Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
203 reviews
Excellent
92
Very good
72
Average
27
Poor
9
Terrible
3
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Nikki Kir
Perth, Australia72 contributions
Jan 2020
I have visited Mlilwane since I was a child. I've done the bike riding, hiking, day trips, overnight horse trails and stayed in the beehives, rondavels, cottages and shared house.
Every experience has been a beautiful memory.
Walking along the roads and looking at the wildlife and enjoying nature is one of my highlights, in the morning or late afternoon, there is always something beautiful to see.
The restaurant is lovely although I would appreciate a few vegan options for those who don't eat animal based food. One other thing I would like to see in the future is the option to not have a cleaner come every day, maybe a little sign that can be placed out for a do not disturb.
Other than that, a magical location with lots of activities for the whole family. There is a wide selection of animals, mostly antelope and a few lovely walking paths.
Can't wait to go back again for another visit.
Every experience has been a beautiful memory.
Walking along the roads and looking at the wildlife and enjoying nature is one of my highlights, in the morning or late afternoon, there is always something beautiful to see.
The restaurant is lovely although I would appreciate a few vegan options for those who don't eat animal based food. One other thing I would like to see in the future is the option to not have a cleaner come every day, maybe a little sign that can be placed out for a do not disturb.
Other than that, a magical location with lots of activities for the whole family. There is a wide selection of animals, mostly antelope and a few lovely walking paths.
Can't wait to go back again for another visit.
Written February 11, 2020
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.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,856 contributions
Feb 2022
This is an excellent nature reserve for hiking as the big cats are absent and wildlife is pretty much used to peaceful visitors. Mlilwane is the oldest sanctuary in the country and has been seeing visitors for decades. I encountered many different animals up close like zebra, kudu, impala, wildebeest, wildhog, hippo and different kind of monkeys. There are also many different species of birds.
I was surprised by the excellent state of the trails in the park (well marked and good to walk). I followed the hippo trail through the forest along the dam and continued to Execution Rock (1150m) by the summit trail. It took me 4 hours up and down (same route) from the office at the entrance of the park. I made the mistake of doing this tour too late (started at 9:30AM). Ideally start at sunrise, as during the day it can get very hot. In my case 36 Celsius / 40 real feel.
To get to the park with public transport can be problematic. There are frequent minibuses on the highway through the Ezulwini valley. They will drop you off at the turn-off to Mlilwane from where it is another 3.5 km to the park entrance. Transport is less frequent here. I ended up walking up and down.
Entrance fee 75 R (no discounts for seniors or students).
I was surprised by the excellent state of the trails in the park (well marked and good to walk). I followed the hippo trail through the forest along the dam and continued to Execution Rock (1150m) by the summit trail. It took me 4 hours up and down (same route) from the office at the entrance of the park. I made the mistake of doing this tour too late (started at 9:30AM). Ideally start at sunrise, as during the day it can get very hot. In my case 36 Celsius / 40 real feel.
To get to the park with public transport can be problematic. There are frequent minibuses on the highway through the Ezulwini valley. They will drop you off at the turn-off to Mlilwane from where it is another 3.5 km to the park entrance. Transport is less frequent here. I ended up walking up and down.
Entrance fee 75 R (no discounts for seniors or students).
Written February 13, 2022
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.
Dr. S Ndlalane
Pretoria, South Africa13 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Very refreshing and very close to nature. The rooms are clean.
The place is not modernized too much so that one can feel that they are indeed in a wildlife sanctuary. It is a safe space as there isn't any of the big five animals in this park
The place is not modernized too much so that one can feel that they are indeed in a wildlife sanctuary. It is a safe space as there isn't any of the big five animals in this park
Written November 8, 2021
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.
Nancy
33 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Surprisingly spacious and comfortable beehives, located in a beautiful nature park. The animals roam free, so you sometimes encounter a boar or impala on the way to and from your hive.
Because this is far from civilization, you can only eat there in the restaurant. The food was good and quality, at a correct price.
Very relaxed stay at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary!
Because this is far from civilization, you can only eat there in the restaurant. The food was good and quality, at a correct price.
Very relaxed stay at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary!
Automatically translated
Written August 5, 2024
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.
Constance
Woudrichem, The Netherlands14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Horseback riding at Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary is highly recommended! We had an advanced ride with two people and a guide. The guide could tell us a lot about nature and animals. It was also indescribable to gallop among the zebras, monkeys and buffalos. We drove to the top of the mountain in 2 hours to enjoy a beautiful view! Would you like to see photos of this? Then take a look at the Instagram page: Paardenuitaltena.
Written December 7, 2023
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.
Ann P
Deal, UK83 contributions
Jan 2020
A truly fabulous place. Stay in a beehive hut with zebra, antelope and warthogs wandering around outside. Beautiful scenery and walks. No predators so it’s safe to bike, ride or walk around the stunning countryside.
The food is good, the staff friendly.
Any downsides? Nope...except sun lingers near the pool would be nice.
Loved the place.
The food is good, the staff friendly.
Any downsides? Nope...except sun lingers near the pool would be nice.
Loved the place.
Written January 13, 2020
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.
Christelle73
Chambéry165 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It was raining so much that we couldn't do the planned walking safari. We also had to visit the traditional village located in the reserve: to go there, the women were obliged to wear a sort of loincloth bearing the image of the king. And the reed dance performance did not take place because of the rain. In short, we weren't able to do any of the planned activities, which is a shame.
Written February 29, 2024
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.
Marije K
The Netherlands27 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
We are no horseback riders at all, but this is very easy to do. The horses are not so big and the guide is great. We went for a two our tour through the area and it was unforgettable. The landscape an the views are amazing. But it's even more wonderful to experience the 'small' wildlife from so nearby from the back of a horse. We saw plenty of impala, niala, gnoe, kudu, zebra, pumba, hippo and beautiful birds.
The guide new plenty, so he informed us greatly.
I can only recommend everybody to do this. It's so much fun! And in case you have a GoPro take it with you as taking pictures from the back of a horse is quite difficult ;)
The guide new plenty, so he informed us greatly.
I can only recommend everybody to do this. It's so much fun! And in case you have a GoPro take it with you as taking pictures from the back of a horse is quite difficult ;)
Written October 30, 2015
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.
Sharon T
Durban, South Africa58 contributions
Sept 2015 • Friends
We visited this wildlife sanctuary for the day. There is a nominal entry fee. You can drive and/or walk or cycle around the park seeing antelope, birdlife, etc. There is a restaurant in the park but we took a picnic lunch which we had under the trees in the hilly region of the park.
Written September 29, 2015
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.
Jodie R
Australia8 contributions
Jul 2016
Don't expect to see the Big 5 here but do enjoy the stunning scenery, bird life and many animals such as warthog, zebra, wildebeest, buffalos, hippo (if you are lucky), crocodile and different types of antelope. Entry is only a flat rate of E40/ZAR 40 per person, which compared to Kruger where it cost international visitors ZAR 280 per person, is a steal!
The rest camp was peaceful with antelope wandering freely and we had a nice lunch at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. The restaurant was quite busy so, unfortunately, we were unable to sit on the raised deck that overlooks the waterhole, where hippos and crocs can frequent.
The weather was very pleasant in July, around 20 degrees C. We spent around four hours in the park touring in a 2WD. If you wish to see more you would need to either, travel by 4WD, walk, horse ride or bike. Mountain bikes and horses are available to hire at the rest camp. Game drives and walking tours are available to book, from the rest camp as well. There is a cultural experience where you can visit a real Chief's Village to experience authentic Swazi culture. All experiences are reasonably priced.
Day visitors to the rest camp can also use the swimming pool and braai facilities as well as visit Mlilwane's Interpretation Centre all at no cost! There are different type of accommodation from camping to beehive villages!
If you would like a great family day out at minimal cost, enjoying the fresh air and amazing scenery, then this is the Swaziland park for you!
The rest camp was peaceful with antelope wandering freely and we had a nice lunch at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. The restaurant was quite busy so, unfortunately, we were unable to sit on the raised deck that overlooks the waterhole, where hippos and crocs can frequent.
The weather was very pleasant in July, around 20 degrees C. We spent around four hours in the park touring in a 2WD. If you wish to see more you would need to either, travel by 4WD, walk, horse ride or bike. Mountain bikes and horses are available to hire at the rest camp. Game drives and walking tours are available to book, from the rest camp as well. There is a cultural experience where you can visit a real Chief's Village to experience authentic Swazi culture. All experiences are reasonably priced.
Day visitors to the rest camp can also use the swimming pool and braai facilities as well as visit Mlilwane's Interpretation Centre all at no cost! There are different type of accommodation from camping to beehive villages!
If you would like a great family day out at minimal cost, enjoying the fresh air and amazing scenery, then this is the Swaziland park for you!
Written July 9, 2016
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.
It is 75 Rand per person. I came on foot. I do not know if there is an extra charge for vehicles.
Written February 24, 2022
Hello
Is Mlilwane accesible without a SUV?
Do you have to pay an entrance fee on top of the conservation fee of 55 zar/day?
Thanks a lot!
Written February 7, 2020
Yes, you can access with any car and reach the main areas. There are some 4x4 tracks - but extra signposted.
Conservation Fee = entrance.
If you do have a wild card you don’t pay conservation fee.
Written August 1, 2020
Where did you see Rhinos?? This review is misleading - to my knowledge there are no Rhinos in Mlilwane.
Written February 24, 2019
I did not see any Rhinos there when I was there 5 months ago.Plenty of Zebras!!
Written February 24, 2019
Where did you see Rhinos?? This review is misleading - to my knowledge there are no Rhinos in Mlilwane.
Written February 24, 2019
No rhinos in Mlilwane - you have to go to Hlane or Mkhaya game reserves. The latter is more expensive
Written February 25, 2019
Como se puede ir de Maputo en Mozambique a mlilwane que hay sólo unas 3h ? Gracias !
Written June 9, 2018
I have been trying to call your number urgently and a woman answers who cannot speak English and cannot help me at all. please provide another contact number urgently.
Written May 4, 2018
Hello can you please advise how much you charge to hire a bike. Thank you
Written November 10, 2017
Sorry, I can't help with this - but nothing there was very expensive in comparison to UK prices.
Written November 11, 2017
what is the entrance fee for day visitors for this attraction?
Written April 30, 2017
Hello jacobussc,
The last time I visited, the park entry fee was 40 Emalageni for adults and 20 Emalangeni for children.
Written May 2, 2017
How can we arrange a day trip from Malendalea's?
Written September 26, 2016
There are a number of options. (1) All major hotesl organise trips. of course relatively touristic and not that cheap. (2) You can just go there, buy a roadmap and do the driving yourself. It is absolotely save to do so, keeping in mind the normal safety precautions and avoiding 4*4 roads if you do not have a decent jeep. (3) at the entrance gate there are also possibilities to book organised trips. probably you will find more details on the website or you can just go to the entrance.
Written September 26, 2016
Sono accettati bambini sotto i 6 anni? La mia ne avrà 2 e mezzo quando arriveremo. Grazie
Written May 21, 2016
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