Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Overview

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest and best-known park in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Founded in 1960 and managed by a non-profit trust, it’s located in the Ezulwini (‘Heavenly’) Valley, a traditional stronghold of the Swazi monarchy that hosts a cluster of hotels. Although not a Big Five reserve, Mlilwane is an enjoyable place to walk or cycle past smaller wildlife.

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

46km² / 18mi²

Altitude More info

680-1,474m / 2,231-4,836ft

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Pros & Cons

• Good numbers of antelope, zebra and other non-dangerous wildlife
• Low-key, affordable and family-friendly
• A well-priced rest camp has local-style beehive huts and a campsite
• Restaurant and barbecue areas for overnight and day visitors
• Self-drive permitted on all roads
• Self-guided biking, walking and running allowed on roads and day trails
• Guided game drives, walks, horseback riding and Swazi cultural tours
• No Big Five except for leopards, which are very rare
• Relatively limited game-drive circuit
• Lacks wilderness appeal due to its small size and widespread alien vegetation

Wildlife

Mlilwane is well stocked with herbivores. Zebra, blue wildebeest and blesbok love the grassy plains, while greater kudu tend to stick to forest patches. Warthog, impala and nyala are also common and often roam tamely around the rest camp. Crocodiles can usually be seen at the main dam, but following the relocation of the last hippos to Hlane Royal National Park, no dangerous large mammals are present.

Scenery

Most tourist facilities and roads are in the south, which is dominated by relatively flat grassland and savannah. The north is wilder and includes ravine forests and rocky outcrops. On the northern boundary stands Nyonyane Mountain. Its striking 1,110m/3,642ft granite peak, also known as Execution Rock, is where alleged criminals and witches were once thrown to their death under traditional Swazi law. Alien trees, including eucalyptus and wattle, are widespread.

Activities

What Mlilwane lacks in Big Five terms it makes up for with an exciting range of activities. Self-driving is permitted on all roads, and you can also explore unguided on a mountain bike (available for rent) or on foot. In addition, the sanctuary offers a network of well-marked day trails ranging in length from 1km/0.6mi to 6.8km/4.2mi. Guided activities include game drives, bush walks, bird watching and horseback-riding excursions.

Weather & Climate

Mlilwane has distinct summer and winter, but these are experienced at opposite times of year to the same seasons in Europe, Asia and North America. Due to the relatively high altitude, temperatures are mild, and the heat never gets extreme. The summer months from October to April coincide with the Wet season. They are humid and afternoon showers are common. Winter is the Dry season.

Best Time To Visit

Since animal movement in Mlilwane is controlled, wildlife viewing isn’t strongly seasonal. However, some of the smaller creatures might be easier to spot in the Dry season (May to September) when the grass is lower and animals more frequently drink at waterholes. August and September, the end of this period, are particularly recommended as it gets a bit warmer, and early mornings out in the bush are pleasant.

Want To Visit Mlilwane WS?

• Mlilwane Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Mlilwane