Top eSwatini National Parks, Safari Regions & Wildlife

For a small country, the Kingdom of eSwatini boasts an impressive array of wildlife reserves and game parks. The allure of numerous destinations lies in the exhilarating opportunities to wander on foot, traverse rugged terrains on a mountain bike, embark on scenic hiking trails, partake in guided safari walks, and experience thrilling game drives. Explore the thrilling safari destinations in eSwatini, such as the Big Game Parks collection, Mbuluzi, Malolotja, Royal Jozini, and Phophonyane Falls.

Exciting Wildlife Expeditions

The Kingdom of eSwatini boasts Big Game Parks, established by conservation trailblazer Ted Reilly in the 1960s. Over half a century later, Big Game Parks plays a crucial role in the dynamic landscape of conservation in eSwatini. Breeding programs have revitalized eSwatini’s game reserves and facilitated the export of wildebeest to Sabi Sands, along with Nyala to KZN. The Big Game Parks stable encompasses Hlane Royal National Park, along with Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, KaMasholo National Park, and Mkhaya Private Game Reserve.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in eSwatini’s Valley of Heaven, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary presents a variety of engaging activities for families, all framed by stunning mountains and lush forests. Nestled between Mbabane and Manzini City, Mlilwane’s 4560 ha offers a vibrant habitat teeming with diverse antelope species, a variety of birds, and an assortment of smaller mammals. Mlilwane is a unique reserve that emphasizes family-friendly activities, providing opportunities to discover the landscape on foot, by mountain bike, or through guided walks and drives. Horse rides are a thrilling experience, with trails that vary from a few hours to overnight camping adventures at Nyonyane Mountain, famously known as Execution Rock. Exploring the vibrant Umphakatsi and Esitjeni Villages offers a thrilling glimpse into local culture. The dams, grasslands, forests, and mountains create a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, home to blesbok, kudu, blue wildebeest, impala, nyala, reebok, warthog, duiker, crocodile, and a host of smaller creatures such as mongoose, aardvark, bushbabies, genet, civet, porcupine, honey badger, and the rarely glimpsed leopard.

KaMasholo National Park
KaMsholo features an expansive reserve teeming with natural wonders across 700 hectares. The striking Umbrella Trees (Acacia tortillis) create a vibrant setting for an unexpected variety of wildlife, featuring giraffes, reedbucks, waterbucks, and ostriches. Situated at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains, this destination is perfect for families, small groups, and nature lovers, as well as birdwatchers with over 300 recorded species to discover. Budget-conscious travelers can immerse themselves in the experience at the Bushveld Backpackers, where they can find accommodation in traditional beehive huts. Once regarded merely as a stopover for those crossing into or out of Eswatini via the Laviumisa Border, KaMsholo is brimming with experiences waiting to be uncovered beyond its roadside conveniences. At KaMosholo, you can embark on guided walking safaris, choose between self-drive or guided safari drives, and enjoy horse and pony rides that feature the Nguni Trails, offering a glimpse into the beloved Nguni Cattle of Africa.

Mkhaya Game Reserve is a place where excitement and exploration await at every turn.
Mkhaya Game Reserve, nestled between Manzini and Big Bend, stands as Eswatini’s premier safari haven. The reserve, originally created to safeguard indigenous Nguni cattle, has grown into a haven for endangered species and a thriving habitat for a variety of large mammals. At Mkhaya, guests can look forward to encountering white and black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and warthogs. The reserve boasts eSwatini’s sole buffalo population, along with a diverse collection of antelope such as the rare sable antelope, Livingston’s eland, roan antelope, and tsessebe. Access to the reserve is granted exclusively through reservations, with guests being gathered before their exciting transfer to the park headquarters. Packages include walking safaris, luxury bush trails, and game drives. At Mkhaya, the bond with nature goes beyond simple observation, creating an experience that is genuinely enthralling.

Additional eSwatini Safari Locations
eSwatini boasts a variety of reserves spread across the country, each presenting its own distinct charm. Here’s a selection of some remarkable safari destinations.

Malolotja Nature Reserve is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.
Malolotja Nature Reserve features a breathtaking highland landscape of undulating hills and lush river gorges. The breathtaking scenery features the magnificent 95m Malolotja Falls, and the reserve’s ancient rocks have a history spanning over 3.5 billion years. Just a short drive from Mbabane or Piggs Peak, visitors can explore a range of accommodation options, including a campsite, self-catering log cabins, or traditional beehive chalets at the nearby Hawane Resort. The landscape is home to an array of fascinating species, including blesbok, eland, zebra, black wildebeest, grey rhebok, and oribi. Leopards, servals, aardwolves, and baboons traverse the reserve. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to spot the rare blue swallow, majestic bald ibis, and intriguing ground woodpeckers. Malolotja presents remarkable hiking experiences through its vast 200km trail network, perfect for both casual strolls and adventurous multi-day wilderness excursions. The Malolotja Canopy Tour offers an exhilarating experience as you zip-line between wooden platforms soaring high above the lush forest canopy and the breathtaking Silotshwane Gorge.

Mbuluzi Reserve
Nestled within 3000 ha of acacia, leadwood, riverine, and tambooti woodland, Mbuluzi Game Reserve presents an extraordinary opportunity for birdwatching and encounters with a variety of wildlife, including nyala, impala, kudu, wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, bushbuck, duiker, crocodile, jackal, and giraffe. The lack of the Big 5 allows for an exhilarating experience at Mbuluzi, where you can explore a web of interconnected hiking paths on foot or navigate the rugged terrain by mountain bike along jeep tracks and trails. The reserve features affordable camping options alongside a variety of distinctive luxury family lodges nestled along the banks of the Mlawula River.

Phophonyane Falls Nature Reserve is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.
Phophonyane Nature Reserve, a private reserve situated 10km north of Piggs Peak, presents an enchanting natural escape perched on a forested hillside overlooking the stunning Phophonyane River. The lodge harmoniously integrates with the vibrant subtropical foliage, creating an enchanting atmosphere that invites exploration. Stay options vary from charming cottages to adventurous safari tents and enhanced beehive huts. The 600-ha forest reserve features serene trails that weave through waterways, leading to the impressive 80m high Phophonyane Falls, a variety of wildlife, and vibrant birdlife, including the elusive narina trogon. Experience guided walks, exhilarating hikes along the Gobolondo mountain ridge, and exciting drives to local attractions. Day visitors can also enjoy the restaurant, explore the trails, and take a dip in the natural rock swimming pool.

Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve
Royal Jozini is a secluded game reserve in Eswatini’s lowveld, situated at the foot of the Lubombo Mountains. Royal Jozini is a treasure trove of varied ecosystems and a rich array of wildlife, featuring majestic elephants, elusive leopards, graceful giraffes, striking zebras, and much more. Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Jozini, the reserve is a haven for diverse birdlife and presents thrilling options for boating and sport fishing. Royal Jozini’s lodges offer a spectrum from rustic charm to luxurious comfort, perfectly suited for different group sizes, while a tented camp welcomes birding enthusiasts and fishermen alike.