nature preserve in in Eswatini
The Hlane Royal National Park in Eswatini (Swaziland) is one of the best parks in Southern Africa for tracking elephants and rhinos on foot.
The park was formed in 1967 on the orders of King Sobhuza ll. Before then it was a private hunting ground.
Hlane holds the largest number of animals of all parks in Eswatini.
The park is around 67 km north-east of Manzini. The entrance to the park is approximately 4 km south of 🌍 Simunye, off the road between Manzini and Lomahasha. The road is tarred almost to the entrance gate.
The buses running between Manzini and Simunye stop at the entrance gate of the park.
The nearest airport is in Manzini.
It is free when you have a Wildcard.
You can drive around with your car in the south of the park, together with a guide. You may also use one of the park's minibuses (around E100).
Elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and cheetahs, giraffe, zebras, as well as some antelopes. See African flora and fauna for information on animals.
Go on a guided bush-walk in the northern part of the park (guide is E20 per hour). This is the best way to get close to elephants and rhinos on foot. The sighting of a rhino is nearly certain.
Ask to be shown the tiny Scops Owl that roosts at the main camp.
The park is ideal for children. It is small enough to navigate, large enough to explore, no guarantee of what you will see, but pretty certain to see impressive wildlife. Combine with the nearby Mlawula nature reserve (more dramatic country, less dramatic wildlife, campsite has outdoor showers with view over miles of mountain scenery) to please all tastes.
There are two kinds of accommodation in the park and both have to be reserved at Big Game Parks Central Reservations (phone 5283944 or )