30 000 hectares of untamed bush is home to lions, elephants, hippos and white rhino. Instread of heading to the busyand over-booked Kruger National Park, Hlane Royal National Park is a better alternative. A superb water hole means that game viewing can be done in the comfort of a camper chair with a gin and tonic close at hand. However, a guided walk or game drive will ensure a completely different perspective and appreciation for the bush.
A Bit About the Country
Swaziland is one of two landlocked countries in South Africa. Swaziland lies in the North-Eastern part of South Africa and Lesotho is further south. Swaziland borders Mozambique and is a monarchy. King Mswati III rules over this small but prosperous country. Swaziland is an ideal gateway to Maputo, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the National Kruger Park. This makes Hlane Royal National Park perfect for a few nights’ stop over or a longer stay.
One of Three Big Game Parks
Swaziland has seen a lot of poaching over the years which was why conservation has begun to play such an important role. Hlane Royal National Park is one of three big game parks designed to conserve the wildlife. At the entrance to the park, visitors are reminded of this fact. Snares used to trap animals are piled up on top of each other in large towers.
The lion enclosure is separate to the park and can only be visited by booking a game drive. Poaching has caused the park to be divided into separate enclosures. There is also a lack of funding to provide sufficient electric fencing around the entire park.
At the water whole, there are three thin strands of electric line that separates game viewers from a herd of white rhino. Absolute quiet needs to be observed while a mother white rhino and her calf trot past the onlookers.
The rhinos’ paths often cross with a pod of hippos sharing the same watering space. Added to this mix is a large crocodile who is happy to snap up the mud fish as they come out of hibernation.
Game Drives to see Lions and Elephants
A pride of lions lives in the lion enclosure and is the symbol of Swaziland royalty. A game drive through the enclosure will, with any luck, lead straight to the lions. There are also very old and very large elephants roaming along the roads. A game drive lasts about an hour and a half.
Walking Tours
A Swazi field guide will help track waterbuck, rhino and elephant through a guided walking tour starting at the Ndlovu Camp. Keeping quiet and alert will help the guide lead the group to within metres of a herd of white rhino or elephant. Bird watching and identifying animal dung makes for an exciting tour.
Accommodation at the Park
From camping to cottages, Hlane Royal National Park offers suitable comfort needs and accommodation. Thatched family rondavels and and cottages are self-catering but a large open air restaurant near the water hole makes dining a pleasure. Large trees and grass patches are also suitable for camping.
To read more about accommodation at the park and what else Swaziland has to offer click here.
