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#1 of 1 ranch in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's pioneer conservation area and a beautiful, secluded sanctuary situated in the Kingdom's Ezulwini Valley, 'Valley of Heavens'. Located between Mbabane and Manzini, 24hr gate access is offered to the Sanctuary enabling guests to enjoy the neighbouring tourist hubs of Ezulwini and Malkerns with their many unique attractions and craft shops. The name 'Mlilwane' ('Little Fire' in siSwati) was derived from the numerous fires started by lightening strikes on the Mlilwane Hill but now holds significance as the little fire that started a big conservation movement in Swaziland resulting in the saving of over 22 species from local extinction across the three reserves. The Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares and comprises of a southern and northern section. The southern section's grassland plains stretch up to the striking Nyonyane Mountain with its exposed granite peak known as the 'Rock of Execution'. All of Mlilwane's accommodation, dining and activity options are concentrated in this southern section of the park, with the exception of guided trails which enter the pristine northern section.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Located in the premises of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary the Rest Camp traditional beehive huts we stayed at were quite impressive. Arranged in a semi-circle around a communal area they had en-suite shower, basin and toilet. Meals were taken at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant overlooking the Bird Pool and located within the complex.I strongly advise anyone to try it out. It's quite an experience ... (a good one ...)
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On previous trips, I have stayed in the beehive huts, and the delightful Reilly's Hilltop Lodge (also located in Mlilwane), this time I decided to try out the Rondavels. The right decision!
With far reaching views, this type of accommodation is really nicely decorated (I loved the cream coloured curtains), and had a lovely soft duvet on the bed.. The kitchen was very well stocked, with cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster, and all manner of pots, pans, cutlery etc. Shower, sink and toilet are also in the rondavel.
It has a braai area down the steps from the stoep area. The one I stayed in (nr 3) is just a minute or two walk from the restaurant and the camp fire. When the sun sets, the colours are stunning, making for great views from the rondavels.
One important aspect for me, and others who travel with an array of camera/phones etc, is that we are always looking for plugs to recharge. Plenty of plugs in the rondavel, so no scrambling around looking for the only one available in some dark corner. A nice touch for the traveler.
One tip - Despite walking with a torch at night, I almost tripped over a nyala! Yep, two nyala were resting, chewing the cud. One was in deep shadow, so make sure you swing that torch around! Look out for the warthogs who all lie together next to the camp fire, keeping warm!
Mlilwane is a great little place to stop over if you are passing through Eswatini, there are no 'Big 5' but plenty of crocs, different varieties of antelope, zebra, wildebeest, warthogs, loads of birds, and a special mention must go to the wonderful Roan antelope.
It's an ideal place for families, and a super introduction to wildlife for youngsters. Hiking, walking, cycling and horse riding all available. Would I recommend? Definitely!
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Date of stay: June 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We saw that the beehive huts were on special offer and have always wanted to stay in them at least once. Mlilwane specially cleaned a hut for us and added a mattress for our one child, even though we were the only guests in the rest camp. They made dinner for us and delivered it to our hut because the kitchen had to close early. We had a great stay. Our only detracting comment is that the warthogs have become too used to humans and can be slightly bothersome at times.
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Date of stay: March 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
excellent location and a lot of animals around our bungalow. We had an excellent two hours tour around the Mlilwane wildlife Sanctuary and the guide was very nice and competent. Only negative aspect was the food at the dinner, my suggestion is to bring your own food and use the barbeque in front of the bungalow.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were delighted with milwane and our rondavel here. Loved looking right out our door or windows and seeing wildebeest, impala, monkeys, and warthogs. Beautiful birds including some I saw nowhere else like the hoopoe and scarlet starling. I'd actually tried to reserve the cheaper beehive huts but they were all booked months ahead of time. I'm convinced the rondavels were far and away better because of their isolation and views. A bit further to walk back to the large refreshing pool and the rest of the camp, but worth it. The short trail to the hippo pool brought great looks at lots of antelope, zebra and colorful bee eater and bishopbirds.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved our stay at Mlilwane with helpful staff and a lovely spacious, well appointed chalet. Having Nyala and Warthog wandering around the camp completely unfazed by the resident humans was a real delight. The restaurant overlooks a large lake providing the opportunity to see birdlife and sometimes even Hippo and/or crocodiles although not during our visit. Parts of the park were closed off as there had been unusually heavy rain with the result that some tracks were not passable. We would have loved to have taken advantage of the guided game walks but decided against walking in the rain. This would not put us off returning as Mlilwane has so much to offer. We made a big mistake in leaving the windows open and not using the provided mosquito nets - entirely our own fault but it did means we had our sleep disturbed by Mosquitos - Do not make the same mistake!
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Date of stay: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We thought it would be fun to stay in three of the beehive huts. These were OK and were as expected. The site however lets the whole experience down rather. This place would be good for young families who like to explore and walk around the park. For us, we were very disappointed with the facilities on offer. The site is dark and unwelcoming and with nothing to do in the evening (if you had not bagged the firepit), was a bit boring; we drove off site to the nearest restaurant/hotel. We were booked in for two nights but decided to leave after just one night. The swimming pool was not working and Wi-Fi is an extra cost and only works in the small reception area. The park itself is very small but has crocodiles and zebras amongst several others such as warthogs.
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Date of stay: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loved to stay in this well run camp, every night there are impala, zebras and nyala resting between the buildings, the restaurant has great outdoor seating with view on the lake and you can always watch the weaver birds building their nests. The traditional Swazi huts are epic and well build. Great connection to the village to experience local living, dancing and culture with a super charismatic female chief.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When you visit eSwatini, you would want to stay in a traditional "hut" and that is what I got to stay in for 2 nights at this beautiful sanctuary. Our tour group arrived late night so i didn't realise what was around me until the next morning.
There are wildlife (antelope) all around the restaurant area. Monkeys conducting their monkey business and the odd bosvarkie enjoying the ongoing fire.
The sanctuary is also about hiking and enjoying the mountain air. It gets cold here, and went, however, the huts were lovely and toasty inside.
Wifi is available at a fee and is only accessible close to the reception area.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our first day on Safari and it was a perfect way to see many animals safely and up close. There were no predators except crocodiles and so we could walk, cycle or ride horses out to see many types of antelopes, wild pigs and birds. The animals seem quite used to people so it was possible to get very close without scaring them. The accommodation is rustic but in that regard, quite perfect - we had comfy beds, a good shower with hot water and decent pressure. The staff are lovely - very helpful and friendly. They do a traditional Swazi dance every night before dinner which is amazing.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
"My additional advice ist not to rely one Google Maps navigating to the Main Gate. I did so and I endet Up in a small town nearby, Malkerns. Better check the map in advance. "
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