Top Safari Parks in Swaziland
Top Safari Parks in Swaziland
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The Kingdom of Swaziland is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Unlike the crowded safari parks of South Africa, Swaziland boasts an impressive variety of animals without the mass tourism to spoil the experience.
Here are four of Swaziland’s top safari parks!
Hlane Royal National Park is the largest national park in the country and has the largest conservation of game in the kingdom. They have the 4 of the big 5 missing the buffalo. My highlights were the Rhino and Lions.
Hlane covers an area of about 85 square miles. In the dryer months the animals are easy to spot gathered around the watering holes. It was so amazing to see so many rhinos on my game drives. There were also giraffes, elephants, and of course my favorite – lions. I had to wake up extra early to spot this guy, but it was totally worth it. There are two camps to choose from in Hlane.
Next up is Mbuluzi, a private game reserve with an impressive number of grazing animals. It covers an area of 3,000 hectares and borders the Lubombo Mountains, Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal Park.
We are going on a game drive with our own vehicle, but you can also reserve a game drive at the reception with one of the guides.
Since there are no predatory animals here visitors enjoy the privilege of driving, walking or cycling around the reserve freely, without the supervision of a guide. Here, you won’t find the Big 5 but you will spot several giraffes! The park is also home to impala, zebra, kudu and nyala.
Mkaya Game Reserve was established in the mid 1980's and at the moment we are heading on a game drive to see black rhino, white rhino and elephants. Mkaya is one of the best parks in Swaziland to see Rhino up close.
The white rhino is endangered in Africa. If you are looking to see rhino in Swaziland this is the park to visit. There are two lodges in Mkhaya to choose from, the luxurious Stone Camp and the more rustic Lituba Lodge.
And last but not least, this is Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This was the first wildlife sanctuary to be established in the country in the year 1961. Some of the animals we can see here are wildebeest, zebra, hippo, antelope and crocodiles.
You’ll notice that the landscape here is different because the park is situated in Swaziland;s Ezulwini Valley, between Mbabane and Manzini. The park is divided into northern and southern sections.
The wide open spaces allow for great visibility and epic photo opportunities. There are four lodges here, three of which are budget friendly.
There are the top 4 safari parks in Swaziland! Which was your favorite? Leave me a question or comment below!
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My name is David Hoffmann and for the last decade I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food and history! Since starting Davidsbeenhere in 2008, I have traveled to 71 countries and over 1,000 destinations, which I welcome you to check out on my YouTube Channel, blog and social medias.
I focus a great deal on food and historic sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, whether it’s casual Street food or gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning the local history and culture.
Top Safari Parks in Swaziland
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Swaziland WildLife Big Game Nature Parks
Swaziland Hotel and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland support schools so does Mountain Inn Hotel and many others. A big reason for many tourists to visit this hotel and the BigGameParks.org Those Nice Welcome Kids MTN session were filmed at front door Mountain Inn Hotel.
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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Swaziland
In the summer of 2013, I visited the African country of Swaziland, also known as the Kingdom of Eswanti, which is a tiny, landlocked principality that borders Mozambique and South Africa.
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Even though it’s small, it’s incredibly diverse. I want to take you on a tour of the top 10 things you have to see and do when you go there. Are you ready to come along with me? Let’s get started.
Mbuluzi, a private game reserve that boasts an amazing number of grazing animals like giraffes, impala, zebra, kudu and nyala. It is roughly 3,000 hectares in area and borders the Lubombo Mountains, Mlawula Nature Reserve and Hlane Royal Park. Mbuluzi doesn’t contain any predators, so it’s safe to drive, walk, or cycle through the park without the supervision of a guide, although you can reserve a game drive with a guide if you want.
Sibebe Rock, the second largest monolith in the world after Uluru in the Northern Territory of Australia, and one of Swaziland’s iconic attractions. It towers over 350 meters above the valley of the Mbuluzu River and was named after a rock climber who tragically lost his life scaling the rock.
Shewula Mountain Camp, Swaziland’s first community-owned eco-tourism attraction. This beautiful and unique camp, set in the Shewula Nature Reserve, offers village walks that allow visitors to get to know the local community and residents, witness traditional song and dance performances, visit a local healer, and enjoy the natural beauty of the reserve.
Swazi Candles Craft Market, a unique shopping center containing gift shops and boutiques that showcase the craftsmanship of local artisans, including wood carvers, basket weavers, jewelers, and mask makers. In the market’s namesake shop, Swazi Candles, you can buy colorful paraffin wax candles that have been molded and sculpted, by hand, into various animal shapes.
Swazi Trails is the only white water rafting tour operator in the country, and therefore this adventure is the only one of its kind in Swaziland. A trained Swazi Trails river guide will accompany you for either a half day or full day, depending on which package you buy, and no prior experience is needed on your part.
Hlane Royal National Park, the largest game park in Swaziland. The park covers roughly 85 square miles and features four of the Big 5 safari animals: elephants, rhinos, leopards, and my favorite, lions, like this guy I had to wake up super early to catch! It was also amazing to come across so many rhinos during my game drives.
Ngwenya Glass Factory in the town of Motshane. It is regarded as the most prestigious glass factory in Africa. Here, you can watch the professionals make beautiful and intricate glass creations, including decorative bowls, wine glasses, chess sets, and animals like whales, fish, gazelles and even the Big 5.
Mantenga Cultural Village, which features Swaziland’s top traditional song and dance show and is located in the beautiful Mantenga Falls Nature Reserve. After enjoying the traditional harmonies and energetic dances, you can tour a reconstruction of an 1850s Swazi hut village and learn about the tradition diet, customs, and family structure from local guides.
Mkhaya Game Reserve, one of Swaziland’s big game parks. Here, you can find a wide variety of wildlife, including black and white rhinos, elephants, giraffes, sable antelope, and buffalo. While the white rhino is endangered in Africa, Mkhaya is the best place in Swaziland to see one. The accommodations here are incredible.
Umhlanga Reed Dance, a fascinating, eight-day long cultural event that takes place at the Queen Mother’s Royal Residence, during which tens of thousands of the nation’s unmarried women cut reeds and carry them back to the Royal Residence, where they are used as windbreakers for the perimeter. The seventh day of the reed festival is a national holiday, and is when the king participates and thousands of spectators come out to see the women dance and celebrate the Queen Mother.
And there you have it! The top ten things you must see and do when you go to Swaziland. I hope you enjoyed this video, and that it inspired you to visit this amazing country. If you loved this video, please give it a thumbs up, leave me a comment below, and subscribe to my channel. Thanks for watching, and I will see you in the next travel adventure!
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Top 10 Things to See and Do in Swaziland
Swaziland's Successful Rhino Conservation
The International Union of Conservation ranks the Kingdom of Swaziland as the most successful nation for Rhino conservation in Africa. Find out why!
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Greg Taylor, Jeremy Lá Zelle
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Ezulwini, Swaziland
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatini's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit trust.
The sanctuary serves as a headquarters for the Big Game Parks including Mlilwane's sister reserves Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve. The Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares in the Ezulwini Valley or Valley of Heaven. Formerly a farming and tin mining area, the area has been rehabilitated and is now Eswatini's most frequently visited reserve. Abundant wildlife grace the plains. The southern section is predominately open grassland plains with middleveld vegetation, stretching up onto Nyonyane Mountain. Tourist activities are concentrated in the southern section which can be explored by foot, horseback, mountain bikes or vehicle. The northern section includes one of the highest points in the area at Luphohlo. Only guided trails enter this part of the sanctuary. Mlilwane means Little Fire, a reference to the many fires started by lightning strikes on Mlilwane Hill.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland’s pioneer conservation area, a shining example of what is possible if passion, vision and action fuse. Once a highly profitable multi-purpose farm, and being labeled an “impossible dream”, Mlilwane was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom’s most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.
The name 'Mlilwane' ('Little Fire' in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill but now holds significance as the little fire that ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.
Mlilwane’s diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Ha sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game. The southern plains stretch to the striking Nyonyane Mountain (Execution Rock) with its exposed granite peak. Tourism is concentrated in this southern section of the park, while guided Chubeka Trails explore the northern section, as far as Luphohlo Peak.
Mlilwane’s Rest Camp offers a range of affordable accommodation with self-catering and catered options available. Alternatives within Mlilwane include Sondzela Backpackers 2 km to the south, luxurious Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge and Down Gran’s Self-Catering Cottage a short 3km to the north of Rest Camp.
All Activities depart from our Activities Centre at Reception, with detailed maps on sale. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Swimming pool with summerhouses provide the opportunity for true relaxation. Day Visitors are welcome to self-drive and picnic at Rest Camp, visit the restaurant or take part in activities until 18h00.
Situated between Mbabane and Manzini, with 24-hour access to the Sanctuary, guests are free to enjoy the neighbouring tourist hubs of Ezulwini and Malkerns, with their many unique attractions and craft shops.
Nyonyane Mountain is where ancient San or Bushmen people once lived and where Swazi Royal graves are situated. This gives it great historical significance. Behind these mountains, the stunning Mantenga waterfall and beautiful Usushwana Valley form the divide, before stretching up to northern section, which includes one of the highest surrounding points at Luphohlo. Tourist activities are concentrated in the southern section, with only guided trails entering the pristine mountains of the north.
Mlilwane means Little Fire, being derived from the numerous fires started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill. Many a colourful tale can be told about the Reilly Family, with special relevance to the early pioneer Mickey Reilly, whose family still manages and lives on the Sanctuary.
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Mbuluzi Game Reserve Part 2
Swaziland, Africa
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Black Rhino Scary Encounter in Swaziland
From the Mkhaya Game Reserve in Swaziland in southern Africa, this video captures our absolutely heart-pounding encounter with a Black Rhino... as he unexpectedly turned back toward us while looking for this endangered species.
Filmed on the final day of a South African safari... this adventure became way too close for comfort... a scary experience we'll never forget!