Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Ostrich

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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Swaziland's oldest conservation area. It contains leopard, hippo, giraffe, crocodile, zebra, and various antelopes, plus other animals and birds. There are various self-guided walks available. A big attraction is the accommodation within the sanctuary itself.

Opening Hours

Cost

It costs E25 (Sep 2009) to enter the sanctuary.

Getting There

By Train

By Car

A taxi from Ezulwini to the Mlilwane entrance gate near Sondzela Backpackers (see Sleep/Budget) costs E60 (Sep 2009). For the reverse journey, staff can book a taxi for you (though you will have to pay for the phone call) but you will have to negotiate the fare yourself when the driver arrives at the gate.

By Bus

To travel from Ezulwini to the Mlilwane entrance gate will require 2 kombi rides and about 2 kilometres of walking.

By Boat

Eat

Breakfast and dinner are available at Sondzela Backpackers (see Sleep/Budget) - lunch (and no doubt breakfast and dinner) are available at the main camp. Sondzela meals have to be booked in advance, but you can just turn up for lunch at the main camp. You can self-cater but the Sondzela facilities are meagre. You can buy basics (baked beans, cold drinks, beer, chocolate) at both Sondzela and the main camp but they are cheaper at Sondzela.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Sondzela Backpackers is a very pleasant hostel inside the sanctuary, complete with swimming pool. A room with shared bathroom costs E155 (Sep 2009) - accommodation at the hostel can be booked from the Big Game Parks office in the Gables shopping centre. An ostrich and a family of warthog roam the grounds. There is more upmarket accommodation about 15 minutes away at the main camp, the walk to which is a miniature safari in itself. There is Internet access at the main camp but it rarely works.

Mid-Range

Upscale