is 10am Gate Times: 24/7 - but it is advisable to arrive before dark as the night route is tricky in wet weather. - Reservations are only confirmed on receipt of the required deposit. - Failure to pay the deposit by the specified date results in the facilities being re-opened for booking. - All rates are listed in Emalangeni, the Eswatini currency. One Emalangeni is equivalent to one South African Rand. - Annual rates are valid from 1st December to the 30th November every year subject to confirmation at the time of booking. - Rates include 15% VAT and Government Bed Levies.
Children 13+ years are permitted at Reilly’s Rock.
