Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Rest Camp
Horse Riding
There is nothing quite like sitting on an animal in nature! Chubeka Trails is our horse trails arm, with horses catering for beginners to advanced riders of all ages. Chubeka Trails offers hourly rides throughout the day, a half-day Rock of Execution Trail, and 1-4 night overnight camping trails for 2-8 people. Weight restrictions apply.
Walks (Guided and Self-Guided)
Departing from Mlilwane Rest Camp, your Guide will take you along trails focusing on your interest, be it birding or wildlife. The diverse habitats in close proximity allow for great sightings, including woodland, grassland, forest and aquatic species. Guided walk includes bottled water.
Game Drive
Embark on an open 4x4 vehicle with a trained Guide to explore Mlilwane. Game drives are a wonderfully relaxed opportunity to observe and take stunning pictures of the sanctuary. There are a number of variations on offer:
Sunrise Game Drive (2hr) – Take advantage of the early morning light, and watch nature wake to a new day. Tea/coffee and a snack are included.
Sunset Game Drive (2hr) – A short exploration of the plains before heading up Nyonyane Mountain (the infamous Execution Rock) in time to enjoy the sunset over the distant mountains. A drink is included.
Roan Drive (1.5hr) – A guided excursion visiting the Roan Antelope breeding project, excludes drinks/snacks.
Self Drive – Most of Mlilwane’s roads are suitable for normal sedans, with exception of the mountain roads. Don’t forget your map!
Mountain Biking (Guided / Self-Guided)
Mountain bikes may be hired by the hour for self-guided or guided adventures – or guests may bring their own at no extra cost. Dirt roads and certain single-track trails for a little more fun give cyclist a wide range of technical options, from the steep mountain to flat gentle game viewing. Cyclists are always reminded that wildlife has right of way and speeding is not an eco-activity. Our bikes are well maintained and available at Mlilwane Rest Camp Reception.
Mlilwane is also the home of the ever-popular annual Nedbank Swaziland's Imvelo MTB Classic which draws cyclists from afar in early June. The race offers 4 distances and is limited to 500 cyclists making it a “true family day out” and a race with real personality.
Umphakatsi Cultural Experience
Visit Mlilwane's neighbouring Chief's Village for an informative and fun authentic traditional experience. Our guide will meet the group at our Sangweni Gate, and lead the short walk to the homestead, sharing the do’s and don’ts and facilitating interpretation. Hosted by our vibrant, energetic and interactive Chief, learn a little siSwati, try your hand at plaiting ‘Lutindzi’ grass or grinding maize. This is a group activity hosted by our local Chief, giving guests an insight to the way of life in rural Swaziland.
Esitjeni Village Walk
A 2-hour guided walk through the Esitjeni community alongside Mlilwane allows a glimpse of life on a day-to-day basis. Observe how architecture is changing and fields are tended, walk past the primary school and buy refreshments at the local grocer. For the rest, it is spontaneous and could include grinding maize, carrying water, building a wall or washing clothes in the stream. Guests meet our guide at Sangweni Gate, from where the circular walk commences into the Esitjeni Community. Please bring sun hat, sun block, change for the grocer. The group may be requested to carry a small sack of mealies or the like for interactive experiences.