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Hlane Royal National Park

eSwatini (Swaziland)

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You come to Hlane Royal National Park for the big stuff. eSwatini’s largest protected area, this well-organised reserve is home to elephants, lions, leopards, white rhinos and many antelope species, and also offers impressive opportunities for birdwatching. Activities include overnight bush trails, a dedicated rhino drive, guided bird walks, mountain biking and cultural tours.

You can easily explore the park under your own steam in a standard car, but it's a good idea to join at least one guided drive – and you'll need to if you want to see the lion enclosure.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • A white rhino, known as Masalempini, and her calf in Mkhaya Game Reserve.

    Mkhaya Game Reserve

    29.46 MILES

    Spectacular Mkhaya was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction. It’s known, however, for its black and white rhino…

  • Mlawula Nature Reserve

    Mlawula Nature Reserve

    9.88 MILES

    Mlawula doesn't boast many large mammals, though you'll surely see a few antelope and perhaps a spotted hyena. The draw here, though, is the excellent…

  • Mbuluzi Game Reserve

    Mbuluzi Game Reserve

    9.65 MILES

    The small and privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve boasts a range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope species and wildebeest. There…

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Nearby eSwatini (Swaziland) attractions

1. Mbuluzi Game Reserve

9.65 MILES

The small and privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve boasts a range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelope species and wildebeest. There…

2. Mlawula Nature Reserve

9.88 MILES

Mlawula doesn't boast many large mammals, though you'll surely see a few antelope and perhaps a spotted hyena. The draw here, though, is the excellent…

3. Mkhaya Game Reserve

29.46 MILES

Spectacular Mkhaya was established in 1979 to save the pure Nguni breed of cattle from extinction. It’s known, however, for its black and white rhino…

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