Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest protected area in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and the country’s most popular wildlife destination. Created through the personal vision and determination of Ted Reilly who as a young conservationist in the 1960s rescued the last surviving wildlife from the Ezulwini Valley the sanctuary has grown into a thriving 45 square kilometre reserve. Mlilwane is a wonderfully relaxed and accessible wildlife experience — visitors can explore on foot, mountain bike, or horseback alongside zebra, warthog, nyala, crocodile, and hippo. While there are no dangerous large predators the sanctuary’s laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for families and first-time safari visitors. The rest camp with its traditional beehive huts offers charming accommodation and the sanctuary serves as the headquarters for Eswatini’s conservation-focused Big Game Parks organisation. Mlilwane connects visitors to wildlife in a gentle and intimate way.