Swaziland

Mlilwane, Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area, is a beautiful secluded sanctuary situated in Swaziland’s ‘Valley of Heaven’, the Ezulwini Valley, in between Mbabane and Manzini.

Mlilwane means ‘Little Fire’, being derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill. And the name ‘Little Fire’ now also holds significance as the little fire that started Swaziland’s big conservation movement. Mlilwane is also a hub of activity for local birds and wildlife. An ideal stopover on excellent roads from its regional neighbors, Mlilwane is situated in Swaziland’s main tourist hub.

24-hr gate access allows visitors to easily enjoy the park and its nearby tourist attractions, including a variety of craft shops in Ezulwini and Malkerns.

Hlane Royal National Park, home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom, encompasses 22,000 hectares of northeastern Swazi bushveld dominated by ancient hardwood vegetation.

Hlane is home to 4 of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, and leopard) amongst a whole host of other species such as hippo, giraffe, crocodile & diverse game. The park is also blessed with an abundant and diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting White-Backed Vultures in Africa.

You can also find the most southerly nesting colony of Marabou Storks within the park. Head for the bush and experience the sights and sounds of Hlane against the roar of Hlane’s magnificent lions, the symbol of royalty and the pride of Swaziland.

Covering an area of about 16,500 ha, the reserve has the impressive Lubombo Mountains running along its boundary.

Beautifully scenic, there is a diverse variety of fauna and flora. Accommodation includes luxury en-suite tents, a cottage and a campsite. There are 54km of road open to visitors for game viewing and 10 walking trails ranging from 1. km to a full-day hike. Other activities include fishing and guided walks.

Due to the combination of lowveld and Lubombo escarpment, as well as its regional location, Mlawula's flora and fauna are diverse, and the reserve attracts visitors who are interested in various types of plants and animals. About 350 species of birds have been recorded in Mlawula, out of just under 500 species recorded for the whole of Swaziland.

Lobamba, the spiritual and cultural Centre of the Kingdom of Swaziland, is home to the Somhlolo National Stadium, the Houses of Parliament, the National Museum and Archives, and the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park, as well as the royal kraal at Ludzidzini, ringed by the plains on which the nation gathers for the annual Incwala and Umhlanga.

This area has been playing host to Swaziland’s royalty for over 200 years.

Mbabane is Swaziland’s capital and largest city with a population of around 100,000. Located on the Mbabane River and its tributary the Polinjane River in the Mdimba Mountains, the average elevation of the city is 1243 meters making for a more moderately humid, subtropical climate.