What to do in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
In Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, you can do guided tours, self-guided walks, or jump onto one of the rental bikes. This is possible because there are no large, dangerous animals in Mlilwane.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest protected area in eSwatini and extends into the Ezulwini Valley, also known as the Valley of Heavens. Mlilwane means Little Fire in siSwati. It was named for the lightning strikes that started several fires on Mlilwane Hill back in the day. “Little fire” is also significant as the sanctuary ignited the conservation movement in eSwatini when it was converted in 1961 from a mining and farming area.
We visited as part of our 5-Day Eswatini Itinerary. Learn more about all you need to visit Eswatini.
Getting to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Head to the sanctuary entrance via Google Maps directions. The roads are mostly fine. We rented a sedan for our 5-day Eswatini trip and although a 4×4 would have been nice, we managed!
At the entrance, you’ll pay an entrance fee. Credit cards are accepted. From there, drive to the Reception/Rest Camp. The Hippo Haunt restaurant is also located at the reception.
Driving in Mlilwane
Highways are well maintained as are roads in Malkerns and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Some paths in Mlilwane are 4×4 only but the real fun here is to bike around.
You can rent bikes for SZL 100 per hour. You’ll have to pay upfront. Start off with 2 hours and if you spend longer biking around, you can pay the remaining amount upon return.
Bike helmets (with hairnets) are provided.
If you’ve got your phone with you, download the offline map for the sanctuary. The paths are clearly marked so you can make your own route as you ride. Maps are also available for a fee at reception.
A Biking Safari in Mlilwane
Mlilwane has an interwoven network of 9 trails covering well over 20 km. The trails vary in length and difficulty and frequently connect back to the main paths. Your route will change as you ride as you spot animals and attempt to get closer. You’ll see plenty of wildebeests, zebras, impalas, and warthogs on your ride. Stop at the hippo and crocodile park to spot the crocs.
Route suggestion
Start off riding (or walking) to the hippo and crocodile pools to spot wildlife and birds. Then take the Hippo Trail through the forest. You’ll walk a little, bike a little, and carry your bike (for only a little bit!) back up to the main paths. Continue to loop around until you’re back at the Rest Camp.
What to eat around the Milwane
There are plenty of nibs options in Malkerns. Most food options are located in centers that also have shops and handicrafts. Have your nibs then wander around the shops!
Breakfast/Lunch
Stop at Vickery’s Café for an excellent (and filling) breakfast located in a garden shop.
Sambane Coffee Shop can do it all. Go for breakfast, lunch, or a local beer. The area around the coffee shops also had several local handicraft shops, and what looked like a mini-market.
Lunch/Dinner
Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre has a couple of restaurants in the outdoor complex. We stopped at Farm to Table. Pizza Vesuvio seemed the most popular among locals.
Bring your own groceries from town in a cooler bag so you’re not driving in the dark. Otherwise, opt for an early dinner.
Things to see and do around Mlilwane
Yebo! Is a contemporary art gallery and workspace for local artists. The gallery has beautiful etchings, prints on fabric, and paintings. We bought two canvas works and several postcards. I love the artwork here. It’s a must-see!
The Mantenga Craft & Lifestyle Centre is a courtyard-style center with shops, restaurants, cafés, artwork… and a large, funky tree.
Head to the Malandelas Complex for a drink and to check out the local handicrafts. Malandelas is host to the House on Fire art space and a “fantastical playground of imagination.” (p.s. the food is nothing special, which is why I only recommend a drink. But if you’re hungry, go for it.)
Stop at the famous Swazi Candles (after getting breakfast or lunch at Sambane). You can buy candles in the shape of your favorite animals.
Where to Stay
You can choose to stay at Mlilwane’s Rest Camp inside the park. There are self-catering huts, cottages, and camping. There is a restaurant on-site.
Many people visit the sanctuary as a day trip from the capital, Mbabane. There are plenty of hotel and Airbnb options between Mbabane and Mlilwane.