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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the closest park to Mbabane and, because of that, it can get much busier than the other parks. There are several affordable accommodation options and many activities to choose from, which makes for a popular family getaway, though the dearth of large mammals makes it a less exciting park for most travellers. But Mlilwane is a great place to enjoy safaris at a different pace – on foot or by bike. You can rent mountain bikes or just walk (or run) around the park freely. Also, if you are planning a few nights in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and need a good base, Reilly’s Rock is highly recommended. Set inside Mlilwane, it’s an all-inclusive guesthouse overlooking the park and is one of the most peaceful accommodation options in the country.
Mlilwane – Bicycles, Beehives and Big Views
Mlilwane is wonderfully easy to explore. Bicycles can be rented for leisurely rides along the network of well-maintained tracks, while walkers can follow marked trails that loop through the plains or climb towards rocky viewpoints. Self-drive is allowed throughout the sanctuary, but guided game drives and nature walks offer deeper insight into the reserve’s wildlife and history. On my last visit, I went for an early-morning run and shared the route with relaxed herds of
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antelope and zebra, and even paused to watch a crocodile at a dam – a perfect start to the day.The sanctuary’s very existence is a testament to conservation-minded determination. Before protection, this land had been heavily degraded and wildlife was scarce. When the area was first converted into a sanctuary, rangers collected thousands of wire snares left by poachers. So although the reserve is still far from pristine and feels more like a wildlife ranch than a game reserve, I do appreciate the efforts that have gone into making Mlilwane the accessible, welcoming reserve it is today.