Once the royal hunting ground, Hlane Royal National Park is now one of the top parks for visitors to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with four of the Big Five present (buffalo are absent). The park was close to depleted of wildlife in the early 1960s, but with Big Game Parks’ conservation efforts and the reintroduction of animals, the park has recovered greatly.
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- Dec to Jan and Jul to Aug (It never gets very busy)
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Size
- 220km² / 85mi²
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Altitude
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210-330m /689-1,083ft
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Pros & Cons
- Four of the Big Five present (buffalo absent)
- Great birdlife
- Affordable self-catering accommodation
- Family friendly
- Restaurant overlooking a waterhole
- Self-drive allowed except in the lion enclosure
- Game drives, bush walks and mountain biking available
- Big animals are kept in separate enclosures
- Small game-drive circuit
- Lion enclosure is only accessible on guided tours
- Lack of wilderness appeal
Wildlife
Hlane has a good variety of safari animals. Four of the Big Five are present. Buffalo are absent, while rhino and elephant are kept in an enclosed area surrounding the lodge – they come to drink at the waterhole in front of the chalets. Lions are kept in another enclosure and can be seen on guided game drives only. Other wildlife includes giraffe, hippo and a variety of antelopes.
More about Hlane’s wildlifeScenery
Hlane stretches out over a tract of typical lowveld. This low-lying, flat land is interspersed with thickets and riverine forest next to the sandy rivers that meander through the park. The east of the park reaches to the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains.
Weather & Climate
Summer and winter in Hlane are experienced at opposite times than in north America or Europe. The hot summer corresponds with the Wet season. Winters are pleasantly warm and dry, but nighttime tends to be chilly and warm clothing is necessary for early morning drives.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
Since animal movement in Hlane is controlled to some extent, wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. The best months are, however, in the Dry winter season from May to September when the bush thins out considerably. The end of this period is particularly recommended as animals gather around waterholes and the mornings are less chilly than in the middle of winter.
More about the best time to visit