Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Big Game Parks of Swaziland and Swaziland’s most famous wildlife reserve, found in the Ezulwini Valley. It offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including horse riding, bike rides, hiking, game drives and bird watching. Mlilwane is Swaziland’s oldest reserve and is 4360 hectares in extent. The southern section is mostly open grassland and is home to many species of mammal including hippos, wildebeest, zebra, kudu, warthog, ostrich, jackals and monkeys to name a few. With no large predators on the reserve, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to experience nature on foot or from a mountain bike. It is also recognised for its awesome variety of birds. Fish eagles, crowned eagles, several kingfisher species and bee-eaters are some of the charismatic species to be seen. Early morning mountain biking and horse rides provide stunning views of the sunrise.
Swaziland is renowned for its impressive variety of traditional arts and crafts, which can be purchased at one of the many markets. Manzini Market is one of the best and offers a fun, but little bit chaotic, African market experience. Imagine baskets in vibrant colours, wood and stone carvings, bracelets, glassware, jewellery and much more, all uniquely crafted by locals.
Another famous tourist highlight of Swaziland is the Swazi Candles Centre. The famous Swazi candles are the main attraction, but the site also boasts nine additional creative shops, a cafe and a handicraft market. It’s a great place to wander around and look for souvenirs. Visitors will not only see final products, but also have the opportunity to see the artists practicing the art of candle making from start to finish.
At the Mantenga Cultural Village visitors will learn about traditions and the lifestyle of the Swazis during the 1850s and enjoy vibrant dance shows. The dances are traditional and the group sings beautiful gospel-like songs. This is without a doubt one of the best cultural tours in Swaziland. Mantenga Falls, Swaziland’s best-known waterfall, is located close to the cultural village and is a good place to stop for a picnic and revel in nature
Swaziland is renowned for its impressive variety of traditional arts and crafts, which can be purchased at one of the many markets. Manzini Market is one of the best and offers a fun, but little bit chaotic, African market experience. Imagine baskets in vibrant colours, wood and stone carvings, bracelets, glassware, jewellery and much more, all uniquely crafted by locals.
Another famous tourist highlight of Swaziland is the Swazi Candles Centre. The famous Swazi candles are the main attraction, but the site also boasts nine additional creative shops, a cafe and a handicraft market. It’s a great place to wander around and look for souvenirs. Visitors will not only see final products, but also have the opportunity to see the artists practicing the art of candle making from start to finish.
At the Mantenga Cultural Village visitors will learn about traditions and the lifestyle of the Swazis during the 1850s and enjoy vibrant dance shows. The dances are traditional and the group sings beautiful gospel-like songs. This is without a doubt one of the best cultural tours in Swaziland. Mantenga Falls, Swaziland’s best-known waterfall, is located close to the cultural village and is a good place to stop for a picnic and revel in nature
Mlilwane Beehive Village
This accommodation offers an authentic Swazi experience, in grass dome-shaped huts that are constructed using traditional Swazi reed fencing. They are basic but comfortable, all en-suite, with beds and a fan. Mlilwane Beehive Village is within the nature reserve so guests can expect to see impala, warthog and nyala roaming around the camp. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil environment and cool off in the swimming pool between activities. Children are welcome, with the option of booking one of the family huts available. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant serves meals all day offering great food with a lovely view over a hippo pool. Public Braai areas are also available along with a small shop selling basic snacks for those looking for alternate food options. Mlilwane Beehive huts are popular for those wishing to enjoy an authentic experience but are not for those who are used to a little more comfort. The Beehive huts do need to be booked well in advance, as they can often be fully booked, especially in high season (July/ August).
Mlilwane Self-Catering Cottages
The Mlilwane Self-Catering Cottages are perfect for families and people looking for a self-catering option within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. There is one family cottage, one double rondavel and two three-sleeper rondavels. They are all within walking distance of the pool and the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. Located within the reserve, the cottages also see daily wildlife visitors passing by, including impala, warthog and nyala. Children of all ages are welcome. Mlilwane Self-catering cottages are very popular and need to be booked well in advance.
Mvubu Falls Lodge
Mvubu Falls Lodge is perfectly placed just outside Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge overlooks the Mvubu River, is surrounded by trees, and provides wonderful views of the mountains. It offers a more luxurious accommodation option for accommodation close to Mlilwane and many of the other tourist attractions in Swaziland. The spacious rooms are all en-suite, with air-conditioning and heaters. The lodge has a swimming pool, cut out of natural rock, which is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. Mvubu Falls lodge has a fully licenced pub and restaurant on site, offering home cooked meals using locally produced ingredients. The lodge welcomes children 12 years and above.
The following tour FEATURES MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, Swaziland
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