This guide may contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, they allow me to provide these free and, even if I do say so myself, expert guides based on almost two years of travel in Africa. For a broader view, don’t miss my complete guide to travel in Africa.
Swaziland may have changed its name to eSwatini recently. But in many ways this tiny nation is one of the most traditional of any in Africa. Still ruled by a hereditary absolute monarch, it’s one of the best places in Africa for cultural experiences. That’s not to say you can’t also get your fill of wildlife within its borders. For one thing, Swaziland lies close to Kruger National Park in neighbouring South Africa – the focus of many people’s safari going. With similar habitats, Swaziland’s species list is equally impressive, and often a good bargain too. These then are the best national parks in Swaziland (eSwatini).
1. Hlane Royal National Park
This national park is in the north east of the country. It is perhaps the most ‘traditional’ of safari offerings available in Swaziland. The country’s largest protected area, its royal title comes from the fact it was once a private hunting ground for the country’s kings.
Today it remains their property. But Hlane has been put in trust for the nation and is operated by non-profit Big Game Parks. Its landscape is typified by lowlands dotted with waterholes and native hardwood trees. This makes it the perfect habitat for lions, as well as white rhinos.
The waterholes are at their busiest during the dry season from June to September. That makes these months the best time to head to the hippo pools in the southern reaches of the park.
2. Mkhaya Game Reserve
While legally distinct from a national park, Mkhaya Game Reserve has all the trimming of somewhere like Hlane. The reserve was first set up in the late 1970s. It was created to secure the future of Nguni cattle, a breed indigenous to the area.
However, the reserve soon extended its remit to include a long list of species that seek shelter in its dry savannah landscapes. Elephant, common tsessebe antelope and black rhino are just some of the game species known to reside here.
But another great reason to pick Mkhaya is the fact that its rangers and security patrols all come from local communities. The gate receipts are the sole way in which the reserve is funded. So continued tourist visits are all the more important for protecting wildlife here.
If there’s one down side, it’s the fact independent exploration of the reserve is not permitted. You have to travel with a pre-arranged guide.
3. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
One the western side of the country, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary sits within the Ezulwini Valley. Translating as the ‘Valley of Heaven,’ it’s an area almost awash with game.
The oldest protected area in Swaziland, it’s also the most popular with visitors. This is largely because of its proximity to eSwatini’s capital, Mbabane, just 30 minutes away by tarred road. The sanctuary covers some 4,500 hectares of land. Much of the animal action happens in the park’s south, where relatively open grasslands dominate.
Since there are no big cat species within the park, it’s possible to take self-guided walks. Maps show several routes, which extend from just a few hundred metres to a couple of hours in duration. And although there’s no substantial risk of wildlife attack, stumbling onto a resting wildebeest will still get your heart racing. Other antelope include greater kudu and nyala, while Mlilwane’s waterways are home to crocs and hippos.
As you might expect game drives in private vehicles are also an option, alongside more unusual activities such as mountain biking and horse riding.
4. Malolotja Nature Reserve
You’ll find Malolotja National Park brushing the northwest border with South Africa north of Mbabane. In fact, animals are free to wander between Malolotja and Songimvelo Game Reserve on the opposite side of the border. Together they form one of the continent’s growing number of transfrontier parks.
Four times larger than Mlilwane, Malolotja protects the mountainous scenery for which Swaziland is perhaps best known. It’s here, for instance, that the nation’s second-highest peak, Mount Ngwenya rises.
This national park is also home to waterfalls that share its name – the highest in the country at almost 90 metres high, and well worth a detour from the wildlife viewing.
When it comes to game, there’s an impressive number of prey species, which in turn attract predators including leopards and jackals. The star of the show for many first-time visitors is however more likely to be the epic vistas in this part of Swaziland.
Mlawula Game Reserve
Close to being an extension of Hlane National Park, Mlawula Game Reserve is named after the river which meanders through it. The reserve gets a place on my list of the best national parks in Swaziland primarily for its birding.
Other species, even when encountered on foot on the reserve’s 50 km of rough trails, tend to be nervous and shy. They are dominated by antelope species, although elephant and leopards are occasionally observed. Hippos and crocs also reside in the Mlawula River.
When it comes to the birding, Mlawula has 350 recorded species, equating to 70% of all Swaziland’s birds. These include the African broadbill, white-backed night heron and white-fronted bee-eater. Raptor species are well-represented too.
Best national parks in Swaziland (eSwatini)
When it comes to size, Swaziland has no chance of competing with its neighbours, South Africa and Mozambique. But that’s not to say it doesn’t offer some very attractive wildlife viewing opportunities.
Hlane Royal National Park might have the most buzz and the big game species, but don’t discount Mlilwane or Malolotja. They both offer some excellent alternatives to the traditional safari, while Mkhaya is equally important because of its community led approach and population of rare black rhinos. Finally Mlawula Game Reserve is a great place to commune with nature and is the number one spot for birdwatchers in Swaziland.
Pingback: 9 of the best things to do in Eswatini (Swaziland) - Encircle Africa