Swaziland National Parks, Safaris and Game Reserves

(Swaziland, SZ, Southern Africa)

As far as big game viewing goes, Swaziland lies somewhat in the shadow of its larger neighbour, South Africa. However, Swaziland's national parks and nature reserves are home to most of the main big game species. There are also plenty of opportunities to safari on foot or mountain bike - both great ways to get really close to the local wildlife.

Worth noting, the entrance gate into the Malolotja Nature Reserve is situated around 35 km / 22 miles from Mbabane, being reached by using the Piggs Peak road and well-connected by minibuses.

Roughly an hour from Manzini and on the eastern side of the country, close to the nature reserves of Mbuluzi and Mlawula, the extremely popular Hlane Royal National Park features a network of roads, often passing by large waterholes.

Mkhaya Game Reserve

Address: Near Magomba, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Set up in 1979, this privately-owned reserve in the south-eastern region of Swaziland started out life as a cattle ranch. The addition of rare and endangered game over a period of time transformed it into the Swaziland's Refuge for Endangered Species. Today, it is known as the Mkhaya Game Reserve and while relatively small, it can be explored on foot as well as by car. The African elephants, white rhinos and black rhinos can often be seen gathered around the numerous waterholes, being spotted from the roads designed with game viewing in mind. It should be noted that access to the reserve is with guides only.
Open hours: by appointment only
Admission: charge

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Lobamba, Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Situated in the Ezulwini Valley, between the cities of Mbabane and Manzini, the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is ideally placed for day trips, as well as for longer stays. The sanctuary is made up of a variety of terrains, from open grassland plains to the exposed rocky heights of the Nyonyane Mountain. As the oldest of Swaziland's protected natural areas, Mlilwane is well-established, particularly where game-viewing activities are concerned. Highlights include crocodiles, hippos, giraffes and zebras, along with black eagles and crocodiles. Visitors to the sanctuary can get around the southern part on foot, by car or on mountain bikes. The northern section can be explored only by guided trails.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Hlane Royal National Park

Address: Simunye, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Located in eastern Swaziland, the Hlane Royal National Park is the largest of the country's protected areas. A network of roads runs over fairly flat terrain through ancient hardwood vegetation, allowing visitors great views of lions, white rhinos and elephants. It's possible to take a self-drive tour through the park, although guided walking, four-wheel drive and mountain biking safaris are also available. An additional attraction is a tour of the cultural village, complete with its traditional folk dancing displays. Camping grounds here include the Bhubesi and the Ndlovu sites.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Mlawula Nature Reserve

Address: Near Goba Fronteira, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
A truly tranquil spot in north-eastern Swaziland, the Mlawula Nature Reserve covers 40,770 acres / 16,500 hectares and resides at the point where the Lubombo Mountains join with the Lowveld plains. There is much to see here, including eland antelopes, hippos, spotted hyenas, leopards, waterbucks, wildebeest and zebras, as well as the occasional crocodile. Accommodation here comes in the form of the Sara and Siphiso camping grounds, as well as the Mapelepele Cottage.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Malolotja Nature Reserve

Address: Ngwenya, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
A vast park spread over almost 4,500 acres / 1,820 hectares, the Malolotja Nature Reserve is to be found on the country's north-westerly border, being situated next to South Africa's Songimvelo Game Reserve. There is much to be seen and enjoyed within this natural park, such as both the ancient Ngwenya Iron Ore Mine and the Ngwenya Mountain, which is Swaziland's second-highest and measures in at just under 1,830 metres / 6,000 feet. Another tourist magnet here, the Malolotja Falls cascade some 90 metres / 295 feet. Birdspotters will find roughly 280 species of birds, accompanied by a myriad of different antelopes, along with tree frogs, leopards, wildebeest and zebras. Hiking trails, log cabins and camping sites are all further attractions.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Phophonyane Nature Reserve

Address: Near Piggs Peak, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
This particular nature reserve enjoys a pleasant setting amidst the mountains, with a dramatic backdrop provided by the Makhonjwa and the Gobolondlo ranges. Conveniently close to Piggs Peak, the Phophonyane Nature Reserve encompasses approximately 1,200 acres / 485 hectares and is called home by innumerable African creatures, including in excess of 200 different species of birds. However, it is fair to say that most people come here to marvel at the Phophonyane Waterfalls.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Hawane Nature Reserve

Address: Near Ngwenya, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Founded in the late 1970s, the Hawane Nature Reserve was created in order to preserve an area of marshland next to the Mbuluzi River, rich in indigenous flora. Following the creation of the Hawane Dam in the late 1990s, the reserve was expanded to incorporate the surrounding wetlands. Birdwatching is a popular pastime here, with notable draw cards including the Lanner falcon, the pied kingfisher and a large number of African waterfowl species.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Mantenga Nature Reserve

Address: Lobamba, Ezulwini Valley, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Lying in the Ezulwini Valley and within a peaceful corner, the Mantenga Nature Reserve comprises just over 1,700 acres / 690 hectares and is close to a prominent road. Various natural attractions are situated within the reserve, such as nature trails and the spectacular Mantenga Waterfalls. Widely regarded as the country's finest, these falls cascade almost 100 metres / 328 feet into a small pool beneath, where it is possible to swim. Upstream is the Luphohlo Dam, while on the southern border is the Little Usuthu River and the nearby Mlilwane Game Sanctuary.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Mbuluzi Game Reserve

Address: Near Mhlume, Swaziland, SZ, Africa
Privately owned and situated on the north-eastern side of the country, the low-lying Mbuluzi Game Reserve resides within the Lubombo Conservancy, at the foot of the Lubombo Mountains. Most visitors come here to admire the huge quantity of birds, with more than 400 species living here, many of which are very colourful and include flycatchers, hawks, hornbills, kingfishers, mannikins, nightjars and weavers. This reserve is easy to reach via sealed roads and comes with a variety of hiking trails, lasting up to five hours. Visitors wishing to stay here will be able to choose between several lodges alongside the Mlawula River, together with a campsite featuring scenic views.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge