Hlane Royal National Park
Close to the ground.
GPS: S 25 05.366 E 030 27.228 | pop. 20,000 | elevation 1,403 m/4,603 ft
Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a private reserve with a variety of game. Giraffe, kudu, nyala, zebra and many of the over 300 recorded bird species are commonly sighted within the reserve. The main entrance gate (S 26 09.361 E 031 58.970, 383-8861, www.mbuluzigamereserve.co.sz, 6am-6pm, vehicle E25, day visitors E25) is located on the MR28, a few hundred meters off of the MR3/Manzini-Lomahasha Rd.
Sights & Activities
Hlane offers a host of activities, all run from the Ndlovu Camp, including guided game walks into a section of the park populated with white rhinos. Take an open-top safari into the fenced-in lion section of the park at sunrise, sunset or during the day. You can bring your own mountain bikes or rent bikes and ride on your own or with a guide on the mountain bike trails through an area of the park that doesn't have big game, but has impala, kudu, giraffes, wildebeest and zebras.
Ndlovu Camp
Ndlovu Camp is the main camp in the park with a restaurant, bar, and a small shop, but no electricity except for an impressive solar panel system that powers the main lodge. Accommodation options at the main camp are in clay rondavels with gas powered hot showers. For self-catering there are small wooden cottages and spacious thatched roof four-bedroom family cottages with a gas stove, hot water, paraffin lamps for light and a private fire pit in front.
Bhubesi Camp
Bhubesi Camp has electricity with six secluded stone cottages that fit up to four people, each with their own fire pit and braai area in front.
Ndlovu Camp Restaurant
Ndlovu Camp Restaurant was recently built and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking a watering hole that is popular with hippos.