Mkhaya Game Reserve

In the southeast of Swaziland, the heart of the lowveld, lies a magnificent unspoilt wilderness, haven to endangered species which roam the African bush in Swaziland's premiere game reserve.

 The recent recipient of the AA's 'Travellers Value Award for Top-End Leisure Travellers', award-winning 'Mkhaya', named after the Acacia nigrescens tree found in the reserve, is home to 4 of the Big 5 including Black Rhino. Visitors can also spot the pure Swazi Nguni Breed of Cattle, Tsessebe, White Rhino, Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodiles and exquisite birdlife including the elusive Narina Trogon to name just a few of the wildlife highlights.

A visit to Mkhaya offers true value for money - all rates quoted are fully inclusive of park entry fee, delicious bush cuisine, all activities (open Land Rover Game Drives and/or Walking Safaris) and truly unique, AA Highly Recommended accommodation.  Unique, intimate encounters with Mkhaya's wildlife are almost guaranteed and all travel within the reserve is solely by Big Game Parks' open Land Rovers or by foot on a guided Walking Safaris. The latter was recently quoted as being '...on par with a mountain gorilla encounter in Central Africa', by photo-journalist Stephen Cunliffe in Wild Magazine.

Mkhaya is staffed and patrolled entirely by Swazis from neighbouring communities and currently boasts what is arguably Africa's most effective anti-poaching unit. It is totally self-financing through visitor revenues and your support is greatly appreciated as a means of sustaining this unique international conservation effort.

A trip to Mkhaya is a trip into Real Africa - a soul enriching, quality experience you'll never forget. Don't miss out!

 

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 (except initial check-in which must occur before 6pm) 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.View Mlilwane's Fauna Species List.

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.

Hlane Royal National Park, home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom, encompasses 22,000 hectares of Swazi bushveld dominated by ancient hardwood vegetation. Home to Lion, Elephant, White Rhino, Giraffe and a whole host of other species, Hlane is also blessed with an abundant and diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa.

'Hlane' means 'Wilderness' in siSwati and has two rest camps: Ndlovu and Bhubesi, which allow you to get back to nature.

Ndlovu is found immediately inside Hlane Royal National Park's main gate, easily accessible via the well-maintained tar Simunye road and offers a wide range of accommodation  including camping, rondavels and self-catering cottages - all located near to a large open-air restaurant which overlooks a waterhole frequented by Elephant and White Rhino. It is romantically lit by candle and lanterns at night where the absence of electricity makes for an authentic stay in the bush.

Bhubesi is located 14km from Ndlovu Camp and can be accessed by self-driving through the parks internal roads. The camp encapsulates six self-contained and self-catering beautiful stone cottages with all the comforts of home, including electricity, in a pristine riverine setting.

Sabi Sands have been hosting visitors from all over the world since 1779, drawn to this unique area by the promise of the safari experience of a lifetime. Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, situated in the world-renowned 65000 hectare Sabi Sand in the South-Western section of the Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close range the natural relationship between predator and prey. Big game abounds and roams freely throughout this pristine part of the ancient African continent.  The diverse habitat is home to spectacular wildlife including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant - as well as cheetah, wild dog and some 200 other animal species indigenous to the area.

There is nothing quite as stirring as the sight of a lion, elephant or rhino roaming free in the bush;  as haunting as the sound of a hyaena laughing in the dead of night;  as electrifying as the tension one feels when following spoor along a dry riverbed. This is what makes the Sabi Sands experience so memorable. Day and night safaris in open Land Rovers, led by highly trained Game Rangers and qualified Trackers. Walking safaris allow guests to feel the pulse of untamed Africa through the soles of their feet.