Hlane Royal National Park – Overview

The most rewarding wildlife-viewing destination in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Hlane Royal National Park hosts four of the Big Five (no buffalo), with white rhino being especially common. It was proclaimed in 1967 by King Sobhuza II to protect a royal hunting ground that had become depleted of wildlife. A wide variety of animals has since been reintroduced under private management.

Best Time To Go

May to September (Dry season)

High Season

December to January and July to August (It never gets very busy)

Size More info

220km² / 85mi²

Altitude More info

210-330m / 689-1,083ft

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Pros & Cons

• Four of the Big Five present (buffalo absent)
• White rhinos are very common around the rest camp
• Great birdlife
• Affordable self-catering accommodation
• Family friendly
• Restaurant overlooking a waterhole
• Self-drive allowed except in the lion enclosure
• Guided game drives and bush walks available
• Some big animals are kept in separate enclosures
• Relatively small game-drive circuit
• Lion enclosure can only be visited on guided game drives

Wildlife

Hlane is divided into three separately fenced sectors in order to keep certain Vulnerable species apart. White rhinos inhabit the area around Ndlovu Rest Camp lodge and a few individuals are almost always present at the waterhole in front of the restaurant. Lions live in a separate enclosure that can be visited only on guided game drives. Other wildlife includes elephant, giraffe, zebra, warthog, hippo and a variety of antelope.

Scenery

Hlane is Eswatini’s only national park and its siSwati name means ‘wilderness’, which aptly describes the pristine and wild-feeling tract of typical Lowveld it protects. The 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..

Activities

The main activity is game drives. Most parts of Hlane are open to self-drivers, but not the lion enclosure, so if you want to see these majestic creatures you need to join a guided drive. Other activities include guided game or bird-watching walks, rhino-tracking excursions (which involve a mix of driving and walking) and cultural visits to a Swazi village. Overnight bush walks using rustic bush camps are also offered.

Weather & Climate

Hlane has a subtropical climate typical of the southern African Lowveld. Summer (October to April) and winter (May to September) occur at opposite times to North America and Europe. Summer corresponds with the Wet season, and days are hot (temperatures typically peak at 30–35℃/86–95℃F), but evenings are warm. Winters are pleasantly warm and dry, but nights tend to be chilly, and warm clothing is necessary for early-morning drives.

Best Time To Visit

Since animal movement in Hlane is controlled to some extent, wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. The best months, however, are 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.

Want To Visit Hlane Royal NP?

• Tour Operators for Hlane Royal