Swaziland is a small country wedged between South Africa and Mozambique. And Mlilwane Rest Camp lies between the cities of Mbabane and Manzini in the Ezulwini Valley. The meaning of the latter sums it up. This is the Valley of the Heavens.
Grassland plains, granite peaks. Lightning strikes. Fires burn. On the hill, little ones, there. Burning. Burning. Everywhere. Little fires. This is Mlilwane. It literally means ‘little fire’ in siSwati. And it happened here, lightning struck Mlilwane Hill and numerous little fires started. It's now seen as symbolic too as people say these little fires ignited the conservation movement in Swaziland.
And seeing as fire so often represents passion, zeal, creativity, and determination, it's a fitting name. Locals worked hard to save their land, their wildlife, like an inner light burning in their souls. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary was proclaimed in 1961 and is now the kingdom's most popular eco-destination for locals and internationals alike.
The camp has a variety of accommodation options. Self-catering and catered. Once a modest corn field you'll be in a forest now thanks to a tree planting frenzy in the 1960s.
There is electricity in the accommodation but it's all pretty rustic and simple. The Rest Camp Huts were the first here. Four doubles and two family rooms.
The beehive villages are the real draw. There are three villages with 43 huts. Roan Village has 15 twin huts; Nyala Village has 14 - 4 family, 3 triple and 7 twin. Blesbuck Village has 14 twin huts and wheelchair access. They're all grass domed, lined up in semi-circles and enclosed by traditional boma reed fencing. All the huts are a single room with a fan and coffee station. En-suite shower.
There are also 4 self catering rondavels. Single room with en-suite shower, ceiling fan, kitchenette and a private braai area.
Or there's a cottage. Shonalanga is self catering and offers a double room & family room with 4-singles. Ceiling fans, kitchenette, lounge, veranda, private braai area. Bathroom with bath, basin and toilet.
Or you can camp at one of 20 sites in a eucalyptus forest with water and electrical points or 10 sites in the indigenous forest with just the basics.
There is a lot on offer at Mlilwane.
First, just walk. There are 9 hiking trails covering over 20km. You can please yourself or go with a guide. The southern plains stretch to Nyonyane Mountain and tourism is concentrated here. Guided Chubeka Trails explore the northern section, as far as Luphohlo Peak. Summit Trail is a highlight
Mlilwane is popular with families and school groups. For children there’s a 1km nature trail and a 1km botanical one too. There are also children’s bikes and pony rides for those over 6.
The Cave trail is a 1 night fly camp where you get the joy of spending 3 hours a day camping in a cave. Got to be 8 and over to join this trip.
You can also learn about local heritage by visiting a local village.
Or go bird watching. Aquatic, grassland, montane & forest species.
There are dirt roads and single tracks if you want to mountain bike.
Or take a game and sunset drive in an open 4x4.
"We loved our experience with NTS"
We loved Namibia and its unique landscapes and kind people. It was certainly an adventure and a privilege to get to spend time there.
"We can't wait to return"
I can't thank you enough for helping to put together this trip. It exceeded all our expectations and we fell in love with your country.
"We had a wonderful time in Namibia"
All in all we had a wonderful time and appreciate the effort made to ensure all aspects of our tour ran smoothly with prompt email support where needed.
"What a wonderful journey we had in beautiful and friendly Namibia!"
Namibia has stolen our travel-heart and you can consider us as new ambassadors of this spectacular country.
