In the fields

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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

eSwatini (Swaziland)


There are many reasons to visit this private reserve – eSwatini’s first protected area: it's quiet, easily accessible and really rather beautiful. Its 46 sq km are home to hippos, crocodiles, zebras, blue wildebeest, warthogs and a host of antelope, as well as the Nyonyane Mountain, whose exposed granite peak, known as Execution Rock, reaches 1110m. It's also an outdoor-lover's paradise, with a wide range of activities available.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby eSwatini (Swaziland) attractions

1. Eludzidzini Royal Residence

1.78 MILES

At the end of a palm-lined avenue south of Lobamba lies Eludzidzini, the queen mother's royal residence. It's not open to the public except during…

3. King Sobhuza II Memorial Park

2.4 MILES

Across the road from parliament, this memorial was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II, who led eSwatini to independence from British rule in 1968…

4. Parliament

2.57 MILES

Opened in 1969 as a post-independence gift from the departing British, this hexagonal building topped with a brass dome is a major landmark in Lobamba. It…

5. National Museum

2.58 MILES

This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several of King Sobhuza II…

6. Somhlolo National Stadium

2.72 MILES

Built for eSwatini's independence in 1968, the 20,000-capacity national stadium hosts soccer matches, as well as important state occasions, such as…

7. Manzini Market

12.08 MILES

Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market, whose upper section is packed with handicrafts from eSwatini and elsewhere in Africa. Thursday morning is…

8. Sibebe Rock

16.82 MILES

About 8km northeast of Mbabane is Sibebe Rock, a massive granite dome hulking over the surrounding countryside. It's the world's second-largest monolith,…

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